Avoiding Authority and Inevitable Change is Futile!

The Death card is reversed, and it signals a resistance to change that is only prolonging the pain and distress of finally letting go of something that is past it’s expiration date, so to speak. In its upright position, Death represents an appropriate ending, and a transition that heralds rebirth and renewal as a result. Reversed it’s being at a standstill, stubbornness, inertia, and stagnation. The Hierophant symbolizes teachers and learning. He’s conservative and represents people in authority over you. His appearance can represent learning new skills, going back to college for a higher degree or new certification. The 7 of Swords is considered a card of futility or dishonesty. He’s the sneak thief. Are you facing opposition and avoiding confrontation. Are you the one being sneaky? Are you dealing with someone in authority that wants you to do something you don’t want to do?

With this combination of cards, I tend to see the 7 of Swords being about using stealthiness and all the guile you can muster to strategize how to accomplish something today, while sidestepping someone in authority to do so. Stop resisting the inevitable. Clinging to the past to avoid moving forward in today’s current situation is futile. Face that person in charge that you’ve been avoiding and open your mind to new ideas or knowledge, because you’re just being stubborn.

If you stop resisting what’s inevitable, you can turn Death upright and experience the revitalization of a new start.