Five Of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The Five of Swords is a card in the Minor Arcana Suit of Swords of the Tarot that represents conflict, betrayal, and loss. It is often associated with difficult situations that require one to make tough choices and face the consequences of their actions.

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The Five of Swords Upright Keywords:

Conflict
Betrayal
Loss
Defeat
Dishonor

The Five of Swords Reversed Keywords:

Forgiveness
Reconciliation
Moving on
Acceptance
Learning from mistakes

The Five of Swords Tarot Card Depiction and its meaning:

The card depicts a scene of conflict and betrayal, with a man standing triumphantly over two other men who have swords at their feet. The two men seem defeated and dishonored, while the victorious man looks smug and pleased with himself. In the background, two more figures are walking away, seemingly uninterested in the conflict. This card represents the idea that sometimes in life, there are winners and losers, and it can be difficult to accept loss and move on.

What does the Five of Swords Tarot Card Mean?

The Five of Swords often appears in readings as a warning of potential conflict or betrayal. It may indicate a situation where someone is acting selfishly or manipulating others for their own gain.

This card can also represent feelings of defeat or dishonor, as well as a need to learn from past mistakes and move on. In some cases, the Five of Swords may encourage the seeker to forgive and reconcile with others to avoid further conflict and negativity.

The Five of Swords Notable Keywords

Five of Swords	Keywords
Upright	Defeat, betrayal, conflict
Reversed	Reconciliation, forgiveness
Depiction	A figure holding three swords and two swords lying on the ground. They seem to have won a battle, but their face is grim and their opponents are leaving in the background.
Yes or No	No
Numerology	5
Element	Air
Planet	Venus
Astrological Sign	Aquarius
Chakra	Throat
Healing Crystals	Lapis Lazuli, Aquamarine, Selenite
Meaning	The Five of Swords represents conflict and defeat. In its upright position, it can signify a betrayal or a loss in a battle, leaving one feeling alone and isolated. It warns against the temptation to take advantage of others or cheat to win. However, in its reversed position, it suggests the possibility of reconciliation and forgiveness. It encourages the letting go of past grievances and seeking a peaceful resolution. This card also invites reflection on the lessons learned from the conflict and how to use them to move forward with integrity.

The Five of Swords Upright Meaning

The Five of Swords is a card that typically represents conflict, loss, and betrayal. It suggests that the querent may have experienced a recent conflict or confrontation, and may have emerged victorious at the expense of others.

However, the card also warns that this victory may be hollow, and that the querent should be careful not to alienate others or burn bridges.

The Five of Swords is a reminder to choose battles wisely and to seek reconciliation wherever possible.

Five of Swords Yes or No

The Upright Meaning of conflict, competition, or betrayal in love, a need to re-evaluate relationships and boundaries and Reversed Meaning of Conflict, tension, loss, betrayal the Five of Swords a No

Five of Swords Love

Conflict, competition, or betrayal in love, a need to re-evaluate relationships and boundaries

Five of Swords Feelings

Conflict, tension, disharmony, winning at all costs

The Five of Swords Upright Love & Relationships Meaning:

In a love and relationships reading, the Five of Swords suggests that there may be conflict and betrayal present in the querent’s relationship.

It may indicate a need for boundaries or a confrontation that has left one partner feeling defeated. The card suggests that communication may be necessary to move forward, but that the querent should be careful not to further damage the relationship in the process.

The Five of Swords Upright Career Meaning:

In a career reading, the Five of Swords suggests that there may be conflict or competition in the workplace. It may indicate that the querent is engaging in cut-throat tactics to succeed or has recently emerged victorious at the expense of others. The card suggests that the querent should be careful not to alienate coworkers and that long-term success is better achieved through collaboration.

The Five of Swords Upright Finances Meaning:

In a financial reading, the Five of Swords suggests that there may be financial losses or a need for caution in financial dealings. The card suggests that the querent should be careful not to take advantage of others or engage in unethical behavior to gain financial advantage, as this may ultimately lead to financial losses.

The Five of Swords Upright Spirituality Meaning:

In a spiritual reading, the Five of Swords may suggest that the querent is engaging in negative self-talk or self-sabotage.

The card suggests that the querent may be their own worst enemy and that a change in perspective or attitude may be necessary to move forward in their spiritual journey.

The Five of Swords Upright Health Meaning:

In a health reading, the Five of Swords suggests that the querent may be experiencing conflict or stress that is negatively affecting their health. The card suggests that it is important to address the source of the conflict and to seek support from others in order to prioritize self-care and overall health.

The Five of Swords Reversed Meaning

In the reversed position, the Five of Swords suggests that you may be trying to avoid conflicts or walking away from confrontations. It is important to understand that while avoiding problems may give you temporary relief, it is not a long-term solution.

This card may also suggest that you are holding onto grudges or past conflicts, and this is hindering your ability to move forward.

It’s time to let go of any resentment or bitterness and focus on finding a resolution. Alternatively, this card could indicate that you are finally letting go of past hurts and embracing forgiveness and compassion.

The Five of Swords Reversed Love & Relationships Meaning

In relationships, the Five of Swords reversed suggests that you may be avoiding conflicts or uncomfortable conversations with your partner. It is important to address any issues that are causing tension and find a solution together.

This card can also indicate that you may need to let go of past resentments and forgive your partner to move forward. Alternatively, it could mean that you are finally letting go of a toxic relationship and moving on towards a healthier one.

The Five of Swords Reversed Career Meaning

In the context of career, the Five of Swords reversed suggests that you may be avoiding conflict or confrontation with your colleagues or superiors.

However, it is important to address any issues that are causing tension and find a solution together. This card may also indicate that you are moving on from a difficult work situation and embracing new opportunities.

The Five of Swords Reversed Finances Meaning

In the context of finances, the Five of Swords reversed suggests that you may be letting go of past financial mistakes and taking steps towards a more stable financial future.

This card may also indicate that you are finally forgiving yourself for past financial mismanagement and embracing a more responsible approach to your finances.

The Five of Swords Reversed Spiritual Meaning

In the context of spirituality, the Five of Swords reversed suggests that you may be letting go of past resentments and embracing forgiveness and compassion. It’s time to let go of any grudges or bitterness and move forward with a positive and open mindset. This card may also indicate that you are embracing new spiritual practices or letting go of old ones that no longer serve you.

The Five of Swords Reversed Health Meaning

In the context of health, the Five of Swords reversed suggests that you may be letting go of past unhealthy habits and embracing a more positive and healthy lifestyle.

This card may also indicate that you are finally forgiving yourself for past health mistakes and taking steps towards a healthier future.

Alternatively, it could mean that you are avoiding conflicts or uncomfortable conversations with your healthcare providers, and it is important to address any issues that are causing tension and find a solution together.

Five of Swords Tarot Card Associations

Is The Five of Swords a Yes or No Card?

The Five of Swords is not a straightforward Yes or No card. Its meaning is more complex and requires interpretation based on the question being asked.

The Five of Swords associated Zodiac signs:

The Five of Swords is associated with the zodiac sign Aquarius.

The Five of Swords associated Element:

The Five of Swords is associated with the element of Air.

The Five of Swords associated Numerology number:

The Five of Swords is associated with the numerology number 5, which represents change and instability.

The Five of Swords associated Planet

The Five of Swords is associated with the planet Venus, which represents love, beauty, and harmony.

The Five of Swords associated Chakra

The Five of Swords is associated with the throat chakra or Vishuddha, which governs communication, self-expression, and authenticity.

The Five of Swords associated Healing Crystals

The Five of Swords is associated with the healing crystals Blue Lace Agate, Amazonite, and Aquamarine, which are believed to help with communication and self-expression.

The Five of Swords meaning in a Reading:

The Five of Swords often represents conflict, defeat, and disharmony. It can indicate a situation where someone has won at the expense of others, or where someone has acted unethically or deceitfully.

In a reading, this card can be a warning to be cautious of those who are not acting in good faith, or to avoid being the cause of conflict and strife.

The Five of Swords Card Combinations

The Five of Swords can have different interpretations and meanings when combined with other tarot cards. Here are some possible combinations:

Five of Swords and The Empress: The Empress represents nurturing and motherhood, while the Five of Swords represents conflict and betrayal. Together, these cards may suggest a difficult family situation, such as a mother or caregiver who is manipulating or controlling.
Five of Swords and The Tower: The Tower represents sudden change and upheaval, while the Five of Swords represents conflict and defeat. Together, these cards may indicate a traumatic or shocking experience, such as a betrayal that leads to the collapse of a relationship or career.
Five of Swords and The High Priestess: The High Priestess represents intuition and wisdom, while the Five of Swords represents conflict and dishonor. Together, these cards may suggest a situation where someone has been deceived or betrayed, but their intuition can help them uncover the truth and move forward.
Five of Swords and The Ten of Swords: The Ten of Swords represents rock bottom, while the Five of Swords represents conflict and loss. Together, these cards can indicate a situation where someone has hit rock bottom due to a betrayal or defeat, but they are ready to move on and start over.
Five of Swords and The Four of Cups: The Four of Cups represents apathy and boredom, while the Five of Swords represents conflict and defeat. Together, these cards may suggest a situation where someone is feeling emotionally drained or detached due to a past betrayal or loss, and they need to find a new sense of purpose or direction.

To Conclude

The Five of Swords can indicate that there may be a conflict or betrayal that the seeker needs to be aware of. It may also suggest that the seeker needs to be honest with themselves and others about their actions and motivations.

This card may encourage the seeker to learn from past mistakes and move on from feelings of defeat or dishonor.

Ultimately, the Five of Swords reminds us that sometimes we must face difficult choices and consequences in order to grow and move forward in life.

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Julianne Hough

Julianne has a bachelor’s in communication and journalism working with Psychic Spirituality & Relationships. She has also practiced numerology, tarot, and other psychic arts.