Keywords: Being Yourself, Escape, Salvage what you can, Slight of Hand
The Seven of Swords shows up when you are looking after yourself and your own interests first and foremost. In its positive aspect you are expressing your individuality regardless of what the people (or person) around you think. You may be discerning what your own personal beliefs are, separate from what your family or society have taught you. You may be on the other side of a very difficult situation and need to place your needs first in order to heal and progress. In a relationship reading, you may be realizing it is time to cut your losses and move on. Alternatively you may be working behind the scenes to manipulate a situation to get what you want romantically. If this card represents another person, they are probably deceiving you on some level.
Reversed: I don't use reverse cards, as every card has inherently positive and challenging aspects, depending on the client and the reading.