Ten 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

TEN OF SWORDS

At a glance:

The Ten of Swords represents that the worst is now behind you and a new dawn is breaking.

Upright Keywords:
Surrender, new beginning after painful cycle, dawn after dark night

Reversed Keywords:
holding on, unrealized potential

Numerology:
10 - completion and new beginnings

Ten of Swords: Upright Meaning

The Ten of Swords is a striking image of a man lying face down with ten swords piercing his back, symbolizing a profound sense of betrayal, defeat, and ending. Despite the severity of this scene, a new dawn is breaking on the horizon, indicating that the worst is now behind you and a fresh start is possible. This card highlights the necessity of releasing past pain and hardship to make way for new growth and opportunities.

Numerology and Suit Meaning:

  • In numerology, the number 10 represents both completion and new beginnings. It symbolizes the end of one cycle and the start of another, embodying the idea of continuous evolution. This dual aspect of completion emphasizes life's cyclical nature. 

  • 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 Ten of Swords love meaning suggests that you are emerging from a period of significant emotional turmoil or unhealthy patterns that have negatively impacted your connections with others. This card marks the end of a difficult chapter, urging you to let go of past hurts and embrace a new era of peace and healing. The Ten of Swords suggests it’s time to emerge from the emotional turmoil that has negatively impacted your connections with others. What can you let go so that you can start fostering healthier, more fulfilling relationships moving forward? Remember that you are resilient and many new possibilities lie ahead.

Money/Career

When it comes to career and finances, the Ten of Swords indicates that you may have reached a point where you have outgrown your current job, career path, or professional relationships. This card serves as a signal to be vigilant for new job opportunities or financial prospects that align more closely with your aspirations and values. It's a time to assess what no longer serves you and to consider taking bold steps toward a more rewarding and satisfying professional life. While it may be difficult to leave aspects of your old job behind, it is time to accept your potential for transformation and trust that better opportunities are on the horizon.

Spiritual/Self

Surrendering to the reality of your situation can be a powerful step toward transformation. The Ten of Swords calls for a deep reflection on your current struggles and the pain you have endured. Harboring these emotions can manifest as betrayal or resentment, which can negatively impact your relationships, opportunities, and overall mental health. Yet this card encourages you to let go of past traumas and burdens that have weighed you down. By releasing what no longer serves you, you create space for renewal and growth, allowing you to move forward with a lighter heart and a clearer mind.

“This card marks the end of a difficult chapter, urging you to let go of past hurts and embrace a new era of peace and healing.”

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 Ten of Swords indicates that you are still grappling with recent hardships and trying to make sense of your current struggles. This card suggests that while you may be hesitant to let go, it is often necessary to surrender in order to facilitate transformation. Take this opportunity for a fresh start by accepting that some situations must end for new ones to begin. Allow yourself to heal and trust in the process of renewal. It's a call to embrace the dawn of a new chapter in your life, leaving behind the pain and suffering that have held you back.

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CARD SUMMARY

Release past pain and hardship to make way for new growth and opportunities. A new chapter lies just ahead.

Learn More about Tarot.

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