Tarot Card Symbolism: The Seven of Swords of the Minor Arcana

The Seven of Swords of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the seventh card of the Suit of Swords. It follows the Six of Swords. It is the embodiment of greed and thoughtless behavior.

The Symbolism of the Seven of Swords Tarot Card

This card is represented by a man, likely middle-aged, who is taking very careful, stealthy steps away from a scene he is apparently leaving with great care. He is looking back to see if he has been noticed by anyone. He is obviously doing something he ought not to be doing, and is attempting to get away with it.

In his arms he carries five swords. Two more are left behind, as if he couldn’t carry them all. There are tents in the background, as if to represent a fair of some kind. The figure is sneaking away from these tents with all possible speed.

The General Interpretation of the Seven of Swords Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies undesirable impulsive behavior. The Seven of Swords is often indicative of action without thought, and with no care to the possible consequences. The individual is likely to hurt both themselves and others, and all for a moment of personal gratification.

All the time, the figure knows that he shouldn’t be doing this, and yet he continues on his dishonorable task. He is wary of being caught, and so seeks to slip away unnoticed. Whether he is caught is, in truth, not the issue. The very fact that he knows that he is in the wrong is the real point.

The Inner Meaning of the Seven of Swords in Tarot

The Seven of Swords is the image of secret plans and hidden dishonor. The individual who draws this card is likely making plans that have remained secretive. It is just as likely that the individual has not told anyone because these plans would be the subject of much criticism, as they are not entirely honorable. Since these plans are made and carried out in secret, they bring with them a deep frustration.

The Seven of Swords also implies a possible failure with this endeavor, whatever it may be. In addition to warning of failure, it can also suggest that the individual should rethink the entire idea, and perhaps find another way, a more honorable way, to achieve similar goals.

The Eight of Swords follows this card.