LONE WOLF STYLE
HIDDEN DISHONOR
The Seven of Swords is tied to the Five of Swords because both cards involve separation from others. On the Seven card, we see a man tiptoeing away from society (the colorful pavilions). He’s taken some swords and seems rather pleased with his successful heist. He gives the impression of having secret, solitary plans.
This card sometimes represents the “lone wolf” style—the desire to run alone and free. In films, the lone wolf hero always acts totally on his own.
He discovers, investigates, and solves every problem using only his wits and resources. He believes he’s successful because he ignores the fumbling efforts of ordinary people.
In readings, the Seven of Swords can be a sign that you or someone else wants to be a lone wolf. You feel that you will be more effective and comfortable on your own. This approach is useful when bypassing an ineffectual group or asserting your independence, but it can also be troubling. We cannot be happy and productive for long without some commitment to others. If you feel inclined to act alone, be sure this isolation is working for you.
Sometimes the Seven of Swords means that you are running from something – commitment, responsibility, hard work, love. You may be procrastinating, letting problems slip because you don’t want to deal with them. Sometimes we just have to face what has to be faced. The Seven of Swords lets you know when you might be making things worse for yourself and others by running away.
The Seven of Swords can also indicate a hidden dishonor – a choice you or another has made that does not do justice to the highest. We all make wrong choices that we want to hide. Some of these are minor, some serious. Your inner voice will tell you when this is happening. When you see the Seven of Swords, take a good look at what you’re doing because hidden dishonors will eat away at your happiness and self-respect.
running away
- shirking responsibility
- sneaking off
- leaving
- avoiding obligations
- being afraid to face the music
- taking the easy way out
- hiding from the truth
- procrastinating
being a lone wolf
- feeling you don’t need anyone else
- wanting independence
- deciding not to help
- keeping something to yourself
- preferring solitude
- staying aloof
- wanting to go it alone
- holding people at arm’s length
choosing hidden dishonor
- deceiving or being deceived
- covering your tracks
- maneuvering behind the scenes
- being two-faced
- seeing others take the rap
- controlling without appearing to
- avoiding a shameful secret
- lying or stealing
Some possibilities
- Hierophant – working within the group
- Justice – accepting responsibility, being above board
- Ten of Wands – meeting obligations, being responsible
- Six of Cups – innocent, kind, open, noble
Some possibilities
- Hermit – being alone, staying away from others
- Two of Swords – running from the truth
- Five of Swords – dishonor, separation from others
- Nine of Pentacles – relying on yourself, acting on your own
There are no separate explanations for reversed cards. The meaning of a reversed card depends on what the card would mean if upright. A reversed card shows that a card’s energy is present but at a lower level. For some reason, the energy cannot be expressed freely, normally, or completely. It may be:
- still in its early stages
- losing force and power
- blocked or restricted
- incomplete
- inappropriate
- being denied
- only present in appearance
See Lesson 17 for more information on reversed cards.