VII of Swords

Digging

Your own grave

In an effort to thrive you may feel like it is necessary to hide your true self from society.

The VII of Swords is symbolic of negative mental intentions such as deception, betrayal, and secretiveness. In the Hermetic Tarot it is known as the “Lord of Unstable Effort.” A figure crouches before a deep hole they dug in which to hide their many swords. The swords may represent truths, parts of themselves, or dishonor in their past that they want to hide. They glance back at a ship over large mounds of displaced sand. They may wish to join their voyage, but in their effort to belong they ended up separating themselves even more.

This card is ruled by the Moon and oversees the third decan of Aquarius.

In a reading this card suggests that you are either the instigator or the victim of some kind of deception or betrayal. It also serves as a warning of the consequences of these kinds of actions. You may sometimes be able to get away with your deceit, but most of the time it will only make matters worse. You can either face the music now or later. However, life isn’t so black and white. There are times when it my be advisable to use your intuition and cunning to get ahead. Know when to play by the rules and when it may be necessary to bend them. Sometimes doing what’s right for you will upset someone else, but that’s OK.

The reversed may reflect a sense of self deception. Take a hard look in the mirror. Are you being true to yourself? Are you pretending things are OK when they aren’t? That negative voice in your head may be louder than normal. You may be doubting your abilities or worthiness and feel like an impostor. You may be keeping a secret that’s eating away at you. You may be bottling up a lot of negative emotions and letting fear get the better of you. Ask yourself what you are running from and if it’s really worth the trouble. Aren’t you tired of keeping up the charade? The truth will set you free.