Seven of Swords: Tarot Card Meaning

Meaning of the Seven of Swords card upright

A man tiptoes away from a camp carrying five swords and leaves two behind, glancing back over his shoulder. The card speaks of a clever or sly approach: acting alone, hiding intentions or avoiding a direct confrontation. It may be strategy, or it may be deceit.

Seven of Swords reversed

• exposure
• conscience
• confession

Reversed, the Seven shows that a secret comes out, that your conscience speaks or that you decide to confess. It may also be a warning that someone is not being honest with you. Honesty will cost less than hiding.

Seven of Swords in love and relationships

In love it means secrecy, unfaithfulness or a partner who does not say everything. Reversed, a confession or a lie coming to light.

Seven of Swords in work and finances

At work it is a hidden agenda, a shortcut, office politics or a carefully planned move. Reversed, exposure of a trick or a decision to be open.

Symbolism of the Seven of Swords card

The five swords he carries are what he takes. The two left behind are what he cannot manage. The soldiers' tents behind him are the group from which he slips away.

Seven of Swords in a yes or no reading

In yes or no spreads, Seven of Swords upright reads as “no” and reversed as “maybe”. The answer comes from the general meaning of the card (cunning, getting around rules), so always take the wording of the question and the neighbouring cards into account. Try a yes or no reading.