Glance over the shoulder
He is afraid of being noticed: the act is secret.
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Minor Arcana · Swords · 7
Seven of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
The Seven of Swords stands for cunning and secrecy. A young man sneaks out of a camp carrying an armful of swords and glancing over his shoulder. The card speaks of deception, strategy, covert actions and attempts to dodge responsibility.
Upright
- cunning
- deception
- secrecy
- strategy
- dodging responsibility
Reversed
- exposure
- confession
- conscience
- returning what was stolen
- self-deception
Yes or no
No
Likely “no”: something is being left unsaid or someone is being deceived.
Ask the cards your own question →- Number
- 7
- Element
- Air
- Astrology
- Moon in Aquarius
Card symbolism in our deck
In Heinrich Pangrau’s deck, the Seven of Swords shows a young man in a cap sneaking away at night, clutching five swords to his chest and looking back. Two swords remain stuck in the ground, and tents can be seen in the distance.
Armful of swords
He took a lot, but not everything — the two missing pieces will give him away later.
Tents in the distance
The camp he is taking from: the deception affects his own people, not strangers.
Night and the crescent moon
Everything happens in the dark, where it is easy to hide.
Seven of Swords meaning
The upright Seven of Swords means someone is acting covertly: deceiving, holding back, looking for a workaround.
Sometimes it is about you: the card advises you to be smarter and not show your hand too early. But the line between strategy and deception is thin.
Seven of Swords reversed
The reversed Seven means what was hidden comes to light: exposure, confession, a debt repaid.
Sometimes it is self-deception that a person won’t admit to themselves.
Seven of Swords in love, work, money and health
Love and relationships
Upright Infidelity, secrets, things left unsaid in the relationship.
Reversed A confession, the truth comes out.
Feelings This person is hiding something or playing a double game. Be careful.
Work and career
Upright Intrigue, dishonest competitors, stolen ideas — or your own quiet strategy.
Reversed Dishonest actions are exposed.
Money
Upright Risk of fraud; check your contracts.
Reversed Getting back what was lost.
Health
Upright Hidden symptoms worth getting checked. Tarot is no substitute for a doctor.
Reversed The problem has been identified and is being dealt with.
Seven of Swords as a person
As a person: cunning, evasive, secretive. A strategist or a deceiver.
The card’s advice
Upright Be careful and don’t share your plans with everyone.
Reversed If you are hiding something, consider an honest conversation.
Card of the Day
Draw your card of the day
Seven of Swords as the card of the day
As the card of the day: pay attention to agreements and your personal data.
Combinations with other cards
- Seven of Swords + The MoonDeception and secrets.
- Seven of Swords + Five of SwordsA dishonest victory.
- Seven of Swords + JusticeExposure and consequences.
- Seven of Swords + The MagicianManipulation and sleight of hand.
- Seven of Swords + Three of CupsBetrayal within a circle of friends.
Frequently asked questions about Seven of Swords
Is the Seven of Swords a yes or no card?
Likely no: there is deception or something left unsaid.
What does the Seven of Swords mean in love?
Secrets, infidelity, a double game.
What does the Seven of Swords reversed mean?
Exposure and confession.
What does the Seven of Swords mean as a card of the day?
Pay close attention to agreements.