"Is this colleague reliable?" arises when you have a professional relationship in which something does not add up: words not confirmed by facts, ambiguous behavior in meetings, the feeling that credit is distributed dishonestly. The cards do not replace a direct check, but they help you read the pattern of behaviors you observed.
What the reading reveals
Seven of Swords (cunning play, omissions), Five of Swords (victory at your expense), Devil (unhealthy professional dependence) suggest a complex picture. The Star, Knight of Pentacles (reliable worker), King of Pentacles or Lovers as a peer alliance indicate solid collaboration. Three of Pentacles shows constructive teamwork.
Practical strategies
Regardless of the reading: document what you do (emails, summaries), clarify roles and responsibilities in writing, avoid confidences that could be used out of context, maintain open professional dialogue instead of resentful suspicion. Cards help you understand the quality of the relationship; how to manage it remains your professional choice.
FAQ
Should I talk to my boss?
Only if you have concrete elements, not just intuitions. Cards help you understand yourself, not make formal complaints.
Can I use it for an entire team?
Yes, it is a useful exercise to read a group as a "collective character". The symbolic themes that emerge are often illuminating.
What if the reading is positive but I do not trust?
Consider that your distrust may come from past experiences. Work on those and recheck the present with a neutral gaze.