7 Swords

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 14 Dec 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

allibee	14 Dec 2002
Hi peeps I'm having a bit of a 'blonde' moment over 7 Swords at present. Not a bit of indecision, but a real 'can't get it through my thick head' sort of moment. I know I've given good readings with this card in many a time, but I feel like I've lost connection with it at the moment, so I would be grateful for your interpretations of this little beastie. Thank you allibee - a born blonde ;)

Mystica	14 Dec 2002
I probably don't have any inspiring thoughts on the 7 of Swords, nothing you haven't already heard, but since you asked... :D IMHO, he can be a sneaky, underhanded character. I think one of my first thoughts (of course depending on the situation and spread) is always selfishness. "All for one, and more for me!" LOL He can signal a need to "watch your back," but one thing I have noticed from my journal is that he sometimes points out a situation where you might be your own worst enemy. This has proven to be very accurate in a couple of readings that I have done. I look forward to reading others interpretations of this would-be trickster! })

JC	14 Dec 2002
Check this out for info on seven in general. http://members.aol.com/AspireA1/index5.html The way I personally would use this info is to apply the attributes of seven on a person's mental health.

Keslynn	14 Dec 2002
I see this as the "okay, I'll do it myself then" sort of card. When you can't count on anyone to do the job right, then you just have to do it yourself. I think that's what the person in the card is doing. While it might sometimes indicate sneakiness or underhandedness, for me it tends not to. But then again, I'm about a subtle as a sledgehammer. :) Kes

Alex	14 Dec 2002
sort of. I like to be upfront and tell people when they don't make my day. But sometimes we have to be political and diplomatic in order to achieve a goal. Sometimes, we may step a little over the edge and be plainly disohnest cause we can't see how we could achieve our goals by other means. Politicians know the meaning of the Seven of Swords very well. they are also known to step over it's boundaries every once in a while. I hope that has helped. Alex.

Teal	15 Dec 2002
I've seen this card called the "thief's card", but I've also seen it described as having done a job but the job isn't completed yet. Just thought I'd add those two little tidbits. On the RW deck, it shows a guy tip-toeing away with the seven swords, so theivery does make sense. But not necessarily stealing in a bad way---it might be that this person has stolen back something that rightfully belonged to him, or stolen from an enemy.

Trogon	15 Dec 2002
As with so many Tarot cards, to me this card has several meanings. On the one hand, I agree about the 7 of Swords having to do with working things out by yourself. However, especially in the Rider-Waite Tarot, I see this card as indicating that an attempt to do things by yourself may not work out as well as expected. The card depicts the person sneaking away with swords... but he only managed to carry off 5 out of the 7 which were there. So I also see an indication of a partial success, or even a futility of action. On the other hand, is the idea of the thief. The person has snuck into an enemy camp and is stealing their swords, trying to weaken their power. Then again, he could be a turncoat who is carrying away the swords of his former comrades. And I suppose this card could represent an actual material theft, but since swords frequently refer to thought, I see this more along the lines of a theft of ideas. Plagiarism, or taking credit for someone elses efforts. This is what comes to mind with this card. Now... for a totally different perspective, there is the 7 of Swords from the Röhrig Tarot. It shows a man in business attire (suit, briefcase) being confronted by an enormous monster. But the monster is a patchwork of what, to me, is his own thoughts. The word "Futility" appears on the card, relating to the futility of action I already discussed. But I also see that this monster represents fears and problems, and that most of these, what confronts him, what is hindering him, his feelings of futility are of his own creation or even in his own mind. There... that ought to throw a monkey wrench into the works... ;)

Karenwhe	15 Dec 2002
my two cents: · Putting up a show · Not the whole picture, as the person is putting up a show and showing off so to speak, it is not the whole picture. He is only showing off. · He seems happy with what he has achieved or with what he is trying to do. · He seems to be stealing but only to prove a point. He also does not seem to be doing the right thing to prove that point. Meaning there are other ways to prove a point. A good example for that would be a computer hacker, hacking into a system and defacing it just to prove to the other side that they didn’t put enough network security in place. That is wrong and he can get caught also he could of just told them that instead of doing damage. Getting caught on doing things the wrong way is indicated by the those swords that can cut him and he will leave trails of blood which will lead the others to him if he stool those swords from that camp. · As the sword are a suite of the mind this looks like a guy that is not thinking right basically. If he would have he would of done these things in another way, a better way. · Trickster, con artist and thief are common with this card. · Also shows an incomplete attempt as two swords are left behind. I also have my own story line of the swords suite as an entire story from 1 to 10, and here is the part of the 7 of swords: ------------------------------- By now you should have learnt that with swords you don’t play and you got your chances to stop living by the sword in the 4 of Swords and the 6 of Swords. In the Seven of Swords it looks like you just got so used to living by the swords an you already know it is not right, but you can’t find another way. Like a thief that has been doing it for so long and paid the price on the way for his own doing, but he can’t seem to shake the habit or just doesn’t know how to do it differently. So, this person continues with the swords doing things in an awkward way not the right way hopping that some success it be achieved. He does stupid things but not maliciously like the 5 of Swords. I hope it helped.

Diana	15 Dec 2002
The Sevens are related to the Chariot. Better take it easy here. Hasty decisions can be regretted. And indeed, I think that the 7 of Swords relates very often to decisions that need to be made. The trouble is, we have often already made up our mind, and even if there's a little nagging feeling that we may have made a mistake, we kind of say "well, I decided on my strategy, and nothing will make me change my mind". However, the number 7 is also a Sacred number, and with the 7 of Swords, we can use it to reach our objectives if we use it wisely. With the 7 of Swords, we can build our future if we focus on our goal. The 7 of Swords can be a great leader, or a miserable one. This depends of course on the cards surrounding it. (Or if it's reversed, if one uses reversed cards.) With our decisions, there will always be consequences. There is a sense of responsibility here which should not be ignored. No man is an island. The time is ripe to move on. Will we use this 7 of Swords (Air) to triumph over adversity? Or will we run away from our fears and doubts?

Kitty	15 Dec 2002
Quote: Originally posted by allibee I know I've given good readings with this card in many a time, but I feel like I've lost connection with it at the moment, so I would be grateful for your interpretations of this little beastie. Thank you allibee - a born blonde ;) Hi Allibee Whenever I see the 7 of Swords (from my universal waite) I always think "ah now who is being sneaky bugger? Someone up to something, hiding those tracks" Personally, for me the 7 of Swords really struck a chord with me when awhile ago in a relationship spread, in the position of what he felt on the inside was the 7 of Swords..... Turned out he has a partner and a 2 year old child at home....how's that for being sneaky!!!! :) Another thought - the 7 is an imcomplete victory, he has left two swords behind, with the above example - he was caught out - with big consequences. So be careful with the 7 of Swords are around......

Kirali	15 Dec 2002
I love the Nigel Jackson's 7 of Swords, it shows a picture of a fox so I think sly or crafty. One of my favorite cards because of the fox, not the meaning of course! hehe

lawguy51	15 Dec 2002
Hi Allibee: This card gives me problems as well. Perhaps it's because the Rider Waite character looks so darn sneaky. But I think it is more a card of guile than dishonesty. I see the 'thief' as more of a 'spy', a lone wolf doing what it takes to get the job done. But there is an aspect of 'live by the sword, die by the sword' as well. You are going to have to live with the consequences here of your actions. On the other hand, I just did a reading in the Reading Exchange and this card came up and in the context of the reading, I saw it as a card showing a person feeling that he can do it all himself, doesn't require or need or want the help of others. It can also mean gathering intelligence, research, information. Hope this helps. Lawguy51 :cool:

Kazz	16 Dec 2002
Hi, I agree with quite a few of the interpretations here... The sneakiness, trying to get away with it etc.. It is also the "bad Luck" card (to me anyway:)) The majority of the readings I have done when this card comes up, almost always says plans haven't, or will not work out the way they are expected, and it is just sheer 'bad luck'...one thing after the other. I always say that this can't be helped, but to always have a 'back up' plan ready just in case, and do it the right way, no cutting corners etc. Cheers Kazz :TQC

imagoddess	16 Dec 2002
I was going to post a new thread about this card, then found this one. OK the question I posed the tarot deck was "Should I trust X?", X is a man I am involved with romantically. Anyway, my outcome was the 7 of Swords, although my future card was the King of Pentacles and my environment was the 2 of Pentacles. So, I am confused, especially since I don't really want to hear that I can't trust him, anyone have any thoughts on an interpretation?

Alex	16 Dec 2002
I would say no, you better don't "trust" him. However, there are other cards I don't know about? And back to the original issue, as you're asking, should you trust him: either of these two options must apply: 1) you have been hurt previously as many times as it takes to stop trusting that you can correctly evaluate other's intentions. The mistrust comes from you rather than from any cues he might be giving you re his character 2) you have a reason to think, he's not trustworthy. how you're gonna answer this question is important in principle but if you've been involved previously with men you can't trust, chances are you're on the same path once more. Not exactly the outcome card but your question make me wonder and advise you, consider the possibility that you can't trust him very carefully Alex.

allibee	16 Dec 2002
Hi guys It's not that I don't have any thoughts on the 7 Swords, it's more like I have too many, hehehehe When I was doing Red Emmas reading, the card reared it's naughty little head and I was quite happily giving my view on it when one overwhelming phrase popped into my mind: Hidden agenda. This could be seen as being economic with the truth to serve ones owns purposes. Which brings me to another word: Strategy. A calculated risk, a gamble. So, as a sweeping generalisation, LOL, if: 7 Wands is about courage in the face of adversity 7 Cups is about courage to be realistic 7 Coins is about the courage to wait and see 7 Swords then, may be the courage to do what has to be done - law of the jungle(survival of the fittest)? Imagine the city broker lining up a deal that will shift that old, rundown firm off his companies books once and for all. If he plays it right, his firm might even come out with a profit. To achieve this he may have to take two routes:Not to mention his slice of the commission. The first would be to make the old company as glamorous as possible. Spliffing new website, quickly shift that old foreign debt to the 'other' set of books. There, that looks good. The second would be to lay the truth out bare, no makeover, and ask for a lesser selling price, even give it away in another deal. Either way it is shifted from his company, by fair means or foul. Being mindful that the foul doesn't get discovered and come back and bite him in the bum! If he was discovered, not only may he lose the deal, he may lose his job, his London Docks apartment, his Porsche, the girlfriend that loves him for his porsche, etc, etc. Strategy and hidden agendas. Calculated risk, a gamble. Just thinking aloud, but how does that sound? allibee

wakeboarder	16 Dec 2002
There are times when the 7 of swords could be considered a thief or sneaky card, but I usually associate it with keeping your secrets or thoughts to yourself. It's kind of a shut your mouth kind of card for me. For example, if someone asked whether they should show their tarot cards to their girlfriend, and they got the 7 of swords, I'd definately recommend that they keep their big mouth shut and keep the cards in the closet. ~Wakeboarder

Trogon	17 Dec 2002
Quote: Originally posted by allibee Strategy and hidden agendas. Calculated risk, a gamble. Just thinking aloud, but how does that sound? Well... I think this goes along with the "sneaky" aspect of the card very nicely. Just my opinion... ;) Quote: Originally posted by imagoddess42283 "Should I trust X?", X is a man I am involved with romantically. Anyway, my outcome was the 7 of Swords, although my future card was the King of Pentacles and my environment was the 2 of Pentacles. So, I am confused, especially since I don't really want to hear that I can't trust him Hi ima, welcome to Aeclectic! I noted 2 things about your posting. The first thing that really struck me was one of the last things you said... "I don't really want to hear that I can't trust him". I don't want to sound hard-nosed, but this statement sounds to me like you already feel that you can't trust him, but just don't want to face the harsh reality of the situation. As for the cards you mention, it does kind of sound like he may be double-dealing somewhere. That 2 of Pentacles with the King... makes me think of someone who is keeping two sets of books on some financial situation.... That's just my feeling on it.

imagoddess	17 Dec 2002
Thanks everyone for your honest and perceptive insights on my reading. Is there an alternative or better way that I can phrase the question to gain insight? Because although I am not denying the harsh reality spoken in the cards, I am keenly aware that "trusting" men is a huge issue for me and is hindering my relationship not only with this man, but men in general. And other relationship readings I have taken on this man have been very positive, tons of Cups and Major Arcana cards everywhere.

Diana	17 Dec 2002
Quote: So, as a sweeping generalisation, LOL, if: 7 Wands is about courage in the face of adversity 7 Cups is about courage to be realistic 7 Coins is about the courage to wait and see 7 Swords then, may be the courage to do what has to be done - law of the jungle(survival of the fittest)? 7 of Wands to me would be already having overcome the obstacle, already having fought the battle and winning it (or losing it depending on the sourrounding cards, or if you use reverse cards). 7 of Cups would be a release of one's emotions - an expression of them (which in a way is being courageous - not easy to express one's emotions in our world today) 7 of Coins would be a sign that materially, one is in for a windfall. A promotion. Or one has reached the stage when one will really start feeling grounded. I have noted down your "sweeping generalisations", and added them to mine, and I will see what they add to my readings in the future. Not quite sure though how you reached some of your conclusions, unless it's just the pictures on the Rider Waite that provides you with these ideas. Then I understand better.

allibee	17 Dec 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Diana 7 of Wands to me would be already having overcome the obstacle, already having fought the battle and winning it (or losing it depending on the sourrounding cards, or if you use reverse cards). Sorry, it was waaaay past my bedtime when I posted last night, mine should read, courage TO face adversity, i.e, Having found that you thrive under pressure, you go off looking for more challenges, to better test your limits, but choose your challenges wisely, don't bite off more than you can chew. I imagine this player as an adreneline junkie.... sort of an extreme snowboarder. Quote: 7 of Cups would be a release of one's emotions - an expression of them (which in a way is being courageous - not easy to express one's emotions in our world today) Isn't it funny how other people's interpretations can be so different to our own. I've never seen 7 Cups like that, and I shall certainly make a note of it. 7 Cups to me is regarding too much wishful thinking, too many pipe dreams, of having unrealistic/unattainable goals, and the sadness of having to realise they are never going to happen. Therefore, from my P.O.V, the courage aspect is to let go these illusions, and find something more achievable. Another aspect would therefore be about gaining the closure lacking in 5 Cups. Quote: 7 of Coins would be a sign that materially, one is in for a windfall. A promotion. Or one has reached the stage when one will really start feeling grounded. Again, I've never seen it that way either. I've always seen it as the need or expression of patience. You have a long term goal - like a five year plan - and you are on year four. So near but yet so far, but the end is in sight, just got to stick at it. Little by little, and your time and effort will pay off. Patience. Quote: Not quite sure though how you reached some of your conclusions, unless it's just the pictures on the Rider Waite that provides you with these ideas. Then I understand better. I've never actually had the RW, but I am familiar with the imagery. But I hope this better explains my sweeping generalisations, which of course are open to misinterpretation because of their brevity :). allibee

Diana	17 Dec 2002
You know, after reading through all this thread, I'm thinking now that we are speaking of different ways of looking at a card when it comes up in a spread. Two of them would be, based on what allibee has been saying, particularly in response to my post: One can either say "what is this card telling me about myself?". Or: "what is this card challenging me to do?" Perhaps my above interpretations lead more to the second way, and allibee's to the first? There are of course numerous other ways of looking at them. Again, it's very much a question of where the card comes up in the spread. If it's in a past position, you can't read it as if it's in a future position. An outcome position can't be read the same way as an advice position. It's not easy to give interpretations out of context. But it can be a useful exercice to pour out all one's thoughts. Then they need to get sorted out in their proper files.

allibee	17 Dec 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Diana Again, it's very much a question of where the card comes up in the spread. If it's in a past position, you can't read it as if it's in a future position. An outcome position can't be read the same way as an advice position. It's not easy to give interpretations out of context. But it can be a useful exercice to pour out all one's thoughts. Then they need to get sorted out in their proper files. Definately :) allibee

Alex	17 Dec 2002
"how were things with dad", I think if the problem is not "this man" you may have to do a spread on yourself and try to find out what's the mattter with you. Also, try to lay out your concept of "trust" and the expectations you have of a "trusting man". Sometimes we're working from a set of beliefs that don't hold true in reality for anybody. Lots of Cups and Major Arcana cards don't mean anything good as such. I can immagine the worst of the spreads with lots of cups and MA cards. My bests Alex. Quote: Originally posted by imagoddess42283 I am keenly aware that "trusting" men is a huge issue for me and is hindering my relationship not only with this man, but men in general. And other relationship readings I have taken on this man have been very positive, tons of Cups and Major Arcana cards everywhere.

dangerdork	17 Dec 2002
I've seen a lot of interpretations, and I'm familiar with even more, so I understand how this card can be overwhelming with too many possibilities ( like its cousin the 7 of cups eh?) but from my own personal experience, when this card comes up for me, it means one thing: BETRAYAL. watch your back. warning. danger. you're trusting someone you shouldn't.

imagoddess	17 Dec 2002
Yes, Alex - you hit it right on the nose. Big, big abandonment issues with Dad and I am aware of it. But, this is off the thread. Interestingly, I did a read on what will I learn about honesty with this man, and I won't bore anyone here, but it revealed a lot. Thanks Everybody!

Kitty	17 Dec 2002
Quote: Originally posted by dangerdork but from my own personal experience, when this card comes up for me, it means one thing: BETRAYAL. watch your back. warning. danger. you're trusting someone you shouldn't. Yep same for me - perfectly said

Fuzzmello	21 Dec 2002
I tend to agree with Dangerdork. I don't think 7S is about being diplomatic, or political for convenience or any other reason. It is about crossing boundaries - other peoples! If it pops up in a reading I know the querant is being deceived about the basic situation. It colors the entire spread. Fuzz

raeanne	21 Dec 2002
Hi all, The 7 of Swords has always been the “used car salesman” card for me. This guy will sell you a bill of goods with a smile on his face and a dagger under his shirt. The RW image shows this guy smiling and dancing and getting away with stealing the weapons from the warriors in the background. He can schmooze the pants off of anyone! On the RW card he has his face turned so we only see the smiling side. I just can’t help but be very suspicious of this fella. He is up to something, for sure! Now, I also see that this guy is taking the weapons away from the warriors. He is disarming them. This could be a very good thing. So, I also see this card as “flying under the radar” or being able to get something done by distracting others. While the card does have a “sneaky” feel to it, that doesn’t mean it represents something illegal or immoral.

allibee	21 Dec 2002
Quote: Originally posted by raeanne Hi all, The 7 of Swords has always been the “used car salesman” card for me. This guy will sell you a bill of goods with a smile on his face and a dagger under his shirt. The RW image shows this guy smiling and dancing and getting away with stealing the weapons from the warriors in the background. He can schmooze the pants off of anyone! On the RW card he has his face turned so we only see the smiling side. I just can’t help but be very suspicious of this fella. He is up to something, for sure! Now, I also see that this guy is taking the weapons away from the warriors. He is disarming them. This could be a very good thing. So, I also see this card as “flying under the radar” or being able to get something done by distracting others. While the card does have a “sneaky” feel to it, that doesn’t mean it represents something illegal or immoral. From that then.... if we saw 7 Swords AND the Magician together, we should start to get really worried, that in no uncertain terms we were in danger of being manipulated. Bearing in mind what the question was and the position and throw too. I shall add this to my evergrowing list of 'interesting pairs'. allibee

Osher	21 Dec 2002
Personally, I always saw the 7 Swords as deception/theft/lying, but then I usually read the Old Path tarot. However, as in one of the reading I did on reading exchange, it can also be internal deception. This, someone lies to themselves about a situation. Yet the 7 swords is also unique from the other 7's: Aside from 7 swords, I see the other 7's as preperation and control: Waiting for the enemy (rods); waiting for fruition of labour (pentacles); needing to make a choice, but not just yet (cups). Yet, the 7 swords is different, it is to my mind there is no control element, as the deception will happen to you; there is no preperation, it will happen. This thread has therefore made me think that maybe the RW meaning of the 7 is skewed? For now, I will carry on as before, but any help to clarify my thoughts helpful!

The 7 Swords thread was originally posted on 14 Dec 2002 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.