Read the blog
Son of Swords :: Wild Unknown Tarot Card Meanings
I’ve written interpretations for every card in the Wild Unknown Tarot. As the box of the deck states, there are no rights or wrongs. These are simply my perspectives on the tarot card meanings. I hope you find them useful!
Click here for a directory of all posts in my Wild Unknown series.
Creator’s keywords: determined, forceful
Carrie’s keywords: critical, opinionated
Begin or deepen your tarot studies with
Foundational Tarot, my free video course!
Join the email list for instant access.
Son of Swords Tarot Card Meanings in the Wild Unknown
A young owl is in mid-flight, his wings stretched out with resolution. As a court card, the Son of Wands may draw attention to an aspect of your personality in a given situation. The courts can be complicated, so if they are throwing you off check out this tutorial I put together on how to read court cards.
The Son of Swords gazes straight ahead. He’s got a narrow focus, and nothing is going to take him off the course he has chosen. The background is filled with slanted lines, meeting in the center. This adds to the overall air of determination.
The owl holds a sword in his talons, ready to pierce his chosen target. He is full of opinions, but he may have a hard time differentiating opinions and facts. He can be a fierce debater, and a brutal critic. Some of his criticisms can be helpful, but he doesn’t always know where to draw the line between helping and hurting. He holds his convictions firmly and can have a difficult time accepting information that doesn’t align with the information he clings to.
On one end of the spectrum, the Son of Swords has the bound and determined, single-minded focus it often takes to accomplish difficult tasks. He knows how to lock onto a target and pour all of his efforts and abilities into his objectives. He’s smart as a whip and isn’t afraid to stand up for himself.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Son of Swords can be prone to wearing blinders. He can be stubborn and unwilling to see any other option aside from the one he’s already decided upon. He can be condescending in his interactions with others and patience isn’t always his strong suit.
Knight of Swords Tarot Card Meanings in General
Most decks use the title Knight of Swords for this card. As a court ranking, the Knights tend to gravitate between extremes in their interaction with their suit. The Knight of Swords can be a constructive critic, or he can tear you apart. He can share his opinions with conviction, or he can berate anyone who contradicts him. He can bring forward valuable knowledge, or he can be smug and snarky.
Knights are the metaphoric teenager of the tarot, and like the stereotypical image of a teenager the Knight of Swords may be convinced he knows it all. To understand the Knight of Swords, it’s helpful to contrast his approach with that of the Page of Swords. The Page of Swords is also direct, but is not attached to the idea of being right. The Page probably wouldn’t be bothered if you agree with their stance or not. Whereas the Knight thrives on being right and clings firmly to what he believes to be true.
In a reading
The Son of Swords can ask you to closely evaluate your approach in a given situation. Do you need to be more direct, honest and focused? Or on the other hand, have you lost sight of the bigger picture? Step back and examine your approach from an unbiased perspective, and then use your wisdom to determine your next step.
Hi, I'm Carrie!
I'm a tarot reader and mentor. My purpose is to encourage your expansion. If you're new, start here.
All site content © Carrie Mallon LLC 2017
I am part of Amazon's associate program. If you purchase items linked in this site I will receive a small kick-back.
Daughter of Swords :: Wild Unknown Tarot Card Meanings
I’ve written interpretations for every card in the Wild Unknown Tarot. As the box of the deck states, there are no rights or wrongs. These are simply my perspectives on the tarot card meanings. I hope you find them useful!
Click here for a directory of all posts in my Wild Unknown series.
Creator’s keywords: honesty, insightful
Carrie’s keywords: simplify, directness
Begin or deepen your tarot studies with
Foundational Tarot, my free video course!
Join the email list for instant access.
Daughter of Swords Tarot Card Meanings in the Wild Unknown
An owlet sits perched upon a solid black sword. She gazes forward at us as though she’s got nothing to hide. Behind her, the night sky is splattered with rainbow hued stars. As a court card, the Daughter of Swords might represent a specific person, a personality trait, or an approach to life. For a deeper understanding of the court cards, see this post.
At the core of her personality, the Daughter of Swords might ascribe to the motto “keep it simple.” She is a straightforward character who doesn’t bother with frills or nonsense. What you see is what you get. She’d likely be a proponent of the Occam’s razor philosophy: the simplest explanation is likely the best explanation.
The sword in this picture is positioned in a straight line. This is representative of the daughter’s straight and narrow temperament. While others would swing wildly about getting caught up in complicated thoughts and over-analyzation, the daughter is more likely to cut to the chase.
Although she is a straightforward character, the Daughter of Swords does have an understanding of others’ experiences. She is a good listener, always willing to consider different viewpoints – as long as they are clearly presented.
Page of Swords Tarot Card Meanings in General
Most tarot decks use the title Page of Swords for this card. The page (or daughter, in the Wild Unknown’s depiction) is the “youngest” of the courts, and has the most uncomplicated relationship to her element. Swords relate to the air element and deal with the realms of ideas, reason, and communication. From this, it becomes apparent that the Page of Swords approaches situations directly and without drama.
However, the Page still has much to learn. As acute as her desire is to keep things simple, some situations are, in reality, complex. The page may be prone to naivety when it comes to her understanding of her suit’s energy! For example, the Page of Swords communicates her thoughts directly, but somewhat rawly. Imagine a child who would flat out tell you they don’t like your new haircut. They aren’t trying to be mean, and to some extent the bluntness can be appreciated, but it may not always come across well.
In a reading
The Daughter (or Page) of Swords can suggest that you approach a situation as she would. Instead of getting caught up in mind games, look for the simplest solution. Clear your head and determine which of your thoughts are essential for the task at hand. When in doubt, tell the truth.
Hi, I'm Carrie!
I'm a tarot reader and mentor. My purpose is to encourage your expansion. If you're new, start here.
All site content © Carrie Mallon LLC 2017
I am part of Amazon's associate program. If you purchase items linked in this site I will receive a small kick-back.
Odds & ends haul (video)
Do you like to watch nerdy, tarot, spiritual types geek out over their recent purchases?
If so, please enjoy this video of me showing you a bunch of awesome stuff I’ve recently obtained. A tarot deck, some smell-good things, some art… and many other curiosities. Step right up and marvel at the wonders within!
Book a private reading with me here.
Subscribe to receive my {free} monthly e-gazette & four {free} guided tarot meditations.
Ten of Swords :: Wild Unknown Tarot Card Meanings
I’ve written interpretations for every card in the Wild Unknown Tarot. As the box of the deck states, there are no rights or wrongs. These are simply my perspectives on the tarot card meanings. I hope you find them useful!
Click here for a directory of all posts in my Wild Unknown series.
Creator’s keywords: rock bottom, melodrama
Carrie’s keywords: overkill, martyrdom
Begin or deepen your tarot studies with
Foundational Tarot, my free video course!
Join the email list for instant access.
Ten of Swords Tarot Card Meanings in the Wild Unknown
A bull is splayed across the bottom of the card, merging with the darkness below. A sword is pierced through both of his hollow eye sockets, and nine more swords stab the body from above. It’s not subtle! And it’s not exactly the most pleasant image we’ve encountered in the deck, is it?
The Ten of Swords, though undeniably one of the darker cards in the deck, has always struck me as over the top. The Wild Unknown gives “melodrama” as one of the keywords, and this seems appropriate. There’s SO many swords that it almost makes you roll your eyes. This card can show the ways that you might exaggerate situations and get into a “poor pitiful me” mentality.
A continuation is at work between the Nine and Ten of Swords. Notice that in the Nine, we saw eyeballs devoid of a home. And now in the Ten, we see a bull with empty eye sockets. This shows the natural way we progress from the grips of worry into the thralls of self-defeat. There’s also a sense here that you’ve got nowhere to go but up. The damage has been done, the worse is over.
Since swords are the suit of the mental realm, this card also hints at the way you can overthink things. We all have a tendency to sometimes make things more complicated, ridiculous, and bogged down than they need to be. When your thoughts become burdensome, you become like the bull – pinned down by your own mind.
Ten of Swords Tarot Card Meanings in General
In decks based off the Waite-Smith tarot, this card typically shows a person laying on the ground face down, ten swords pierce their back. One of the person’s hands is visible, and it has been speculated that he is forming a mudra for surrender. The sky is black, but at the bottom of the card is a hint of yellow, suggesting that the darkest hour has passed. Dawn will inevitably come.
Although some of this person’s trouble’s may be real, it’s easy to imagine them dramatically declaring “poor me! I do everything for everyone! And I walk uphill both ways in the snow as I do it!” This card definitely asks you to look at how you might be perpetuating the drama at work in your life.
In The Spacious Tarot we have an already cut down tree. Only the stump remains, yet the swords continue to stab, showing the theme of overkill.
In a reading
This card often indicates that the crap storm has passed. You’ve gotten through the thick of it, and things can only get better from here. Instead of fixating on how terrible everything is, train yourself to look for the light. Say no to drama and martyrdom! It’s good to be realistic about your struggles, but check yourself if you’re exaggerating things.
Hi, I'm Carrie!
I'm a tarot reader and mentor. My purpose is to encourage your expansion. If you're new, start here.
All site content © Carrie Mallon LLC 2017
I am part of Amazon's associate program. If you purchase items linked in this site I will receive a small kick-back.
Nine of Swords :: Wild Unknown Tarot Card Meanings
I’ve written interpretations for every card in the Wild Unknown Tarot. As the box of the deck states, there are no rights or wrongs. These are simply my perspectives on the tarot card meanings. I hope you find them useful!
Click here for a directory of all posts in my Wild Unknown series.
Creator’s keywords: nightmares, anguish
Carrie’s keywords: anxious thoughts, worries
Begin or deepen your tarot studies with
Foundational Tarot, my free video course!
Join the email list for instant access.
Nine of Swords Tarot Card Meanings in the Wild Unknown
A jumbled mess of gross, horrifying confusion dominates this card. It is hard to discern what exactly you are even looking at. Eyeballs, devoid of sockets, are gazing blankly. Maggots and worms wriggle and grasp around everything. And is the center object a horn? A jawbone? Or something else entirely?
This card is a depiction of visceral horror, fear, and turmoil. If you were able to untangle your thoughts enough to calmly assess the situation, it might not seem quite as terrible. But as it is, everything is a jumbled, monochrome mess.
Considering the chaos in this picture, it is interesting to note that the nine swords are actually arranged in an orderly manner. Consider if you might be empowering your nightmares by harboring unnecessary worries. The human brain naturally dwells on perceived threats, but most of the terrible things you imagine will never come to fruition. Still, the power of your mind is intense.
When you get carried away in anxious thoughts, you may start to believe that everything is an out of control disaster. You assume that your perceived anguish is the reality of the situation. Although it is an undeniable fact that ugliness is part of life, it is necessary to discern how you might amplify that ugliness by closing yourself in your mental cave.
If you find yourself mired in this Nine of Swords energy, be gentle with yourself. Fear is a part of being human. It may help to do something to reframe your mental energy in whatever way works for you: meditation, talking to a trusted friend or therapist, and journaling are just a few ways you might sort through this heavy mental energy.
Nine of Swords Tarot Card Meanings in General
Many decks, such as the Waite-Smith tarot, show a person in a dark room, sitting up in bed, hands over their face. Nine swords hover above in the darkness, suggesting the powerful weight of anxious thoughts. We drew inspiration from this for our version in the Spacious Tarot (above). In a paradoxical way, this card can offer some comfort as it validates the fear that all humans experience. Especially as some of us in the spiritual world want to “just think positively” this card shows that this is not always beneficial, and it’s not even always possible.
That said, it is one thing to validate your fear and it is another thing to assume it is warranted. Look for small ways that you can begin to shift your perspective. Just affirming yourself that you are open to a more expansive story than the one being hammered in by fear is a powerful first step.
In a reading
This card can convey a need to loosen the grip of your worries, guilt, and negative assumptions. Remember to breathe! Things are likely not as bad as they seem. You may indeed be facing struggles, but remember that you do not have to be a prisoner of your own mind. Remember that no matter how bad things seem, the wilderness of your thoughts might only make them worse.
Step back, calm down, and look at the big picture. Treat yourself with kindness and know trust that you’re doing the best you can. Remind yourself that this too shall pass.
Hi, I'm Carrie!
I'm a tarot reader and mentor. My purpose is to encourage your expansion. If you're new, start here.
All site content © Carrie Mallon LLC 2017
I am part of Amazon's associate program. If you purchase items linked in this site I will receive a small kick-back.
Psst… I’m doing a giveaway on Facebook.
Hello internet friends,
I just wanted to pop in and let you in on this dealio in case you haven’t heard! I’m doing a quick, fun, easy-breezy giveaway over on Facebook.
Clickety here to check it out.
It’s not too glitzy or glamorous as far as giveaways go, but it comes with a whole lotta heart.
Ends Friday 31 July.
High fives,
Book a private reading with me here.
Subscribe to receive my {free} monthly e-gazette & four {free} guided tarot meditations.
Carrie’s versatile Theme-Challenges-Strengths three card spread
You know those things that are ageless, timeless staples in your life? Think the perfect pair of jeans (or leggings if you’re me), a cozy sweater, your favorite comfort food (peanut butter if you’re me). The things that you can always rely on no matter what the situation. Yeah, the tarot spread I’m going to share with you here has become one of those reliable things for me.
Here’s why this spread works so well: it can be as simple or as complex as the situation demands. This is something I like about most of the go-to three card spreads you see in the tarot world (for example, ‘past-present-future’ or ‘mind-body-spirit’). Size wise, a three card spread is manageable if you’re a beginner, but it can also provide a level of depth to the trained eye.
I am also fond of the versatility this spread offers. I often use it to get a feel for the weekly energy when I do mini-readings every Monday (follow me on Instagram and Facebook for those). When I read tarot at parties, I use this spread to give insight for the seeker’s month ahead. It also works if you’re looking for wisdom around a particular question or focus area. There’s lots of wiggle room here – you can use the spread however you like!
I won’t proclaim that this spread is extremely inventive or creative – but like any good standby it is reliable and useful. I’ll explain the spread below, and I invite you to try it for yourself!
Card one: Theme
This card gives you an overall feel for the big picture lessons and energies that underly the situation. This gives you an idea of the central topic at work. In a nutshell, this card helps you look at the core of what’s happening.
Card two: Challenges
This card gives insight into challenges wrapped up in the situation. This card often ties directly into the theme, and takes things a step further by showing you the difficulties or complexities of the theme.
Card three: Strengths
This card represents the character traits that will help you navigate the situation. This often ties directly into the challenges, offering direct advice on what may be done to work through complexities with grace.
And there you have it – the versatile, flexible Theme-Challenges-Strengths tarot spread! If you try this, I hope it might be as comfortable and useful to you as it is to me. Please let me know if you give this a test drive – I’m curious to know how it goes!
Book a private reading with me here.
Subscribe to receive my {free} monthly e-gazette & four {free} guided tarot meditations.
Reeling in Wisdom, the curated gallery
Last month I concocted a list of prompts and hosted a ‘Reeling in Wisdom’ photo challenge on Instagram. It was loads of fun to indulge my own visual creativity and even more fun to see the photos that my Instagram peeps came up with. I adore Instagram, and this photo challenge gave me the chance to deepen the sense of community we all feel there.
In this gallery, you’ll get a sampling of the creative, thoughtful, and heartfelt posts that were shared in this challenge. Onward!
My super power is my ability to juggle my time and energy between my corporate job which I love, with running my intuitive consultancy Sun Goddess tarot, my writing assignments as a freelance sports journalist, my boxing training and my family. I can only attribute my energy to the support from family, clients, bosses and colleagues as well as my conviction to follow my bliss.
-@sungoddesstarot
2- I am learning
I am learning that studying can actually be… pleasurable! Back in my school days, I often did the minimal amount of studying I could get away with. These days, I let myself study things I actually WANT to study, the things that tickle my curiosity and make me marvel at the human experience.
-@happyfishtarot
3- Current inspiration
Current Inspiration. I’m not a “my life had no meaning before I had a kid” person. But without a doubt, this little bug is now my biggest inspiration. If I am going to spend time away from her, I’m going to make it count. This means I am way more productive at work. (I’m telling you, companies that aren’t actively recruiting and catering to working moms are missing out big time.) I also long for a better world for her, which inspires me to do more good, fight a little harder for women’s rights, and be more loving and accepting.
-@amamandamoore
4- My inner wisdom
Inner wisdom. My hubby snapped this while I was doing #pregnantyoga a few months back. I don’t normally like photos of me taken by other people, but I do like this one. I guess my inner wisdom comes from silence, and broad perspective. I relate most with #TheHermit card in #tarot, and find the teachings of it to be most helpful and relatable. Being silent and listening to #nature and how it acts, and learning from it best I can, is my peaceful place in life.
-@pondsprite
5- Now reading
Currently reading. One of my biggest pet peeves is when people say “that’s a beginner book” with negative context. Both of these books have been labeled as such to me. I have been a practicing Buddhist for 13/14 years and a tarot reader for 2. There is no such thing as a beginner book. There is always something to learn even from the basics. Something I think should always be remembered. I am learning!!
-@dharma_apple
6- Fun & games
~ FUN & GAMES ~ Aside from Tarot, hiking is my other great love in life. Being outdoors helps soothe my frazzled double-Virgo nerves. In Los Angeles where I live, a hiking trail might lead you to an abandoned television or film set. This is me in Malibu Creek State Park, which masqueraded as South Korea during the 1970s sitcom “MASH”. I grew up on re-runs of this show, so it was such a thrill to find it!
-@eternal.athena.tarot
7- Beauty break
Beauty Break
Instagram confessional.
When I was 11 my dad told me I wasn’t very pretty. And, even now, I recognize I have blocks around identifying myself with “beauty”. Here’s some thoughts though:
– looking at pictures of my 11 year old self: I was a super cute kid.
I imagine I’ll look back at my 37 year old self in 26 years and think I was a super cute 37 year old.
-though I’m really grateful to my dad and think he had a lot of great qualities and though I love him infinitely, he was often quite selfish and sometimes an idiot. He was dealing with his own shadow… sometimes not very skillfully.
-I’ve put a lot of energy into identifying with other things: intelligent, magical, creative, kind… so, you know — silver linings, hidden treasure, all that good stuff.
– seeing beauty depicted in the media in new ways is so refreshing and so important.
That’s what I’ve got to say about that.
-@shonna
8- Creation
This word is a big deal in my life right now. Creation used to be something I admired and envied in other people – gifted people, talented people, lucky people, artists – and the ability to create was a skill I deeply resented not having.
Recently, however, I’ve realised that we are ALL creative in SO many ways and I’ve started giving myself opportunities to create whatever it is I feel called to make. It’s liberating and terrifying and exciting and intimidating – that wonderful combination that makes me want to vomit then keep on going.
-@fromnoelle
9- In my cup
in my cup is peach tea with a dash of honey. Which I am going to let sit and cool while I meditate right now because it’s 25 degrees Celsius and far too freaking warm for tea… But I wanted it so there…
-@dharma_apple
10- Companionship
Obviously this is going to be about my gorgeous grumpy sweet rescue cat Zorro. He’d been abandoned, then taken in by an old lady and then she had to go into a nursing home so he went back to @the_blue_cross. He had been in there the longest time out of all the cats because he was older and his colours weren’t the most popular. We brought him #foreverhome and our lives have never been the same since. He brings us so much joy every day. Even when he steals my chair!
-@newagehipster333
11- Healing
Healing. To me, the best place to be when I need to charge energy is near water. I need to lose myself watching and listening the sound of water. Even if I can’t touch it, like today because is freezing, being there is just enough.
-@wintervisigothh
12- Treasure trove
Treasure Trove: I inherited the tools of the trade from my dear sweet most loving and unfortunately late Grandma Jackie. It’s her crystal ball, 1970s Rider Waite Smith Deck, gypsy witch deck, lenormand deck, brotherhood of the light deck, I Ching Cards and coins.
-@nicholasdewart
13- Life goals
My life goal is to be as prolific a writer as this guy (Stephen King:. Ambitious? Yes…but I like to dream big. 😉
-@thetarotparlor
14- My message
My Message. Live your dreams! If you want to build a castle and let people climb all over it at their own risk- why not? Too often we fear consequences to a detrimental degree. Failing feels a lot more real and meaningful than never trying. Dream big!
-@thewillowpathtarot
15- Looking forward
Looking forward, I am going to Follow my heart. For the past 4 weeks I’ve been doing a mentorship on personal growth with the lovely Carrie of @happyfishtarot and I already feel different. I have a different outlook on life and things around me and “looking forward” I want to live my life with an open heart. Follow my dreams. Love and be loved.
-@bookishaurorie
Thank you again to everyone who participated! I’ll be cooking up another delectable photo game for us before too long, so make sure you’re following me on Instagram: @happyfishtarot.
Book a private reading with me here.
Subscribe to receive my {free} monthly e-gazette & four {free} guided tarot meditations.
Eight of Swords :: Wild Unknown Tarot Card Meanings
I’ve written interpretations for every card in the Wild Unknown Tarot. As the box of the deck states, there are no rights or wrongs. These are simply my perspectives on the tarot card meanings. I hope you find them useful!
Click here for a directory of all posts in my Wild Unknown series.
Creator’s keywords: trapped, powerless
Carrie’s keywords: stuckness, limiting beliefs
Begin or deepen your tarot studies with
Foundational Tarot, my free video course!
Join the email list for instant access.
Eight of Swords Tarot Card Meanings in the Wild Unknown
A butterfly is wrapped up tightly and hangs from a sword. Seven more swords surround the butterfly and lean in as though threatening to tear her apart if she moves. The horizontal background lines are stable, indicating that the energy is not expansive. The butterfly is bound up around itself, unable to stretch its wings, unsure how to navigate the surrounding swords.
This is the card that I associate with the concept of mental fog. This card shows those times where there seems to be no solution in sight, no matter how hard you try to think of one. The harder you think, the more trapped you believe you are. It’s that sensation of stuckness that can manifest in many challenging ways, and the Eight of Swords can indicate that your thoughts are contributing to your stuckness.
This card shows those times when you feel stuck, and worse yet, you doubt your own ability to disentangle yourself. It can become tempting to give up your personal power and wait for another person or an outside circumstance to offer assistance. But as swords are associated with the mental realm, the first thing you may need to check is your thoughts. Your own limiting beliefs might be the very foundation of your conundrum.
Eight of Swords Tarot Card Meanings in General
The imagery in the Wild Unknown is somewhat similar to the way this card is depicted in the iconic Waite-Smith tarot. The Waite-Smith version shows a human figure bound up, blindfolded, and surrounded by a fortress of swords. The blindfold hints that there may very well be a way out of this predicament, but that knowledge has not yet penetrated the conscious mind.
In The Spacious Tarot, shown above, has seven swords that are bound but one that is not. A reminder that sometimes all we need is one different thought to get unstuck.
This card tends to show up when you are experiencing stuckness in some area of your life. This could come in the form of blocked creative energy, an unfulfilling work situation, or unconstructive repetitive thoughts. We all have inner narratives about ourselves and our lives. When you see the Eight of Swords, it may be necessary to re-evaluate your narratives.
When I’m reading for clients and this card comes up, I often suggest starting with one simple mental shift. Instead of dwelling on thoughts like “I’m so stuck!” Shift that mental energy to thoughts like “I can figure this out.” Just that small shift can make you more receptive to possibilities.
In a reading
This card can ask you to look at the stories you are telling yourself about your options. If you seem to be stuck or entrenched in mental fog, this card can remind you to take steps towards reclaiming your personal power.
Of course, this is easier said than done! You can begin by changing your thoughts, updating your stories. Instead of focusing on your confusion and lack of clarity, train yourself to look for steps – even small steps – towards freedom. When you consciously choose to loosen your mental constraints, a path forward will begin to emerge.
Hi, I'm Carrie!
I'm a tarot reader and mentor. My purpose is to encourage your expansion. If you're new, start here.
All site content © Carrie Mallon LLC 2017
I am part of Amazon's associate program. If you purchase items linked in this site I will receive a small kick-back.
Seven of Swords :: Wild Unknown Tarot Card Meanings
I’ve written interpretations for every card in the Wild Unknown Tarot. As the box of the deck states, there are no rights or wrongs. These are simply my perspectives on the tarot card meanings. I hope you find them useful!
Click here for a directory of all posts in my Wild Unknown series.
Creator’s keywords: secrecy, self-interest
Carrie’s keywords: sneaky, aloof
Begin or deepen your tarot studies with
Foundational Tarot, my free video course!
Join the email list for instant access.
Seven of Swords Tarot Card Meanings in the Wild Unknown
A fox peeks out with one eye from her curled up perch atop a sword. Six more swords are suspended above in a horizontal line. The card is entirely black and white, the background lines are diagonal and meet in the center of the card, leading our eyes to the fox. The lines reiterate that even though she may seem relaxed, she is very much aware of her surroundings, she is using her mental power to size up the situation.
The fox is huddled up in a ball, her bushy tail wrapped around her gives her an air of aloofness. Perhaps this is because she’s doing something shady, or perhaps it’s because she’d simply rather act alone. She can take care of her own business, and it would be foolish to underestimate her aptitude.
The Seven of Swords in most decks is often associated with cleverness at best, deception at worst. This card can draw your attention to some of your more slippery mental tendencies such as procrastination, avoidance, cynicism and dispassion.
However, this does not need to be written off as a negative card. This card reminds you that sometimes it is useful to find cognitive distance from a situation. There are times when your best approach is to sneak away and watch out for yourself. It is up to you to discern when this approach is helpful – and when it is hurtful.
Seven of Swords Tarot Card Meanings in General
One of my favorite takes on this card comes from one of my favorite tarot books, Learning The Tarot by Joan Bunning. Bunning describes the Seven of Swords as being associated with “hidden dishonor” whereas the Five of Swords is associated with “open dishonor.” In my deck, The Spacious Tarot we have six swords who appear to travel on the straight and narrow. The seventh sword, as we can see on the path behind them, takes a more jagged approach.
The Seven of Swords often shows up when you are doing something you know deep down isn’t that great, but you’re trying to justify your actions to yourself. It can be a representation of the mind games we play to try to avoid guilt, shame and accountability.
That said, sometimes it is okay to be secretive. It is a fine line to walk, and this card asks you to be totally honest with yourself about how and why you are navigating this line.
In a reading
This card can ask you to take an honest assessment of any secrets you are keeping. Where are your intentions? Are you acting out of self-preservation or have your thought cycles become overly wry? If you really need to watch out for yourself, so be it. But if you are dodging responsibilities, it is time to re-evaluate your approach.
Hi, I'm Carrie!
I'm a tarot reader and mentor. My purpose is to encourage your expansion. If you're new, start here.
All site content © Carrie Mallon LLC 2017
I am part of Amazon's associate program. If you purchase items linked in this site I will receive a small kick-back.
Carrie Mallon
Header art from The Spacious Tarot illustrated by Annie Ruygt
All site content © Carrie Mallon LLC 2014-2019
Sign up for weekly updates