General

The Seven of Swords is a card symbolising deception and disloyalty. This card may sometimes refer to sneaky behaviour or affairs or scandals, and hoping to get away with these behaviours or actions. Sometimes, this card could also mean self-deception. In traditional tarot, the card depicts a man running away from a camp carrying five swords in his hands, leaving two swords behind. The image depicts what the Seven of Swords represents. But in the background of the card, there are soldiers who are raising a flag to indicate that they have discovered the theft, which also brings about the second part of the message from the Seven of Swords — one cannot get away with the lies and deceit for too long, it would be found out.

Upright

In the upright position, the Seven of Swords is about betrayal and deception. This could sometimes represent temptation and this temptation is exacerbated by the fact that there is a possibility of getting away with it. In love, this card never heralds good news. This is a card about lies and deceptions, of cheating and affairs. This card could also indicate that there is suspicion between the two partners and this is slowly chipping away at the relationship. Sometimes, this could mean deceiving oneself that the situation that you find yourself in is better than it actually is. In career and finances, the workplace is a little toxic. There are lies, jealousy, backstabbing and gossip surrounding the querent. This could also indicate that there is shady business deals or scams.

Reversed

In the reversed position, the Seven of Swords can talk about being found out. This could also signify a more positive message i.e. realising your deceptive behaviours and changing for the better. Sometimes, I see the reversal of the Seven of Swords as changing one’s tactics and becoming more strategic. This can sometimes be about releasing guilt and coming clean about the lies and feeling less burdened. In love, this could mean that lies are being revealed and masks have fallen away, leaving behind an authentic version of yourselves. This is about being honest and truthful with each other and though this does not talk about the future of the relationship, the lies and games will be revealed and you both can decide whether to repair the relationship or not. In career and finances, the ones doing to deception would be revealed and the consequences of your actions would catch up to you. Sometimes, this could mean changing the way one approaches work and finances.