What The Seven Of Swords Tarot Card Means & How To Interpret It In Different Readings

Pulling a Seven of Swords card tells you that something is being hidden or the whole picture isn't being shown, according to tarot reader Jennifer Herrera of Sea & Stone Wellness. Deceit and sneakiness are keywords for this card.

For more clues on this card's meaning, you can look at its imagery: A traditional Seven of Swords card depicts a person carrying five swords with their body facing forward but their head looking back at two swords left behind. "It can be read to mean someone is working in their own interest," explains Herrera.

The suit of swords is related to the element of air and is part of the minor arcana. "Swords can be a message to step back from a situation and analyze it from a different perspective," shares Herrera.

So although this card may highlight that you don't have all the information you need, it can also remind you to focus on yourself. "On a positive read, that could mean making yourself a priority," says Herrera.

According to Amy Zerner and Monte Farber, authors of many tarot and oracle decks, "The Seven of Swords is a reminder to try to eliminate your most negative behavior patterns because a great deal of the opposition you are currently encountering is self-created." 

If you pull the Seven of Swords for a love or relationship reading, Herrera tells mbg that this card may represent deception or a secret. "Secrets like cheating are a possibility, but it can also mean that deeper, more honest communication can provide a deeper union," she says. "Swords cut and it may be that one person in a relationship does not want to hurt or 'cut' the other."  

Zerner and Farber add that the card might represent opposition in this particular reading. "If you've asked about a specific person's interest in you, then the answer could mean that person is opposed to you having a relationship," explains Zerner and Farber. "It could also mean that circumstances or the influence of one or more people could be opposing you getting together with this other person." 

Pulled the Seven of Swords reversed in a love meaning? "With the swords [reversed], I always come back to the phrase, 'The sword cuts both ways,'" explains Herrera. This can be a warning not to hurt yourself for the sake of another person in your relationship. Depending on the context, this card could also be a sign that your relationship is coming to a close.

If you're asking about the potential for new love, the card may be asking you to reflect on your patterns and how you engage in relationships.

When the Seven of Swords comes up in a professional or money-related reading, it's time to pay attention to the details of your finances. Herrera tells mbg that this card suggests being honest and handling business dealings and money matters fairly. When it comes to personal finances, the card suggests taking caution and not spending in a foolish way.

If you pulled the Seven of Swords reversed in this reading, this, too, may signify doubts or deception. "The Seven of Swords reversed warns you about using trickery to get things," say Zerner and Farber. "If you are not playing that dangerous game, then it means someone else involved with your situation is doing so. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself, but don't play a deceitful game."

When you're going through a tough time, this card can provide perspective. "The Seven of Swords often means that you should prepare for things to become more difficult," say Zerner and Farber. "This card encourages you to do what you can to become as self-sufficient as possible," they say, adding that this may mean using different strategies than you have in the past.

If you pulled the Seven of Swords reversed, Herrera explains this card usually signifies doubt. But "doubt has its purpose when you view it as a means to strengthen faith," says Herrera.