Seven of Swords

Seven of Swords is one of the 56 minor arcana of the tarot, in the suit of Swords; in the Golden Dawn tradition it corresponds to Moon in Aquarius.

The Seven of Swords moves quietly away carrying five swords. It is strategy and independence, and a question about honesty.

Symbols on the card

Five swords carried

Taking what you think you need.

Two swords left behind

What cannot be taken alone.

Quiet steps

Avoiding notice.

Number and suit

Sevens test what has been built: assessment, persistence, a choice of strategy. Swords are air: thought, truth, communication and the conflicts of the mind.

Upright meaning

Think strategically, but check whether you are avoiding honesty or shortcuts.

Love　Secrets, or keeping your guard up.

Work　Working independently, or cutting corners.

Inner life　Ask whether you are being clever or evasive.

Reversed meaning

Something hidden comes to light; honesty is the better strategy now.

Love　Confessing or clearing the air.

Work　Being transparent, owning a mistake.

Inner life　Your conscience is a guide worth hearing.

In a three-card spread

Situation

Strategy or going it alone.

Challenge

Shortcuts or evasion.

Advice

Be clever and honest at once.

Tarot and astrology

In the Golden Dawn system this card is the decan of Moon in Aquarius: the themes of Aquarius, expressed the way Moon acts. Aquarius →Moon →

Questions to sit with

• What am I trying to get away with?
• What would the honest strategy be?

Through the suit

Tarot here is a mirror for reflection, not a prediction. The meanings follow the Waite-Smith tradition and the Golden Dawn attributions, in our own words.