Seven of Swords

This card speaks of trickery, disloyalty, and the truth that a lie has short legs: sooner or later what's hidden becomes plain. Depending on the cards around it, you might be the one playing dirty or the victim of someone else's betrayal. If you're the one acting dishonestly, it's worth weighing the moral cost and the fallout before you go on. It can also point to a habit of running from a problem instead of facing it, which almost always makes it worse. In another register, it speaks to the honest wish to stand on your own two feet and follow your own path.

Love

Trust is everything; if there are suspicions, better to talk them through openly than stay quiet or turn passive-aggressive. There may be half-truths or secrets in the relationship.

Work

You may be watched closely out of a groundless mistrust; keep everything above board and act with transparency. If you're job hunting, old contacts can help.

Money

Not the time to gamble or lend money, because the risk of loss is high. Need may tempt you toward something dishonest: don't trade your integrity for cash.

Health

Beware of wrong diagnoses; don't take the first opinion as final, and seek others. And don't fool yourself about what your body is telling you.

Spirituality

Be wary of gurus or leaders who ask for money in exchange for enlightenment. You don't need a master to grow: explore on your own, with care.

Reversed, the Seven of Swords brings a time of mental challenge and changes waiting to happen. You have options, yet you stay frozen, feeling like there's no way out, especially if you've taken some hard knocks. It's time to let go of old habits and ways of thinking that block you, and to accept the situation instead of denying it or running. A deep weariness also shows up, the exhaustion of keeping up a lie or a deception: you want to pull back the veil and let it all be seen, even at a steep price.

Love

Dissatisfaction grows, along with the exhaustion of keeping up lies; it's time to put your cards on the table. If you're on your own, you no longer want to pretend to be someone else just to please.

Work

You no longer want to keep up dishonest behavior or tolerate your superiors' lies. If you're job hunting, honesty on your résumé is the best route.

Money

You don't want to make money dishonestly or surround yourself with people who cheat. You're willing to learn new models that get you better results.

Health

Trust your body's wisdom and listen to what it asks for, whether rest or activity. Seek second opinions before any invasive procedure.

Spirituality

A good time to follow your own judgment when it comes to belief. With an open mind you can receive inspiration and leave behind formulas that don't serve you.