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• Secrets kept to oneself, between friends, or among organizations.
• Esoteric knowledge of arcane orders, passed on through quests, ceremonies, or through confounding texts.
• Hidden meanings in seemingly plain communication, or in stories. Subliminal or coded messages
• Riddles and similar puzzles.
• Magic words which can open doorways; knowledge essential for passage.

The Seven of Bells is Ether (pathways, hidden or revealed things, the big picture) related to the element Air (knowledge, concepts, logic). It may represent knowledge of an arcane nature, or hidden knowledge. It often represents secrets: one's own, secrets between friends, secrets kept by others, or the hidden secrets of the universe.

Sometimes this card an point to hidden meanings in communication, like subliminal or coded messages.

Perhaps it is a riddle or puzzle. It may also be a password, or a magic word which can open the way. It could be some piece of knowledge necessary to get from point A to point B.

Abstract

(Reversed)

• Altered states of consciousness, created by introducing mind-altering substances to the body or by mind-altering practices like meditation and prayer.
• Altered states of consciousness which assist in everyday functioning, brought about by prescribed psychiatric medication.
• A journey or a trip taken by way of the mind or imagination; a purposefully induced vision wherein one is an active participant.
• Thinking that is beyond what most people would consider normal. Being far out, or "out there," i.e. offering perspective from a proverbial place where not many have ventured.
• Possibly being disconnected from reality— being off in one's own world.

The Abstract Seven of Bells is abstract Ether (experience in itself, journeying, sense of place) related to the element Air (mind, conceptualization, understanding). It represents altered states of consciousness, brought about by activities designed to cultivate them like meditation and prayer, or brought about by the use of substances acquired with or without a prescription.

It may represent present-centered meditation that results in serenity, a state of mind wherein sound ideas can emerge, and perceptions are less clouded. Alternatively, it could represent a state of mind brought about by prayer to a god or symbol of tumult, which could look quite different from serenity. It may even represent going into a trance.

Mind-altering drugs are sometimes necessary for people with mental illnesses to survive and find fulfillment in the world. Used wisely, they can serve to clear mental fog, or remove destructive behavior patterns. They can also enhance creativity by making possible ideas and trains of thought which would not have occurred without their presence.

With or without the presence of mind altering drugs, this card could represent a mental journey or a trip. Taking one's imagination for a ride, or taking a substance for a ride, exploration in the realm of subtle experiences can take people fascinating places. The Abstract Seven of Bells may also signify daydreaming.

Just remember to use caution while using any mind-altering techniques or drugs, because both are dangerous tools if misused. This card could also represent becoming distant, or losing touch with the real world. If it does not indicate an intentionally created altered state, it may represent pervasive disconnection from reality.

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