Seven of Swords as Past (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Seven of Swords is the card of lies, deception, scheming, cunning, and resourcefulness. This card depicts a man sneaking away from a military camp with five swords in his arms. He looks over his shoulder at the two swords that he’s left behind. He is smirking, signaling that he is proud to have slipped away unnoticed. 

The Seven of Swords reminds us that there is a light and dark side to everything. The card represents the deception that is often present in relationships, because we are afraid that we cannot be accepted as we are. It also represents the healthy boundary of putting yourself first. Remember that you cannot give to others what you do not give to yourself. Your needs are just as important.

Upright Seven of Swords as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Seven of Swords, it means that there may have been deceptive actions or situations involving betrayal and secrecy, where you might have felt that you needed to strategize silently or work alone to secure your interests. This card suggests a time of maneuvering carefully in a situation filled with uncertainty and potentially distrustful individuals. It might have been a period where you felt like you were walking on eggshells, trying to protect your ground while navigating through a maze of hidden motives and clandestine activities.

The Seven of Swords as the past can represent a period of cunning behavior, secretive plans, or possibly manipulation where you might have felt the need to be extra cautious and alert to potential deceit. During this time, you might have developed a sharp sense for identifying underlying motives, always staying one step ahead to secure your interests. It might have been a challenging time, requiring constant vigilance and the ability to read between the lines to understand the true intentions of the people around you.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Seven of Swords in the past position means there was a time characterized by lack of transparency, potentially involving dishonesty or sneaky behavior which could have led to trust issues in the relationship. This card portrays a phase where you and your partner might not have been entirely open with each other, possibly harboring secrets or not sharing your full selves. It was a time that tested the foundations of trust and honesty in the relationship, where unveiling the truth was a central theme, and understanding and forgiveness might have been much needed.

If you are asking about an ex, the Seven of Swords in the past position means there might have been deceit and hidden agendas that affected the trust and honesty essential in maintaining a healthy relationship, leading to eventual separation. This period might have been marked with a series of revelations, where secrets came to light, shaking the foundations of the relationship. It was a trying time, where trust was eroded, and maintaining the bond became increasingly difficult as hidden aspects of your ex’s actions or personality were revealed, creating a wedge between you two.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Seven of Swords in the past position means there was possibly an occurrence of deception, betrayal, or dishonesty which might have created a rift or tension in the relationship. During this time, trust was tested severely, possibly due to hidden actions or secrets that came to the surface. It was a period where the bond might have been strained to its limit, creating a scenario of hurt feelings and a potential need for healing and rebuilding trust in the relationship.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Seven of Swords in the past position means there might have been workplace politics or individuals working behind the scenes with personal agendas, potentially leading to a complex and difficult professional environment. This card speaks to a time where the workplace felt more like a battlefield of cunning strategies and concealed intentions, possibly requiring you to be always on your guard. It was a period where forming true alliances was difficult, as the air was thick with the undercurrents of manipulation and hidden agendas, creating a professional environment characterized by tension and mistrust.

Reversed Seven of Swords as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Seven of Swords reversed, it means that there might have been a realization of deceit or the unraveling of hidden agendas, leading to a phase of recovery and regaining lost ground. This card suggests that there was an opportunity for you to reclaim your power and stand on a ground of truth, finally seeing the reality for what it was. During this period, you might have experienced a surge of self-realization and growth, understanding the dynamics that were playing out and choosing to rise above the deceit, seeking higher ground and stability.

The Seven of Swords reversed as the past can represent a period where truth came to light, potentially revealing hidden actions and bringing to the surface matters that were previously kept secret, initiating a phase of healing and understanding. This transition might have felt like a breath of fresh air, giving you a clearer perspective on the situation and allowing you to make decisions based on truth rather than illusions. It was a transformative time where you worked on understanding the full picture, paving the way for healing through the illumination of truth.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Seven of Swords reversed in the past position means there was likely a time of uncovering truths, where hidden aspects came to light, possibly paving the way for open dialogue and healing. During this time, both parties might have become more open and honest, laying all cards on the table and working towards a relationship built on trust and transparency. It was a period of renewal, where open communication played a vital role in mending the fissures and rebuilding the trust that had been compromised in the past.

If you are asking about an ex, the Seven of Swords reversed in the past position means there might have been a revelation of the true nature of the relationship, exposing the realities, and perhaps leading to a breakup or a necessary confrontation of issues. This time might have brought a lot of pain but also clarity, helping you to see the relationship without rose-colored glasses and to understand the depth of the issues that were present. It was a period of awakening, where the truth served as a guide towards understanding the real dynamics of the relationship and making informed decisions based on reality.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Seven of Swords reversed in the past position means there could have been a revelation or coming clean about past deceit, perhaps initiating a process of rebuilding trust and mending the relationship. This phase might have been a turning point, a time where honesty became the foundation for moving forward, and healing began with candid conversations and a willingness to understand each other’s perspectives. It was a time marked by a renewed commitment to trust and open communication, gradually rebuilding the relationship on a stronger and more honest foundation.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Seven of Swords reversed in the past position means there might have been a time when covert actions were brought to light, potentially uncovering deception and allowing for a more transparent and honest work environment moving forward. This card suggests that the dynamics at your workplace underwent a significant shift, moving from murky waters to a clearer and more transparent environment where individuals could trust each other. It was a period of cleansing, where the unmasking of deceitful actions facilitated a more harmonious and collaborative workspace, encouraging open dialogue and fostering a culture of honesty and respect.

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, the Seven of Swords represents deception. We always want to show our best selves to our love. Sometimes this can go too far and get into the arena of deceit. The Seven of Swords is a reminder that in the long run, honesty in a relationship will serve us much better than lies. 

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.