MINOR ARCANA · SWORDS
Seven of Swords
Explore the imagery, upright and reversed readings, and its place in the Royal / Dragon Tarot universe.
THE 78 CARDS · RESEARCH NOTES
Meaning & symbolism
Traditional Rider–Waite–Smith symbolism and an editorial Royal / Dragon adaptation for this card.
Upright keywords
Discreet strategy · indirect action · choosing a method
Upright meaning
A figure carries five swords away from a camp, leaving two behind. Intelligence works outside the direct route, but the action could be necessary discretion or a breach of trust. Its meaning depends on purpose, who is affected, and how much transparency is owed.
Reversed keywords
Confession · an exposed plan · self-deception · revising strategy
Reversed meaning
A secret may be harder to keep, or someone may realize that avoidance cannot replace a needed conversation. Reversal is not proof of betrayal: look for actual behavior.
RWS image & symbols
Five swords are carried deliberately; two left behind make the choice incomplete; the backward glance shows vigilance; tents in the distance stand for those affected; tiptoeing suggests secrecy.
Reader's lens
Consider the Seven alongside Justice: where does reasonable confidentiality end and dishonesty begin? Do not convict a real person on one card.
Royal / Dragon adaptation
Show a royal figure leaving a camp, carrying five swords while two remain planted. Establish physically believable arms and hands before detailing clothes.
Research edition based on the supplied 78-card manuscript. Symbolic interpretations are contextual, not guaranteed predictions or professional advice. Sonam Zangmo’s individual card interpretations will be added following editorial review.