Seven of Swords: An at Attempt at Deception

7 of Swords from the Shadowscapes Tarot, artwork by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law

When the 7 of Swords shows up, someone is not as they seem.  It could be you, who is the swan, and with a watchful eye realizes the true nature of the deception around you.  Or it could be you, who is the thief in the mask that the swan is watching.  

Be cautious of deception and betrayal that may be happening around you, or that you may be knowingly or unknowingly playing a part in.  It could be as simple as dealing with something in a sideways manner rather than head on.  The swan is not fooled.  Our intuition knows when something is not right.  

There is a quote by Robert Louis Stevenson that says, "The cruelest lies are often told in silence."  Many times we try to "save face" or tell "white lies" trying to avoid an upset or hurting others, but they can feel something is up and what their mind may fill the silence with could be far worse than the truth.

Take a hard look at people and situations that surround you as well as yourself.  Where might there be deception playing out, even if unintended?

"He hides his face behind a mask, shrouding his true nature, and he smirks in a rather satisfied way that he has managed to steal one of the swords that the swan guardian oversees.  He thinks​ the guardian is oblivious, but she is, in fact, watching him with one eye over her shoulders.  She knows and recognizes his nature....The 7 of Swords represents an attempt to escape responsibility.  It is the thief who tries to make away with what is not his.  He dishonorably tries to keep everything for himself and is two-faced to those who attempt to approach.  The result of such an outlook on the world is uncertainty, for if one is untrustworthy, then why risk having faith in others as well?  Deception breeds distrust and a pessimistic viewpoint."  ~Barbara Moore, from the Shadowscapes Companion.