This new feature presents an electronic version of my new Terra Tarot Deck, one card at a time. The ninth card available for download is The Seven of Swords.



The Seven of Swords speaks of avoiding confrontation, facing one's own "sins" - especially deceit and ill will towards others. It refers to our hidden dirty secrets, the vices that we hide lest others judge us. It also describes the "lone wolf" - someone who chooses to move beyond the societal conditions and expectations that surround them, and move out into the world on their own. But this card calls on us to search our souls - do we really savor this isolation and alone time, or are we merely running away from our problems? If this card is drawn in a reading, it reminds us to think through any temptations, to weigh whether the immediate gain is worth the long term 'soul' risk that will karmically result from impulsive and self-gratifying actions that affect others in a negative way.

The symbology used in my rendition of the Seven of Swords shows an lone male Warrior chosing to isolate himself from his community and culture (symbolized by the flags and fanfare to the left of him). He doesn't mind being a lone wolf, but his heart is heavy as he decides to go his own way - away from the judgements and constrictions of the society he has grown up with. He feels conflicted because he knows that part of his decision was spurred by his own internal vices - he has engaged in deceit and disrespect, and now decides to leave rather than face the consequences of his actions.

Since the theme of this deck is Terra, our Mother Earth, I elected to begin this illustration using a primitive landscape that showcases piercing mountains that also point straight up into the clear blueish purple sky. The foreground consists of a vast sandy desert plain that nicely contrasts the sky with its rich golden tones.

Seven sword symbols surround the figure, five point straight to his crown and/or heart. Two rest beneath him forming a cross symbol that rests on top of a decorative Merkaba which represents the metaphysical spirit "vehicle" that becomes activated as we balance our chakras, meridians, and lifeforce. Beneath the Merkaba, lies the elemental Air symbol to the left, and the Male gender symbol, since the Swords are considered to be masculine in nature.

I am presenting an online version of the Terra Deck for our Bella readers. Just click on the banner below to download your copy of the Seven of Swords. Right click on the image that comes up and save to your selected folder.