Five of Swords -
Tarot Card Meaning
Part of a full-series guide of all 78 Tarot Cards. See the full guide here.
Written by Made Musings
FIVE OF SWORDS
At a glance:
Set aside pride and listen to everyone’s point of view to achieve a more harmonious outcome.
Upright Keywords:
Arguments, conflict, pride, winning at all costs
Reversed Keywords:
compromise, peaceful resolution
Numerology:
5 - adaptability, challenge, change, and a desire for new experiences
Five of Swords: Upright Meaning
The Five of Swords depicts a man holding his sword victoriously over his shoulder, watching his opponents withdraw. Though he has won the battle, it's clear that others have been hurt in the process. This card serves as a reminder not to lose sight of the bigger picture in your desire to win an argument or conflict. It emphasizes the importance of setting aside pride and listening to everyone’s point of view to achieve a more harmonious outcome.
Numerology and Suit Meaning:
The number 5 symbolizes adaptability, challenge, change, and a desire for new experiences. This number reflects the need for growth and learning, even when it involves overcoming obstacles or embracing new perspectives.
The suit of swords is connected to concepts of communication, intelligence, ideas, belief, and logic. Many cards of the suit also deal with conflict, both internal and external.
Elementally, swords are associated with air. Like thoughts and spoken words, air cannot be seen. Nevertheless, it can still be felt such as when a calming breeze blows or a roaring gale strikes. Wind can also cut through the skin similar to how our words can pierce deeper than any weapon.
Love/Relationships
The Five of Swords love meaning warns against allowing conflicts to sour your connections. Disputes and disagreements are natural, but it's crucial to consider whether being right is more important than finding a mutual solution that respects both parties. Constantly striving to win can lead to resentment and distance. Instead, focus on effective communication and compromise to show that you value other people’s opinions and concerns. If you find yourself in a recurring argument, try to understand your partner’s perspective and work together towards a solution that benefits both of you.
Money/Career
In the realm of money and career, the Five of Swords indicates the need to stand up for yourself, especially if you feel someone is taking advantage of you. While it’s important to assert your boundaries, this card advises doing so professionally and constructively. Propose solutions that address the issues without escalating the conflict. Maintaining professionalism and seeking collaborative resolutions can enhance your reputation and lead to more effective outcomes. Strive to create a balanced environment where all parties feel heard and valued.
Spiritual/Self
On a spiritual and personal level, the Five of Swords invites you to reflect on whether your drive for success or victory is harming your relationships or personal well-being. How can you gain perspective and cultivate a more compassionate approach to conflicts? Recognize that true strength lies in the ability to foster understanding and cooperation, rather than winning at all costs. Swords are all about intellect, and the Five of Swords reminds us that out of self-awareness, empathy, compassion, and being right: which is the most important? Is it possible that all are equally important, especially if you want to cultivate a harmonious life?
“While it’s important to assert your boundaries, this card advises doing so constructively.”
Astrology
The Suit of Swords in Tarot is intimately linked to the element of Air, representing intellect, communication, and mental clarity. This connection resonates strongly with the zodiac air signs of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, highlighting their analytical minds, communicative skills, and intellectual pursuits. The air signs are notorious for their curiosity, adaptability, mental agility, and mastery in diplomacy. These characteristics align with the Swords' themes of objectivity, fairness, and progressive thinking. The Swords' and the Air signs are the visionaries of the Zodiac. Together, they remind us of the power of clear thinking, effective communication, and mental agility in navigating life's challenges and achieving harmony.
Note: It's important to recognize that not everyone incorporates astrology into their Tarot readings. The extent to which astrological references are used can vary greatly among readers. Each reader has a unique approach; some may draw heavily on astrological archetypes, while others might not use them at all. This information is meant to offer an additional perspective that could be helpful in your interpretations by highlighting parallels between Tarot and Astrology.
Although some argue that astrology wasn't originally part of Tarot, more modern interpretations like the Rider Waite Smith and Thoth decks may have integrated astrological concepts to align with their modern time mystical beliefs. Many contemporary decks made in this current decade also feature astrological references. Ultimately, every individual develops their own unique relationship with both Tarot and Astrology.
Reversed Meaning
Reversed, the Five of Swords suggests that a hostile situation is about to improve, or it indicates a readiness to compromise. This card signifies the potential for reconciliation and healing after a period of tension. Take the first step towards mending relationships by extending an olive branch and showing a willingness to find common ground. Whether it’s at work, with friends, or in a romantic relationship, initiating peace can transform conflicts into opportunities for growth and mutual respect.
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CARD SUMMARY
Do not to lose sight of the bigger picture in your desire to win an argument or conflict.
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