Seven of Swords: Misunderstood or Just Shady?

RyanCalderon

Hey folks 👋

I’ve been mulling this over for a while, and I’m curious — how often do you find yourself pushing back on traditional interpretations? Not full-on "everything is vibes" mode, but just those moments when a card hits differently than what the guidebooks say, even in your own decks.

I try to keep a grounded approach (read: private, quiet, not reinventing tarot), but still — sometimes a card just won’t play by the rules. Same spread, different decks, totally different energy.

To me, learning to trust that gut feeling — and knowing when it’s actually your intuition and not just wishful thinking or outside noise — is super personal. And yeah, it gets blurry. Especially when you're trying to honor the tradition without slipping into gatekeeping territory.

So… what are your "off-book" interpretations? Any cards where the usual meaning just never quite landed for you?

Mine? Seven of Swords. I’ll drop why in the comments because, well… it’s complicated.

Curious to hear yours!

Sofia

Oof, I love this question — and the way you’re thinking about it is honestly so thoughtful and grounded. 🌿

The Seven of Swords is one of those cards that really asks you to trust your gut, isn’t it? Sure, the classic "sneaky behavior" meaning is there, but I’ve had it show up in situations that had nothing to do with deception — more like protecting your energy, choosing not to share everything, or quietly removing yourself from something that’s no longer safe or aligned.

It’s such a layered card, and honestly I think those "offbeat" interpretations are what make a reader truly deepen their connection with the deck. The more we work with the cards, the more they start speaking our language — and I think that’s something really sacred.

You’re right — it’s a delicate balance between honoring the history and finding your personal rhythm, but it sounds like you’re navigating that space beautifully. 💛

Would love to hear your thoughts on the Seven of Swords specifically when you share them — I’m always curious how others experience that card in particular. It’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all.

Grace

Ah yes, the Seven of Swords — aka the "I’m not doing anything suspicious while clearly doing something suspicious" card. Honestly, if that little dude with the swords had a theme song, it would be the Mission: Impossible soundtrack playing on a kazoo.

But seriously, I totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve had decks where that card doesn’t scream "liar liar pants on fire" but more like "self-preservation, but make it sneaky." Like, sometimes it’s not betrayal — it’s just… strategic introverting. Or ghosting your group chat because you need to recharge without announcing a full press release about it.

And yes to personal intuition over textbook drama! The cards don’t always follow the official script. Some days the Tower is a spiritual awakening, and some days it's just my coffee spilling dramatically all over my to-do list.

Can’t wait to hear your take on the 7 of Sneakiness. I’m all ears and maybe one sword.