Seven of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

A man sneaks away from a camp carrying five swords. The Seven of Swords is strategy, secrecy and sometimes deception — yours or someone else’s.

• Suit:Swords — Air
• Keywords:deception, strategy, secrecy, getting away
• Reversed:confession, conscience, being caught
• Yes or no:No

What the card shows

A man tiptoes away from a military camp carrying five swords, glancing back with a smile. Two swords remain behind.

He thinks no one sees him.

Upright meaning

Upright, the Seven of Swords warns of dishonesty, secrets or trying to get away with something. It can also mean clever strategy.

Reversed meaning

Reversed, secrets come out or a conscience speaks.

In love and relationships

In love, hidden behaviour or lack of trust.

In work and money

At work, office politics or strategy. With money, protect your assets.

As advice

Be honest, and watch what others are not saying.

In Marseille and Thoth

In the Tarot de Marseille the Seven of Swords shows curved blades with a central straight one. In the Thoth deck the card is Futility.

Questions to reflect on

• What am I hiding?
• Whom do I not fully trust?
• Is there a smarter, honest way?

Frequently asked questions