Five of Swords Card Meanings

Five of Swords Tarot Card Meaning: Explore the symbolism and guidance of the Five of Swords card. Understand its messages of conflict, loss, and the path to healing and growth.

About Five of Swords Card

Life throwing you curveballs? It is not surprising that the Five of Swords Tarot card often gives a reflection of such conditions. Though the first look can be overwhelming, this card is especially insightful – in moments when one has to deal with conflict, loss or betrayal. So, let’s take a closer look into some of its mysteries and invaluable advice, which will not only help you to withstand these trials, but to grow as a person after them.

Whether it is a break-up, loss of a job or a feeling of being overwhelmed by a situation, the five of swords show that it is time to confront the problem you are facing. It is a reminder that in life, the experience of pain may remain unavoidable. It allows you to let go of negativity, forgive one’s self and others and find inner peace while in a storm. Now, let us find out of Five of Swords Tarot card is beneficial for you to find out how it can help to transform the situation and move forward.

  • Upright Keywords: Conflict, defeat, betrayal, loss, surrender
  • Reversed Keywords: Reconciliation, forgiveness, acceptance, moving on, healing
  • Life Situations: Breakups, job loss, arguments, feeling victimized, overcoming challenges
  • Positive Attributes: Resilience, learning from mistakes, letting go, finding inner strength
  • Negative Attributes: Holding grudges, bitterness, victim mentality, self-sabotage

Five of Swords Tarot Card Description

The Five of Swords is one of the cards that really makes us hit the brakes in our tracks. Picture this: empty plains, dark clouds, and a man departing, triumphant but sad, holding three swords while two others are left behind on the earth. This imagery speaks volumes about the card’s core themes: vulnerability, loss, and even a story of defeat. It is a picture of a time when he has engaged in a fight, even emerged victorious, but not without paying a steep price.

This makes it appear that the figure is triumphant in some way, but the manner in which he stands shows that he has not completed something in the best way. While they may have acquired what they desired, this scene’s gloom implies a significant depletion. The discarded swords symbolize what was sacrificed along the way: friends, comfortable feelings, some shares of the property, or a body part. It is a rude awakening, that even when you are the victor, war is not for the faint-hearted.

The Five of Swords may depict external conflict, which can be actualized as arguments, break-ups or even job losses. It can also represent internal conflict, like fighting depression or overcoming abuse in a relationship. This card is a mirror to many things which hurt and make confusion in our lives.

Upright Five of Swords General Meaning 

When the Five of Swords is in the upright position, it implies occasions that involve confrontation, loss or even a defeat. It may imply that you are in the process of experiencing such a period of your life when everything seems to be too much to handle, or maybe you are feeling betrayed or even like a victim. You might be feeling the bitter effect of a quarrel you had with someone, separation with a partner, or job loss. It is a card that is an assurance that it is ok not to be ok since everyone goes through this time in their lives.

The Five of Swords also corresponds to ‘the philosophy of winning at all costs,’ this is because the card makes one wonder if the triumph obtained through lying or cheating is worth having. It helps you think through your actions and the likely consequences of the decisions you are about to make. Is there any bitterness or desire for revenge within you? Are you striving too much at the cost of your health? This card is a reminder to reconsider one’s priorities and look for better ways to respond to stressful situations.

When the Five of Swords appears, it may not be comfortable to accept it, but it is crucial to understand that it is a temporary situation. It is a period of trial and transition and does not last forever. Understanding that there was pain in the past, accepting it and moving forward combined with letting go of negativity marks this period as a time of growth.

  • Upright Love Meaning: Breakups, arguments, feeling betrayed or resentful, unhealthy power dynamics, the need to let go of a toxic relationship.
  • Upright Money & Career Meaning: Job loss, financial setbacks, conflicts with colleagues or superiors, feeling undervalued or unappreciated, unfair competition.
  • Upright Health Meaning: Stress-related illnesses, exhaustion, burnout, the need to prioritize self-care and set boundaries.
  • Upright Spirituality Meaning: Feeling disconnected from your inner self, questioning your beliefs, experiencing a dark night of the soul, the need for forgiveness and self-compassion.

❤️ Upright Five of Swords Meaning in Love & Relationships

The five of swords is an indication of relationship strain, rivalry or plain betrayal if appears in a love tarot reading. It can symbolise a relationship that is more like war than a safe space. There could be conflicts such as frequent arguing, struggle for leadership or general conflict or tension present in your relationships. It may also be the case that you have bitterness with some people that you have not resolved and as a result, these affect you negatively.

It can also mean that the existing relationship no longer benefits the subjects involved in a partnership. In this case, it is about time that something that causes more pain than joy be released from your life. Don’t forget that deciding that “no” means “no” and moving away from a toxic environment is actually one of the strongest decisions you can make for yourself. It may also mean that you are yet to recover from a past break-up and are very careful in choosing your next partner because of the scars left back. 

💸 Upright Five of Swords Meaning in Money & Career

When it comes to the area of your job or your money, Five of Swords means: Get ready for the turbulence or obstacles. It could indicate conflict with co-workers, trouble in searching for a job, or even money loss. It may seem that the situation is never the other way around, where you have two steps forward and one step backward. It can also identify general feelings of being underpaid or unappreciated in your workplace setting.

It must be always emphasized that Five of Swords may signify internal conflicts as well. You might be facing such issues as self-doubts, imposter syndrome or fear of failure. These internal turfs could easily derail your effort and potential.

Five of Swords offers you to ponder on what your current course of action in life is. Can you claim that you are in the right job or career that you want and you are passionate about? Are you putting your health at risk for the sake of a better job? It indicates that you should take inventory of your goals to build a lifestyle that supports healthy and productive working life.

💚 Upright Five of Swords Meaning in Health

If the Five of Swords comes up during health Tarot interpretation then it simply serves as a reminder of taking better care of the self. It can mean that stress, conflict, or past traumas are affecting your physical and mental well-being at the current time. This may cause stress related symptoms such as fatigue, headache or extreme tiredness. Perhaps, you are not eating well, not getting enough rest, overworking yourself or have some unresolved issues that are negatively affecting you.

The message written on this particular card is aimed at reminding you of the importance of health in the lives of people. It helps you motivate yourself towards getting enough sleep, leisure and other activities which are beneficial to body, mind and spirit. One can possibly work on such stress busting techniques like yoga, or meditation, or even going for a nature walk. If you’re experiencing depression or some grief and the traumatic events that have occurred in the past, it’s highly beneficial to get help from a therapist or a counselor.

🔮 Upright Five of Swords Meaning in Spirituality

This tarot card shows a time of confusion or even doubt in your faith. Sometimes it may be interpreted to mean that you are struggling to find answers to some of the burnt questions in life, identity or existence, faith etc. You might experience the lack of spiritual connection, struggle with the questions that have no answers. For this card, it is also possible to say that it symbolizes patterns of behavior which are connected with previous traumatic experiences.

Even though such a period often proves to be problematic, it also opens up a chance for spiritual change. The Five of Swords prepares you for facing some darkness, so make a place for new ways of doing things.

Reversed Five of Swords General Meaning 

As the Five of Swords is reversed, it indicates that you are willing to accept reconciliation and move forward. It implies that you are exiting a phase in life that has been full of conflict, loss or betrayal. It may be difficult to stand on your own feet right now, but you’re slowly starting to make your way. This is a period of forgiveness, of letting go of resentment towards self and others, and of gradual rebuilding of one’s sense of order, of serenity, and worth.

It can also signify that your struggles are teaching you important lessons about achieving success. You are actively perceiving repeating behaviors in your life that do not benefit you and are actively deciding to change this. It is a period of development or metamorphosis where you rise from the ashes a new and better person.

The inverted Five of Swords tells you to focus on forgiveness and empathy, including towards yourself and others. Hatred and resentment only affect the person carrying them in the long run. Letting go is a positive action that makes room for reclaiming and building a better life.

  • Reversed Love Meaning: Reconciliation, forgiveness, healing past wounds, rebuilding trust, moving on from a toxic relationship, finding healthier connections.
  • Reversed Money & Career Meaning: Resolving conflicts at work, overcoming setbacks, regaining confidence, finding new opportunities, improved financial stability.
  • Reversed Health Meaning: Recovery from illness or injury, improved mental and emotional well-being, adopting healthier habits, prioritizing self-care.
  • Reversed Spirituality Meaning: Reconnecting with your inner self, finding peace and forgiveness, deepening your spiritual practice, experiencing renewed faith and hope.

❤️ Reversed Five of Swords Meaning in Love & Relationships

In a love reading, the reversed Five of Swords carries messages of forgiveness and coming back together. It implies that no hard feelings, the time for apologies and mending relationships is here and this new year is aimed at building better relationships. If you encountered a break up or period of conflict, this card points to an opportunity to get back together and make things right.

It is a time of love, and if one is in a relationship, then it is time to leave behind any grudge or a bitter past and work on your relationship. Effective communication will be important in addressing any pending matters and developing an even healthier relationship.

If you’re single, the reversed Five of Swords suggests that it is high time to let go of any ill-feelings that you may harbor against a former partner. It’s a symbol of a new chapter in your life when you are willing to find a new hope in love and get back into relationships.

💸 Reversed Five of Swords Meaning in Money & Career 

Turning to the Five of Swords, in the area of career and finances, this reversed card is a sign of change for the better. Especially if you have been facing some challenges such as setbacks, conflicts or financial problems to mention but a few, this should be an indication that things are actually turning around for the better. You may resolve some issues at the workplace, come across new career openings, or get results that you have been waiting on your investments.

It is also a time to come clean and change because it is never too early or too late to admit that wrong has been done. Maybe there are some ideas or tactics you were using earlier that are not effective anymore in today’s world. The reversed Five of Swords suggests that it is time to break free from these restrictions and look at things in a new way.

This card also refreshes your memory on the fact that success is not all about the money but also choosing the right job you do. If you were unhappy in your previous job, this could be a sign to look for more meaningful ways to structure your work and life.

💚 Reversed Five of Swords Meaning in Health

Reversing Five of Swords is more appropriate in the context of health as it conveys the period of healing and restoration. This reversal is especially significant if you’ve been unwell, injured, or have been feeling overtired recently as it signals recovery . This is the time to pay attention to cues, how your body feels, and start the process of physical and energy recovery.

This card also notes that any psychological or mental tension that may be present should also be checked since it may lead to worsening of physical symptoms or conditions. It challenges you to move on from resentment, accept the imperfections of you and others, and learn the techniques to cope with pressures and fear.

It is important to know that healing is not a final destination but rather a process. The reversed Five of Swords appears to be saying to speak kindly to yourself and acknowledge the progress you are making regardless of how slow it may be. It is just the right time to focus on your health and start practicing those things that are going to make you a happy and healthy person.

🔮 Reversed Five of Swords Meaning in Spirituality

As a minor arcana card, the reversed Five of Swords represents an opportunity to recover, spiritual and emotionally. If you have been struggling with a crisis of faith, if you have perhaps felt lost, or directionless in your spiritual journey, this reversal might indicate that you are getting your bearings once more. This is the time of forgiveness, healing, and understanding of yourself and your body as a wise source of knowledge.

This card also helps you to let go of resentment or any other feelings of being a victim. These negative feelings hinder personal growth and spiritual progress and therefore you can not attain inner happiness. In deciding to forgive and accept, you are placing yourself in a position to find more meaning in life.

The reversed Five of Swords may signify that there are spiritual experiences that one is able to learn from even if they are not comfortable. Such a period is a good time to reassess your progress, synthesize knowledge acquired, and reorganize for a fresh start and better adversities.

Five of Swords in a Yes or No Card Reading

In general, the Five of Swords is a negative tarot card, and when interpreting a simple Yes/No question, it answers with No; the suit symbolizes conflict, loss, or failure, which most often do not lead to a favorable outcome. The situation may be too charged, or the challenges too insurmountable for things to return to normal.

Upright Position

A Five of Swords upright signifies NO in the Yes or No spread; its vibration advises against moving forward with the current strategy as there are likely more disputes and letdowns, in store for you. It’s a time to reflect and possibly re-strategize, or maybe even cut something loose if it is unbeneficial to you in any way.

Reversed Position

The reversed Five of Swords is a little less decisive and points towards a “No”,  but there is a small glimmer of light which gives a ray of hope. It symbolizes reconciliation and therefore suggests that the aspect in question will improve over time. But one must not lose hope or rush for a verdict instead it is wise to address any conflict that may lead to such impasses.

Need a quick answer? Try our Yes or No Tarot Card Reading online and get instant clarity on your questions!

Get a Yes or No Tarot Reading Online for Free

Popular Questions about Five of Swords

What is the core message of the Five of Swords Tarot card?

The Five of Swords primarily signifies conflict, loss, and a sense of defeat. It often points to situations where battles have been fought, perhaps even won, but at a significant cost.

What does the Five of Swords represent in a love reading?

In a love context, the Five of Swords can indicate arguments, breakups, betrayal, or lingering resentment from past hurts.

Can the Five of Swords have a positive meaning?

Yes, especially when reversed. The reversed Five of Swords suggests healing, forgiveness, and moving past conflicts. It can also represent valuable lessons learned from past challenges.

What should I do if I pull the Five of Swords in a Tarot reading?

If you draw the Five of Swords, it’s a call to acknowledge any pain or conflict you’re experiencing. Reflect on your actions and choices, and consider if there’s a need to let go of resentment or change your approach to a situation.

How can I overcome the challenges represented by the Five of Swords?

Overcoming the Five of Swords involves acceptance, forgiveness, and a willingness to learn from difficult experiences. Focus on healing, rebuilding your strength, and moving forward with greater wisdom and resilience.

Want a real tarot reading? Select your star sign!

aries
Aries
21 Mar – 19 Apr
taurus
Taurus
20 Apr – 20 May
Gemini
Gemini
21 May – 20 Jun
Cancer
Cancer
21 Jun – 22 Jul
Leo
Leo
23 Jul – 22 Aug
Virgo
Virgo
23 Aug – 22 Sep
Libra
Libra
21 Sep – 22 Oct
Scorpio
Scorpio
23 Oct – 21 Nov
Sagitarius
Sagitarius
22 Nov – 21 Dec
Capricorn
Capricorn
22 Dec – 19 Jan
Aquarius
Aquarius
20 Jan – 18 Feb
Pisces
Pisces
19 Feb – 20 Mar