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Bohemian Gothic Tarot

SEVEN OF SWORDS

Lighter or more conventional meanings

A small piece of dishonesty or deception * A slightly underhanded act * Rushing into something risky without stopping to take advice * Taking revenge in a petty way * Hitting back at someone you feel is your enemy * Sneakiness.

Darker, shadow or more hidden meanings

A dangerous theft or subterfuge * Mixing with things you don't fully understand * Stealing something that you think you will put to better use * Bringing revenge or retribution down upon yourself - beware! * Being duped into an act that is extremely foolish.

A child runs from a castle, looking back over her shoulder in some alarm. In her arms she clutches a huge old book, a "grimoire" or magician's spellbook. The castle behind her is dark and rather abandoned looking, windows hanging open and untended. But in the highest tower a red light gleams. Someone may just have awoken and noticed the theft of the book.

The Seven of Swords is about dishonesty and thievery, something done sneakily and with deception. It's the card of petty betrayal, small, spiteful revenges and nasty little acts of stealing or selfishness. A thoroughly unpleasant card! However, like all the cards of the tarot there is an alternative aspect. In some circumstances we can see the theft as necessary, and sympathise with the thief rather than the victim. In the image that we see here it's certainly easy to view it in this light and regard the little girl as essentially innocent, taking a book of power from a black magician who lives in the gloomy old castle. But is it necessarily so straightforward? In fact, there is no way of telling. The girl might be a budding black witch, or a dupe who has been tricked into this act by someone who wants to use the spells for their own selfish ends.

When interpreting this card, ask yourself not only what the theft or deceit indicated is, but also about the context in which it occurred. Could it have been justified or was it entirely unpleasant and selfish? It's important not to rush into assuming that the Seven of Swords always shows a negative aspect; although it's usually an indication of a nasty act, it does depend on the circumstances in which this card turns up. Look carefully and decide what you think is the real situation.

Some further ways to consider this card

Who is the girl? Why did she steal the book?
What are the consequences, what happens in the next few hours after this scene?