To celebrate International Tarot Day on July 8^th, Tarot and Kitties by Oephebia blog is asking for studies to be done by individuals on each of the 78 Tarot cards. A card is assigned by asking for one via her Facebook page. I was given the task of inspecting the Seven of Swords.

Elemental, Astrological, Numerological Correspondences

The Element association for the Seven of Swords is Air, which associated with mental activities, the direction of East and the color yellow. The Astrological association is the Moon in Aquarius and the Third decan of Aquarius which is February 9^th to February 18^th.  The Numerology Association of the mystical number 7 is of the bridge between 3 (Holy Trinity) and 4, (the four corners of the Earth).  The number 7 also has associations with the representation of Man, number 3 and Woman, number 4.

Card Symbolism and Meaning

In the Druidcraft Tarot an older man is seen writing at the table. In this deck the swords are separated in a set of four (woman) and three (man) to make up the seven. The keywords for this card are Insights, Strategy and Research.  The emphasis of the meaning in this card is to use the intellect, wit or charm to gain an advantage or recover something that has been lost. There remains the traditional interpretation of deceit with the warning of not to start believing “the end justifies the means” and the card may represent espionage, deceit or escape. The air color element is represented in the light of the candle and the golden hilts of the swords. The reversed meaning is associated with dishonesty and deception, stolen goods being returned and returning to the scene of an incident, possibly to give assistance. This would seem to indicate a change of heart from the action done at the time.

In the Art of Tarot, the Seven of Swords has a grouping of five swords with two swords at each end. The swords are golden to represent the Air color. The upright meaning indicates lies and mistrust which can manifest as difficult dealings with a dangerous opponent. The card’s meaning advises you will need excellent tactics in order to win and cunning.  The message associated with this card is to fight hard for what belongs to you. The reverse meaning is associated with theft, and losing courage to face a situation that can be overcome by having an honest assessment of your situation.

In the Tarot de Marseille Tarot. the Seven of Swords has one central sword with a yellow hilt, red arms and a blue blade, and is surrounded by three swords on each side. The keywords for this card are secrets, search for truth, discretion, occult science and subterfuge.

Possible Card Meaning

The Seven of Swords is associated with publishing and newspapers and getting to the real truth of a situation.  According to the Holistic Tarot by Benebel Wen this card in the past position can indicate Karma. In a love reading it can indicate a love outsiders do not understand and criticize. In career readings it can mean taking the path less traveled, being a maverick.  The affirmation she associates with this card is “When the odds are against me I can one up the odds by not playing by their rules.” The energy associated with this card is someone who enjoys attention and likes to diverge from the norm (very Aquarius). With the energy of Aquarius there is a need to be free as well as a need to make a difference. The Seven of Swords is known as the “lone wolf” card.

Shadow Card Meaning

The shadow card meaning of this card is about awareness of the motivations for our actions and the actions of others which may be sinister and may not be known. There is a negative association with this card, and justifiable so if someone is acting under the radar so that their true intentions are to steal from or manipulate someone into an unfavorable position. This card has also been associated with self-harm (Holistic Tarot) and health wise this card is associated with bad eating habits and food and alcohol abuse (Tarot Predictions and Divination by Susyn Blair-Hunt) and Stress (Tarot for Yourself by Mary K. Greer).

The energy of this card can prompt latent talents that have been repressed (another aspect of Shadow) as well to use the intellect to maneuver out of an unpleasant unhealthy situation. This card is also associated with keeping oneself covered so any harmful energy or unscrupulous actions by others or from oneself will not get a foothold situation. This includes negative self-talk that can lead to self-sabotage as well as unhealthy actions.

Crystal, Herbal & Angelic Correspondences

Crystal associated with the Seven of Swords are Amazonite, Lapis Lazuli and Celestite. Amazonite is known as the wellbeing stone which is associated with the Throat Chakra and communication. This crystal soothes problems with Ears, Nose and Throat and the nervous system. It also helps releases blocked emotions and helps motivation.

 

 

 

 

Lapis Lazuli is also associated with the Throat Chakra as well as Truth, Balance and Justice. It is a protection stone which sends back harmful energies back to source in a healing way.  Lapis Lazuli is good for panic attacks, lungs, upper chest and hearing complaints.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celestite is associated with Throat Chakra as well and is an Angel stone that is uplifting and ethereal.  This crystal helps to open the mind to new ideas.

 

 

The herbal correspondence for the Seven of Swords is Wood Betony (Earth Witchery.com via the Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra and Candis Cantin ). Betony (Betonica officinalis) is used to protective against evil spirits and diseases against the body. This herb is considered Masculine and is associated with Jupiter and Fire. (Witchipedia.com) This herb is used on Thursday, the Day of Jupiter, for rituals concerned with healing, health, prosperity and expansion.

 

With the Moon in Aquarius, Spells that involve science, freedom, creative expression, problem solving, extrasensory abilities, friendship and the breaking of bad habits or unhealthy addictions are performed. Healing rituals for ailments of the calves, ankles or blood are done at this time. Traditional candle color is light blue. The traditional metal is uranium. The Elemental spirits are sylphs.

The Druid Plant Oracle deck features Betony with the keywords of soothing discord, dispelling negativity and protection. Using skill to resolve a conflict is also associated with this card like the Seven of Swords.

When taking any herbal remedy check for contraindications for medical conditions. This includes allergies and when taking other herbal remedies or medications.

https://www.webmd.com/interaction-checker/default.htm

Betony is known to reduce blood pressure so it may interact with other medication or herbals remedies that affect this condition https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-587/betony

Wood Betony (Stachys betonica) is a sedative, nervine tonic and bitter. This herb helps strengthens the central nervous system and is used to treat anxiety, tension, eases headaches and neuralgia. Dosage: Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of dried herb, infuse for 10-15 minutes drink x 3 a day. (Herbal Primer)

Angels associated with the Seven of Swords card are Gabriel for the Moon and Uriel for Aquarius. See the website Angelorum for more information on Angels and Tarot and for Lisa’s post for International Tarot Day on the High Priestess.

Further Meanings for Seven of Swords

While drawing the Seven of Swords card in a reading may not be a wanted sight, as always its relevant meaning for the situation depends on the other cards in the reading.  Reinforcing cards for the Seven of Swords card include the Hermit (being alone), the Two of Swords (running from the Truth), Five of Swords (dishonor, separation) and Nine of Pentacles (relying and acting on your own). Opposing cards include the Hierophant (working with a group), Justice (accepting responsibility) 10 of Wands (being responsible) and Six of Cups (being innocent, kind, open and noble) as noted in Joan Bunning’s Learning the Tarot.

If you do see the Seven of Swords in a reading it is an important warning about investigating the situation to make sure others as well as yourself are acting honestly. If not, use the angelic, crystal and herbal support mentioned above as well as your intellect to maneuver out of the situation.  Keep the highest good of all in mind without relying on unhealthy behavior as a crutch or being bullied or worse into accepting a situation that shouldn’t be tolerated and draws you away from your true life path into a self-destructive one.

The decks pictured in this post are The Druidcraft Tarot, The Art of Tarot and the Tarot De Marseille. Photo credit for Betony is Augustin Roche Source, Wilkipedia.