7 of Swords: Upright and Reversed Meanings

• Upright, the 7 of Swords indicates deception, dishonesty, and hidden agendas.
• In reverse, the 7 of Swords encourages you to overcome hidden insecurities so you can show the world your authentic self.
• The 7 of Swords is in the suit of swords, which is associated with the element of air. This suit tends to deal with issues of the mind, revealing truth, and navigating conflict.

7 of Swords Overview

The 7 of Swords indicates deception and hidden agendas. The card traditionally depicts a man tip-toeing away from an encampment of tents. He balances 5 swords in his arms, but he leaves two swords behind at the camp. He might have left these swords so his companions aren’t defenseless, or he might simply have his arms full. The image symbolizes duplicity, and the 7 of Swords encourages you to be on the lookout for people in your life who are only looking out for their own best interests.

The Seven of Swords is in the suit of swords. The 4 suits in the tarot are wands, cups, swords, and pentacles. The suit of swords is associated with the element of air, and the 7 of Swords in particular is associated with the air sign Aquarius. The suit of swords deals with communication the realm of the mind, and internal or external conflict. In a tarot reading, the suits of swords reveals tough truths you must face in order to make it through. The number 7 in the tarot represents reviewing what you’ve learned and staying steadfast to achieve your goals.

7 of Swords Upright and Reversed Meanings

Upright, the 7 of Swords signals possible betrayal. Someone close to you could be deceiving you, and they might be looking out for their own best interests. The 7 of Swords warns you to look out for these tricksters. On the other hand, the 7 of Swords could indicate that you need to be a bit sneaky yourself to get out of a bad situation, such as an unhealthy relationship. This isn't necessarily a bad thing; sometimes, a little self-preservation is necessary to keep yourself safe. Stay on the lookout for dishonesty in the people around you. Rapid breathing, fidgeting, or darting eyes can be signs that someone isn’t being truthful.

In reverse, the 7 of Swords indicates imposter syndrome or insecurity. If you’re worrying that you aren’t enough, take steps to build self-confidence. The 7 of Swords in reverse is encouraging you to show the world your most authentic self. It's time to embrace your truth and connect with the people around you! Practice self-care to show yourself some well-deserved kindness. Treat yourself to a spa day, take a walk in nature, or spend a cozy night relaxing at home. Recite positive affirmations to build self-worth and confidence, so you can feel ready to share your true self with others.

7 of Swords in Love & Relationships

Upright, the 7 of Swords warns you to look out for romantic deception. If you’re single, a magnetic new love interest might appear, but they might not have your best interest at heart. If you’re in a relationship, you might have a partner who doesn’t like to feel tied down, or they could have a wandering eye. The 7 of Swords urges you to be on the lookout for disingenuous love interests. This card also warns against self-deception. Make sure you aren’t seeing a potential partner through rose-colored glasses, and try to have a clear-eyed outlook when it comes to love. Don't ignore a potential partner's red flags, even if they're exciting or magnetic. It's important to protect your heart! If you’re worried your partner is cheating, look out for signs of infidelity. Being secretive about their phone, leaving the room to take calls, and unexplained bills or receipts could be signs that something’s up.

Reversed, the 7 of Swords is all about the truth being revealed. If you and your partner have been struggling with dishonesty or going through a tough time, clarity could be on the horizon. This could lead to renewed connection and a stronger foundation. If you’re single, this card predicts that you're about to have some meaningful realizations about your love life. This mental clarity could help you have a more positive and hopeful outlook on romance. Work on communication skills to prepare for these important conversations with your partner. Keep calm, use engaged body language, and put yourself in your partner’s shoes to have a healthy, productive conversation.

7 of Swords in Career

Upright, the 7 of Swords could indicate dishonesty in the workplace. A coworker might be up to something sneaky to serve their best interests. They might be secretly planning to quit, leaving you or your company in the lurch. Or, they could try to blame you for a mistake they’ve made at work. Try not to make any accusations without evidence, but be on the lookout for any deception. If the situation escalates to workplace bullying, don’t be afraid to take action. Sometimes, directly calling out the bully is a good tactic. If that doesn’t work, keep a written record of the problematic behavior and inform your supervisor of the situation.

Reversed, the 7 of Swords indicates insecurities at your job. You might be struggling with imposter syndrome, and your insecurities could be keeping you from reaching your full potential. You are capable and worthy, but for some reason, you feel like a fraud. Work on building your self-worth, so that you can go after your career goals with confidence. You’ve worked hard to get where you are—it’s time you believed in yourself! Try reciting positive affirmations for work to help build self-esteem. Recognize your negative thoughts and develop habits to challenge them.

7 of Swords in Money

Upright, the 7 of Swords also suggests duplicity with money. Someone might be taking advantage of your generosity, and they could be lying about why they need your help. On the other hand, you could be borrowing too much money from friends or family, causing strain in your relationships. The 7 of Swords urges you to be on the lookout for deceptive financial dealings, and it encourages you to carefully think through your own choices with money. Make a plan to start saving money so you won’t need to borrow too much from others. Set up an automatic deposit to put a portion of each paycheck into a savings account. Keep track of your expenses in a journal. You might notice that takeout dinners or daily lattes are really adding up!

Reversed, the 7 of Swords encourages you to examine your spending. You might be trying to improve your financial situation, but it feels like money keeps slipping through your fingers. Examine your spending habits with a clear mind. Make a weekly budget, and try your best to stick to it. Having a concrete spending plan will help you avoid any unnecessary expenses!

7 of Swords in Spirituality

Upright, the 7 of Swords warns against false spiritual teachers. Be on the lookout for self-proclaimed gurus or spiritual leaders who are looking for money or power in exchange for “enlightenment.” Make sure the spiritual leaders you look up to practice what they preach. If they believe in detaching from material possessions but flaunt wealth in their own life, this could be a sign that they aren't genuine.

Reversed, the 7 of Swords indicates hidden truths being revealed. Now is the time to focus on your inner journey and tap into your intuition. A time full of surprising revelations and realizations about your path is on the horizon. All the answers you need can come from within! Explore self-led spiritual practices such as meditation, healing with crystals, or playing singing bowls to explore your spiritual side on your own terms.

Does the 7 of Swords mean yes or no?

The 7 of Swords can be interpreted as a “no.” This card encourages you to exercise caution, and it acts as a reminder to approach things with a clear head. Additionally, a yes or no reading is a great way to get into tarot as a beginner. This type of reading involves asking the deck a question and drawing a card for a yes or no answer. However, if you feel called to pull more than one card, listen to your intuition! Tarot doesn’t have to be rigid—it can be creative and full of freedom, too! When you get a new deck of tarot cards, cleanse them before getting started. This gets rid of outside energies so you can get in-tune with your deck. You can cleanse your deck with incense, smudge, or crystals. If you use crystals, remember to cleanse them beforehand because they can carry energies, too! If you don’t have tarot cards yet, the Rider-Waite deck is a great option.