Swords cut both ways, and so does the Swords suit. This is another double-edged card in that suit. We see a person who is obviously stealing from what seems to be a military camp. Stealing is a risky thing if you get caught, and even more so if you steal from people who can seriously hurt you. We don't know whether he is caught or not; maybe this kind of deed has proven profitable for him. He obviously doesn't look too worried; we see a rather reckless expression on his face. His theft, or victory, shall we rather call it, is surely not complete: we see that he has left two swords behind, indicating that through trickery and theft one can never achieve total and lasting victory. These two swords also indicate that the trickster is not applying enough effort, or he would take all the swords and leave nothing behind; clearly there is some sort of laziness in all this. Beware of cheating yourself into victory; there are other ways to win. Trying to save energy in the short term by unethical means only postpones the problems in the long term and makes them harder to handle. The decisions signified by this card are usually taken recklessly and hastily, without full knowledge of the potential risks. An interesting detail is that the trickster is carrying five swords in his hands, a connection with the Five of Swords and possible defeat.
On the card
A man tiptoes away from a camp of brightly coloured tents, carrying five swords bundled awkwardly in his arms, gripping them by the blades and hilts. Two more swords remain behind him, standing upright in the ground. He looks back over his shoulder towards the camp with a half smile, as if pleased with himself and checking that no one has noticed.
He wears a red cap and boots and a patterned tunic, and his light, careful step gives the whole image the feeling of a secret operation. In the distance, near the tents, a few small figures can be seen, apparently unaware of what is happening. The background is a flat yellow sky, the same bright, open colour used on many cards, which makes the action seem to happen in plain daylight.
The image is full of ambiguity. We do not know whether he is a thief, a spy or someone reclaiming what belongs to him. The swords he carries are held by their blades, an uncomfortable and risky way to carry weapons, hinting that cunning has its own dangers. The two swords left behind remind us that what is taken by stealth is rarely complete.
Upright
Diligence, partial success, thinking outside the box, confidence, endeavour.
Reversed
Indecision, acting without honour, confusion, theft in progress, deceit, betrayal, deception, somebody is working against you behind your back.