Four 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

FOUR OF SWORDS

At a glance:

The Four of Swords embodies the essence of rest and recovery in order to replenish your strength.

Upright Keywords:
Relax, self-care, retreat, time to recuperate

Reversed Keywords:
burnout, restlessness, isolation

Numerology:
4 - stability, structure, and practicality

Four of Swords: Upright Meaning

The Four of Swords depicts a knight finding sanctuary in a church, lying down with hands clasped in meditation. This image embodies the essence of rest and recovery. When this card appears, it suggests that you may find your energy depleted after a stressful period. It's a call to replenish your strength through relaxing alone time before re-engaging with the demands of life.

Numerology and Suit Meaning:

  • In numerology, the number 4 represents stability, structure, and practicality. This number is often linked to the pillars of organization, discipline, and a strong foundation. Just as a sturdy table needs four legs to stand firm. This numerological influence emphasizes the importance of establishing a secure and orderly environment in all aspects of life.

  • 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 Four of Swords love meaning indicates that someone may be draining your energy. This could be due to ongoing conflicts, emotional demands, or simply the natural ebb and flow of relationship dynamics. The card advises creating some space to consider your own needs and regain your emotional balance. Regardless of your relationship status, it's important to take a step back, recharge, and evaluate how to move forward in a way that preserves your well-being. Consider taking a temporary break from social interactions to reflect on your health and priorities.

Money/Career

In terms of money and career, the Four of Swords acts as a warning that you might be overworking or excessively worrying about financial matters. The pressures of deadlines, targets, or financial stability can lead to burnout if not managed properly. Take a vacation or a mental health day to regather your thoughts. Use this time to relax and gain perspective, ensuring that when you return to work, you do so with a refreshed mindset and a clearer plan. Rebalancing your workload and setting healthy boundaries can also enhance your productivity and overall well-being.

Spiritual/Self

On a spiritual and personal level, the Four of Swords highlights the necessity of introspection and rest. When life becomes overwhelming, it's crucial to find moments of peace and quiet to restore your inner strength. This card suggests taking a self-care day, engaging in your favorite activities in order to reinvigorate your mind, body, and spirit. Such activities can help you reconnect with your inner self and foster a sense of tranquility. Restoring your mental and emotional balance is key to navigating life's challenges with resilience.

“It’s important to take a step back, recharge, and evaluate how to move forward in a way that preserves your well-being. ”

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 Four of Swords suggests that you may be struggling with isolation or an inability to find rest amid life's pressures. This could manifest as feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from your support network. Make a conscious effort to break out of this cycle by dedicating a day to rest.

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CARD SUMMARY

Replenish your strength through relaxing alone time before re-engaging with the demands of life.

Learn More about Tarot.

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