I'm reading the classic book "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu and I found some very interesting links and insights with the 7 of swords (RWS), mainly to its favorable and positive aspect.

 

This is a translated and commented excerpt from the book in Portuguese:
Chapter 1, topic 15: "(...) The art of war is based on dissimulation".
Editor's comment:
1) "Sun Tzu refers to cunning maneuvers and artifices to deceive the opponent with the use of astuteness, craftness, ruse, guile, trickery and slyness. In a battle, to cover up one's true intentions, it is often necessary to resort to disguises and ingenuity. History records countless cases of ruses and stratagems applied by creative commanders, the most interesting of which, without a doubt, was the Trojan Horse. The classic example of a subtle, slippery, stealthy war strategy. Tricks and artifices are used as defensive or offensive resources. Those who understand the importance of being cunning will always have the reins of the initiative and will be able to count on the surprise factor, increasing their chances of victory".
2) "In the book 'The Thirty-Six Stratagems', Chinese culture uses the ideogram ZHI (JI) with the meanings of 'trick, cunning, ruse and stratagem'; but also to signify 'wisdom'".
3) "Used ethically, stratagems are valuable and positive resources".

 

What do you think? I found it amazing! How pertinent to this arcane! It opened my mind! 

Edited August 18, 20224 yr by Yola

interesting thought! I think we can aee parallels in chess and game strategy, too.

Heyy my dear friend @euripides! How are you?

Wooow, it's true! What a fantastic comparison! Do you play? Do you know what I remembered? From that series "The Queen's Gambit".

Isn't "Gambit" a trick to beat the opponent in chess? miiiiiindblowing! 💥

I've always offered a kinder interpretation of the seven of swords than guidebooks recommend, mainly because telling a querent to be on the lookout for betrayal would likely create paranoia! Likewise, taking advantage of wonderful opportunities when they present themselves seems like the wise choice. While the others are at the fair making merry, the figure in the seven of swords isn't distracted by revelry. He's always mindful and aware, making sure he doesn't miss a boon.