“All warfare is based on deception.”
— Sun Tzu
Deception, strategy, secrecy, avoiding accountability, hidden motives
Overview
Deception in Concealment
Who’s the enemy in the room, is it them or is it you?
Are you attempting to do something without disclosing it someone who has the right to know? Something is going on here, and it could be you or someone else. This card comes up when someone is trying to get away with something by acting as if it never happened. They are trying to manipulate the playing board so that they can have their cake and eat it too.
Symbolism
he Seven of Swords depicts a sly figure tiptoeing away from a colorful encampment of tents, carrying five swords bundled in their arms while glancing back over their shoulder with a mischievous expression. Two additional swords remain upright, planted in the ground behind them, suggesting not everything was taken or that some resources are left behind. Yellow tents and a cloudy sky in the background add to the sense of stealth and uncertainty. The card symbolizes themes of deception, betrayal, cunning strategy, or evasion—often representing theft of ideas, sneaky behavior, or the need for cleverness in outmaneuvering obstacles, but with a warning against dishonesty or self-sabotage.
Meaning
Deception
The Seven is a strong indicator of manipulation and silver-tongued deception. It’s someone who has a keen understanding of the mechanics of society and how to successfully navigate them to get what they want– regardless of whether it’s a fair gain.
Strategy
Just like a chef never reveals his secrets, a good officer never shows his hand. Use a keen eye and clever mind to your advantage and keep a tight lip about your strategy. What may seem like deception to some, seems necessary to others.
It’s not always dishonest to keep your cards close to your chest when you have adversaries waiting to know your next move.
Secrecy
Whoever this is; they are silver-tongued and frequently get what they want. In fact, they may not know how to go without. They are resourceful, but not by any honest means. This person constantly navigates life on “survivor mode”. Selfishly draining the system of everything their greed desires.
Avoiding accountability
So, you did something that wasn’t great. Everyone can see that. Instead of taking responsibility for anything, you’re shifting blame and changing the narrative. What was once a selfish act, is pushed out to be everyone else’s problem.
Though others may let you shift your accountability for the sake of diplomacy, tact, time and place— your untrustworthy nature is not lost on them. Avoiding accountability will cost you. Whether loss of opportunity or alliances, the scales will always find their balance.
Theft
Someone could be slandering you for their benefit. This card can also some up if someone trying to steal something from you including your resources and dignity. They are trying to win one over on you, in one way or another.
Risk
This card symbolizes risk; risky behavior, people and situations. It also symbolizes wit and getting away with murder.
Silver Linings of the Seven
The most obscure I have seen this card get is in symbolism that you are refusing to contribute societies rules, and obligations.
An extremely positive interpretation I’ve seen someone who is stealing the weapons off a battlefield, to prevent the war from starting again.
The Seven of Swords Reversed
“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.”
— Thomas Jefferson
Truth exposed, coming clean, deception, fails, or guilt surfaces
Overview
In the reversed position the man depicted in the Seven of Swords kind of seems like he’s about to stumble. At that point he’ll quite literally end up falling on his swords. I’d say his own but the nature of this card being theft, they’re probably someone elses.
Meaning
Truth Exposed
Time, introspection, loose lips, carelessness, investigations; light will always shine on the truth. What’s really happening is being exposed for everyone to see. Whether you or someone who got one over on you will end up in the position where they will have to admit everything they’ve done.
It won’t be pretty for them, but don’t feel even an ounce of remorse for them. Remember, while they were doing it— they had the full intention and presence of mind of what they were doing. This was a calculated decision from the start, not a mistake made in ignorance.
Coming Clean
If you’re backed into a corner and presented with your questionable timeline, this is a card indicating that it’s a good time to come clean. The longer you hold onto this secret, the hotter the water is going to get.
Don’t be boiled alive because you think you can take this to the grave. It will be unearthed with your sarcophagus.
Deception
You got away with it and not one single person suspected a thing.
Now do the wise thing, and never do it again. If you repeat this behavior enough times it will form a pattern. There’s no doubt you won’t get away with it forever.
Failure
What’s worse than trying to get away with something? Trying to get away and getting caught in the middle of it. This is a good sign to think twice about the thing you’re trying to do, and consider not doing it at all.
Guilt Surfacing
There’s no use letting regret steal sleep from you when having a conversation is so easy. If the truth constantly weaseling its way out from between your teeth, it maybe time to do the right thing and come forward with it. Be prepared to break hearts, and repair them all the same.
