The Seven of Swords is the tarot's sly card. It's about secrets, strategy and getting away with something, or trying to.
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What's on the Seven of Swords card
A man tiptoes away from a camp of colorful tents, carrying five swords bundled in his arms and looking back over his shoulder with a little smile. Two swords remain stuck in the ground behind him. Soldiers gather in the distance, unaware.
- The tiptoeing man: stealth and secrecy
- The two swords left behind: something forgotten, or a plan that isn't complete
- The camp: the group or people he is avoiding
- The yellow sky: a clever mind at work
Seven of Swords upright meaning
Upright, the Seven of Swords points to deception or strategy. Someone may not be telling the whole truth, possibly you. It can also mean working alone, thinking cleverly or avoiding a direct fight.
Ask yourself where honesty is missing, and protect your ideas, money and personal information.
Seven of Swords reversed meaning
Reversed, secrets come out. Someone may confess, get caught or feel guilty. It can also mean rethinking a plan that relied on cutting corners.
If you've been hiding something, now is the time to come clean.
Not every reader uses reversals. If you don't, read the upright meaning and let the cards around it show whether the energy is flowing or blocked.
Seven of Swords in love
Upright: Secrets, dishonesty or someone not fully committed.
Reversed: A confession, coming clean or a guilty conscience.
Seven of Swords in career and money
Upright: Office politics, someone taking credit or a need for careful strategy.
Reversed: A plan exposed, or deciding to work more openly.
Seven of Swords as feelings
As feelings, the Seven of Swords shows someone who is hiding something or keeping their options open. Reversed, they feel guilty and may want to confess.
Is Seven of Swords a yes or no card?
No. The Seven of Swords is a no, or "not as it seems". Reversed, the truth is coming out.
Seven of Swords correspondences
Use these when you work with the card in spells, on your altar or in meditation. The element and zodiac sign follow the classic attributions used by most tarot readers; the crystals, herbs and colors are common modern pairings. Tap any of them to read more in The Witch's Cabinet.
| Element | Air |
|---|---|
| Zodiac sign | Aquarius |
| Crystals | Labradorite Black Tourmaline |
| Herbs and incense | Rosemary Garden Sage |
| Candle colors | White Candle Black Candle |
A Seven of Swords Truth-Revealing Spell
For seeing through deception and protecting what's yours.
You will need:
- A white candle
- A labradorite or black tourmaline
- A sprig of rosemary
- A small mirror
Steps:
- Light the candle and place the mirror facing the flame.
- Hold the stone and say: What is hidden, let it show. What is mine, let it stay. What is false, let it go.
- Pass the rosemary over the flame (carefully) and through the reflection.
- Keep the stone near your valuables or devices.
- Pay attention to what comes to light in the next week.
Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep flames away from curtains, dried herbs and pets.
Seven of Swords FAQs
What does the Seven of Swords mean?
The Seven of Swords means deception, secrets and strategy.
Is the Seven of Swords a yes or no?
It is a no, or a warning that things aren't as they seem.
What does the Seven of Swords mean in love?
In love, it can mean secrets or dishonesty. Reversed, it points to a confession.
What zodiac sign is the Seven of Swords?
In the Golden Dawn system, the Seven of Swords is the Moon in Aquarius.
Keep learning the tarot
See every card on our tarot card meanings page, or read all 22 trumps side by side in the Major Arcana explained. New to reading? Start with our guide to cleansing a tarot deck and divination for beginners. When you're ready to read with confidence, our Tarot course teaches every card, spread and reading technique step by step.
Cards that pair well with Seven of Swords: The Moon, Five of Swords, Page of Swords.