The Tarot Cards Suit of Swords is one of the four suits of the Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana are believed by some to be of even more ancient origin than the Major Arcana of Tarot Cards.
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Within every deck of cards, you’ll find the 56 minor arcana: cups, swords, wands, and pentacles, with each suit corresponding to different aspects of life, virtues, and messages for the reader. Should you encounter the suit of swords during your reading, you will likely wish to interpret it on a deeper level.
The four suits of the Minor Arcana: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Swords —also correspond with IHVH and the four elements, being:
The Suit of Wands is connected to Fire
The Suit of Cups is connected to Water
The Suit of Swords is connected to Air
The Suit of Pentacles is connected to Earth
Each suit is made up of cards numbered from ace to ten, and the four Court cards: King, Queen, Knight, and Page.
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– The Suit of Swords –
– The Suit of Swords also known as Blades –
The suit of Swords is connected to Air
The swords generally express aggression, strife, boldness, and courage. But sometimes they can mean hatred, battle, and enemies.
This is the suit of misfortune and disaster. Its direction is north; its creature is the sylph, an elemental being of the air. The Sword temperament is said to be melancholy, and the Apocalypse figure is the eagle. This is the suit of the warriors.
What Does the Suit of Swords Mean?
The suit of swords deals with the cognitive world: what is mental, intellectual, or inside your head. The appearance of the suit of swords should refer to the health of your thoughts and beliefs.
The suit of swords card corresponds to astrological air signs, such as Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. These signs are known for being able to view situations logically, without emotion clouding their judgment. They are intelligent, analytical, and perfectionistic. Think “cold hearted scientist” type; this is the suit of swords.
What does the Suit of Swords Symbolize?
The Swords represent drama, conflict, disagreements, struggle, and mental suffering. They are also symbolic of mental anguish.
Some Tarot readers give the Swords a little more positive interpretation, saying that they symbolize reasoning and intellect.
However, if you go over the card meanings, you will see that they are all mostly negative in nature.
People who bring forth difficulties in the life of the seeker are represented by the Swords Courts.
What Does it Mean When the Suit of Swords cards Appears in a Reading?
Because tarot readings are highly personal and subjective, the meaning of the appearance of a suit of swords card is going to differ depending on the reader and the person receiving the reading.
When the card appears in a reading, it typically forebodes change, power, conflict, or action of some sort. Something big is about to happen, and you must be ready to stand firm. It also means you are likely seeking answers to intellectual or cognitive conflicts, such as arguments and big decisions.
Strengths & Positive Aspects
Although swords often get a bad rap, the interpretation of the card really just depends on how you view it. Some people highly value action, courage, fierceness, confrontation, and cold intellectual wit.
Additionally, you can have confidence that there is no emotion clouding your judgment here; it is all pure reality. Other positive aspects of the suit of swords include communication, discipline, curiosity, and morality.
Change does not always have to be bad. Swords cards often act as a warning to simply be more guarded and wary of what is happening in your vicinity.
Weaknesses & Negative Aspects
However, as swords people can be ruthless, cold-hearted, and aggressive, the card can be as well. The appearance of the card in upright position can often refer to unwelcome events or changes in one’s life. The warning is not meant to upset you, however; it is meant only for good, as the Universe is concerned about your well-being and wants you to stand, resilient, against whatever may be coming.
The Suit of Swords Associations
The Upright Meaning:
In the upright position, the Suit of Swords generally represents the mind, intellect, communication, and decision-making. It can indicate clarity of thought, mental focus, and the ability to make tough decisions.
The Reversed Meaning:
In the reversed position, the Suit of Swords can indicate confusion, mental fog, and difficulties in communication. It can also indicate a need to work through inner conflicts and negative thought patterns.
The Yes or No Value:
The Suit of Swords is associated with the mind and decision-making, so its answer to a yes or no question will often depend on the specific question being asked. In general, if the question is related to intellectual or decision-making matters, a “yes” response may be more likely.
The Associated Zodiac Signs:
The Suit of Swords is associated with the Air signs of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. These signs are known for their intellectualism, communication skills, and mental agility.
The Associated Element:
The Suit of Swords is associated with the element of Air. This element is associated with the mind, intellect, and communication.
The Associated Numerology Number:
The Suit of Swords is associated with the numerology number 1. This number represents new beginnings, independence, and self-leadership.
The Associated Planet:
The Suit of Swords is associated with the planet Mars. Mars is associated with action, assertiveness, and conflict.
The Associated Astrological Sign:
The Suit of Swords is associated with the astrological sign of Aquarius. Aquarius is known for its intellectualism, independence, and innovation.
The Associated Chakra:
The Suit of Swords is associated with the Third Eye Chakra. This chakra is located in the center of the forehead and is associated with intuition, insight, and clarity of thought.
The Associated Healing Crystals:
The Suit of Swords is associated with several healing crystals, including clear quartz for mental clarity and focus, lapis lazuli for communication and expression, and ametrine for balance between the mind and intuition.
Ace of Swords
You are at the beginning of your intellectual journey. You will likely experience a fresh wave of intellectual motivation that will push you to try something new or experience a new way of seeing the world. Meditate often, and don’t be afraid to start something that you’ve been wanting to try.
Traits of the Ace of Swords
Truth. New idea.
Communication. Insight. A bolt of clarity.
Intellectual. Mental sharpness. New
information. Honesty. Objective. Facts.
Upright Meaning: Conquest, triumph of power, great activity. The power to love strongly or to
hate. Possible birth of a child who will be of heroic temperament. Championship.
Reversed Meaning: Conquest, but the results are disastrous. Obstacles, great loss, infertility.
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Two of Swords
Have you been trying to make a difficult choice? This card indicates that you are at a fork in the road, with both paths seeming equally attractive. You need to view the situation with a clear mind and heart in order to make a decision that is grounded in rationality. You also may not have all the information you need to make a clear, informed decision. Don’t be afraid to ask others for help or feedback before making your choice.
Traits of the 2 of Swords
Choice. Decision. Patience.
Denial. Doubt. Rationalizing. Indifference.
Emotional blockage. Ignorance. Stalemate.
Silent treatment. Turning a blind eye.
Upright Meaning: Tension in relationships. Indecision. Balanced forces. Military friendships. A
well-developed sense of balance and rhythm but needing direction. Stalemate.
Reversed Meaning: Release, movement of affairs, sometimes in the wrong direction. Avoid impostors.
Sympathy for those in trouble. Disloyalty.
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Three of Swords
You have likely suffered – or are about to suffer, depending on the position in the spread – a great tragedy, loss, or pain. Allow yourself to feel these emotions to their fullest extent, and then let them go. Don’t stuff them away into a box, but don’t let them cloud your judgment, either. Focus on recovery and rebuilding your life.
Traits of the 3 of Swords
Heartbreak. Betrayal.
Greif. Sadness. Tears. Loss. Love triangle.
Infidelity. Jealousy. Rejection. Painful truth.
Suffering. Abandonment. Release through
forgiveness.
Upright Meaning: Stormy weather for the affections. Tears, separation, quarreling. A general
upheaval of the environment. Possibility of civil war. Political strife.
Reversed Meaning: There is still confusion, loss, sorrow, upheaval, but in lesser degree.
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Four of Swords
This card suggests you take a step back from whatever you have been dealing with presently. Whether you are stressed from work or school, dealing with heartache, or even filled with productivity and motivation, if this card appears in your reading, it’s a sign to withdraw and take some time to yourself. Take a day off and spend it in meditation and reflection.
Traits of the 4 of Swords
Financial stability.
Withdrawal. Respite.
Recovery. Patience. Time- out. Solving
problems. Finding solutions. Mental burnout.
Repose. Contemplation. Introspection.
Upright Meaning: Hermit’s repose. Rest after war. Banishment. Relaxation of anxiety, release
from suffering. There will soon be a change for the better. Not a card of death.
Reversed Meaning: Renewed activity; qualified success. Movement in one’s affairs; social unrest. A caution
to be wise, circumspect, and economical.
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Five of Swords
The five of swords indicates conflict between loved ones over differing perspectives. You may feel guilty for engaging with them, or have suffered a blow to your relationship because of it. Decide whether or not “winning” the argument is worth losing them in your life. If it is not, feel free to simply let it go and move on.
Traits of the 5 of Swords
Five of Swords ~ Fighting. Aggression.
Arguments. Bullying. Under attack.
Resentment. Slander. Defeated. Poor
communication. Hostility. Dispute. Negative
environment.
Upright Meaning: Failure, defeat. Degradation. Conquest of others. Unfairness, slander, cruelty,
cowardliness.
Reversed Meaning: Beware of pride. There is a chance of loss or defeat. Attendance at a funeral. Empty
victory. Sorrow. Weakness.
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Six of Swords
The appearance of this card indicates the start of a journey. You are likely about to leave behind something familiar and move forward into the unknown, which is scary and will likely cause you to grieve what you have left behind. However, you will need to learn to let it go and move on if you are going to recover.
Traits of the 6 of Swords
Navigating through obstacles.
Relief from stress. Healing. Moving on. Travel
over water. Respite from psychological
suffering. Getting away from chaos. Transition.
Upright Meaning: The future will he better. Success after anxieties. Journey to a new home, by water. Sending someone to represent you in an undertaking. Also a journey in consciousness.
Reversed Meaning: You will stay where you are. No immediate way out of present difficulties. Unfavorable issue of a lawsuit or other undertaking.
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Seven of Swords
This card usually indicates trickery or deception, either in a positive or negative way. You may have used cunning or manipulation to get what you want, or someone may have used it on you. It also may mean that you will need to use non-conventional means to meet your goals. Whatever the case, be wary of sneakiness when you see this card.
Traits of the 7 of Swords
Deception. Manipulation.
Dishonest. Trickery. Plan of action. Gathering
information. Hidden. Stealth behaviour.
Sneaky. Cheating. Escape plan. Laying low.
Upright Meaning: A plan that may fail. An unwise attempt to make away with what is not yours.
Unstable effort. Arguments over plans. Spying on another. Partial success.
Reversed Meaning: Possibility of unexpected good. Sound advice. Instruction. Wishes about to be fulfilled.
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Eight of Swords
You feel trapped in a certain situation (whatever that may mean for you), and you’ve not become caught in a cycle of overthinking things to the point where you feel utterly helpless. Change your thought patterns to be more positive, and you’ll soon see that there is a way out.
Traits of the 8 of Swords
Anxiety. Triggers. Victim
of abuse. Psychological suffering. Feeling
trapped. Confusion. Mental health issues. Self sabotage. Bound by illusions.
Upright Meaning: Narrow or restricted surroundings. Bondage. Imprisonment through indecision.
Betrayal. Fear to move out of a situation. Temporary sickness.
Reversed Meaning: New beginnings now possible. Impulsive, generous nature. Relaxation from fear.
Freedom.
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Nine of Swords
This card indicates that you are over-worrying and over-analyzing the situation at hand. And, unfortunately, if you continue down this path, you are likely going to manifest these fears into reality. Just like with the eight of swords, begin replacing all your anxious thoughts with positive ones and imagine yourself surrounded in a protective, golden light.
Traits of the 9 of Swords
Worry. Anxiety. Fears.
Guilt. Insomnia. Oppression. Feeling burdened.
Painful memories. Nightmares. Cluttered mind.
Overwhelmed by emotions. Regret. Obsessive
thoughts.
Upright Meaning: Suffering, loss, misery. Burden, oppression. Doubt and desolation. Illness.
May mean death of a loved one.
Reversed Meaning: Patience, unselfishness. Time brings healing. Tomorrow is another day.
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Ten of Swords
This card marks a deep and painful loss, whether that be death, the ending of a relationship, or the loss of something else dear to you. Fortunately, this is the worst it’s going to get in this situation, and if you pick yourself up and move forward, the situation can only improve from here.
Traits of the 10 of Swords
Attacked. Betrayed. Rock
bottom. Slander. Lies. Sacrificing yourself.
Feeling unappreciated and used. Painful ending.
Relapse. Turning point. Release from suffering.
Upright Meaning: Though the Nine of Swords showed despair, the meaning here is even more serious. Ruin of plans and projects. Defeat in war. Disruption of home life. Tears will fall. Trouble will come in spite of riches and high position. Not a card of violent death. A suggestion to give charity freely to those in trouble.
Reversed Meaning: Overthrow of evil forces. Some success and profit. Courage to rise again. In spiritual matters, looking to higher powers for help.
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Page of Swords
You have the energy – and support from the Universe – to pursue whatever your talents and passions lie. This is a great time to start a new project, particularly if it has something to do with communication (as the swords suit relates to communication).
Traits of the Page of Swords
Truthseeker. Rebellious.
Curious. Perceptive. Investigating. Observant.
Spy. Vigilant. Asking questions. Painful truth.
Research. Challenge. Defensive. Deception.
Upright Meaning: A young person who might be a page in the diplomatic or government service.
He or she already has great understanding and knows how to use diplomacy.
This card can also mean a message and certain types of spying, as well as grace and dexterity.
Reversed Meaning: Impostor, likely to be exposed. Frivolity and cunning. Possibility of ill health. Be
prepared for the unexpected.
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Knight of Swords
This knight is highly motivated and dedicated to his passions. The fear of hurdles and of making mistakes doesn’t intimidate you at all. Keep pushing forward with an aggressive drive, and don’t sit back and wait for success to come to you.
Traits of the Knight of Swords
Truth teller. Critical.
Defending the truth. Rebellion. Revolution.
Debate. Attack. Flying off the handle.
Impetuous. Opposition. Outburst. Speed.
Drama.
Upright Meaning: A dashing, brave young man. Though he may be domineering, he has a clean
heart and is full of courage. The card may also mean the coming or going of misfortune.
Reversed Meaning: Extravagance. Given to braggadocio. Tyranny over the helpless, be it man or animal. A person always ready to start a fight. Destruction may come about through the knight’s activities.
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Queen of Swords
The appearance of this card indicates that you are quick-witted and rational, embodying the essence of the suit of swords. You are quick to see and speak truth without softening it, viewing emotions as a barrier to overcome.
Traits of the Queen of Swords
Authentic. Independent.
Direct. Honest. Blunt. Intelligent.
Communicator. Writer. Sharp mind. Scorned
woman. Harsh words. Mean. Vindictive.
Upright Meaning: A subtle, keen, and quick-witted woman who may represent a widow or one who is unable to bear children. Perhaps she is mourning for those she loves who are far away from her.
This card may mean widowhood, mourning, privation. Kindness but also firmness. Keen
observation. Gracefulness; fondness for dancing.
Reversed Meaning: Unreliability. Narrow-mindedness. Gossip. Deceit, Malice. A woman of artifice and prudery.
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King of Swords
You have mastered the suit of swords’ ability to see truth and speak with deep authority. Others trust your opinions and judgment and it is your responsibility to lead them righteously. You may worry about not being empathetic enough, but right now, you need to leave your emotions behind and focus entirely on your head.
Traits of the King of Swords
Well educated.
Intelligent. Assertive. Articulate. Logical.
Authoritative. Aloof. Legalities. Law.
Controlling. Lacks empathy. Oppressive.
Domineering.
Upright Meaning: This is a man who may be a lawyer, a judge, a general, or a governor. He
gives wise counsel, is firm in enmity as well as in friendship. A man of many ideas, thoughts, and
designs.
The card may also mean power, strength, authority, or military intelligence.
Reversed Meaning: Distrustful, suspicious. Also harsh and malicious. Plotting, barbarity, power for
disruption, are revealed.
Conclusion
The suit of swords is related to intellect, cognition, and logical thinking. It is connected to the air astrological signs, and embodies similar characteristics. Suit of swords cards typically deal with reasoning, cunning, and sometimes heavy loss. As a sword is double-edged, and can both create and destroy, so is the suit of swords card.
Ace | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | Eight | Nine | Ten | Page | Knight | Queen | King
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Read the other 4 suits of the Minor Arcana Tarot Cards:
The Suite of Wands,
The Suite of Cups,
The Suite of Swords,
The Suite of Pentacles
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The Astrologist and Numerologist
Ivanna completed her studies in astrology and is proficient in numerology, tarot, reiki, and crystal therapy, Ivanna is an official Numerologist helping people with spiritual awareness, meditation & yoga. Ivanna has publications in several magazines, for helping individuals discover their true selves.