SWORDS · Five of Swords

Five of Swords Meaning

Five of Swords | Theme of Swords: Thoughts and words

The tarot card Five of Swords (Inner Stella original artwork)

Upright

ConflictNeeding to winStepping back

It's okay to choose the path that keeps your heart at peace over winning.

Star words: “Courage lives in the hand that lays down the sword”

Reversed

ReconciliationLetting go of conflict

Now is a time when you can slowly untangle feelings that have gotten knotted.

Star words: “To forgive is to set yourself free”

When Five of Swords appears in a Love reading

Upright

Is your heart wearing thin from comparing yourself or competing with others in love? Instead of being right, try choosing the way that lets you feel at ease.

Reversed

The stubbornness you'd been holding on to seems to be softening. Why not honestly tell someone dear to you, "I'm sorry" or "Thank you"?

When Five of Swords appears in a Work reading

Upright

If disagreements keep going, it's time to step back and look at the whole picture. Try summing up the other person's view in one line, and a way forward may appear.

Reversed

This is a good time for a chance to make peace with someone you've clashed with. A simple greeting or word of thanks may change the mood.

When Five of Swords appears in a Relationships reading

Upright

You may be left with uneasy feelings after an argument. Instead of who won or lost, why not think about what you want this relationship to be?

Reversed

It may be time to let go of an old quarrel. Even if you can't forgive everything, why not spend a little less time replaying it?

When Five of Swords appears in a Yourself reading

Upright

Is the voice that blames you growing louder inside? Rather than arguing with it, answer back, "I'm doing well."

Reversed

Are you replaying past mistakes or regrets in your mind? Write down one thing you learned from them, and let that close the chapter.

Reading it in the past, present and future positions

In a three-card reading, the same card can be understood differently depending on the position where it appears.

In the past position

UprightYou may have been through clashes of opinion that wore your heart thin. Even then, there was something you wanted to protect.

ReversedYou've been working, over time, to move past a misunderstanding with someone. Meeting them halfway has been slowly changing the relationship.

In the present position

UprightRight now, the more you hold on to winning or losing, the more tired your heart may become. Stepping back is also an important way to protect yourself.

ReversedLingering tension seems to be easing, and this is a good time for making peace. Loosening your pride a little may make your heart feel suddenly lighter.

In the future position

UprightPutting some distance between yourself and conflict may help you look again at what truly matters.

ReversedA time to let go of past clashes and rebuild a peaceful relationship is drawing near. A small step toward each other may be the way in.

What might this card be trying to tell you right now?

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