Thirteen
That discomfort you have with it is actually an essential part of the meaning. 7/Swords often comes up for people who *want* to be honest, straight forward, blunt, and true. They don't want to be sneaky or dishonest. They don't want to steal or trick or deceive. Not even a little white lie. As you say, it makes them squirm with discomfort.Lysh said:I know it can symbolize 'sneakiness' but I still feel uncomfortable with that (or just that).
The card comes up for squirmers like you because it's a warning to you: "In this particular situation, you can't achieve your goal by being honorable." Now if telling that little white lie, keeping secrets, being "diplomatic" and saying, "No, that dress doesn't make you look fat" rather than, "My gawd, it makes you look huge!" isn't your cup of tea...well...go right ahead. Be honest. But be aware that you're not going to succeed if you do.
This isn't the card's only meaning, as you see, but it's very possible that this card is telling you that you're likely to see the swarmy, sneaky, "diplomatic" types getting what you want. Because you couldn't keep your mouth shut and they can. Can you live with that? Sometimes, honesty isn't the best policy.