The Five of Swords in Tarot
The Five of Swords is a card of conflicts and tensions, showing some duality in the figure.
Visual description of the card:
The Five of Swords presents a young person with a look of disdain on their face, gazing at their conquered enemies. They hold five swords, most of which they’ve taken from the other people in the scene.
Two other figures are seen walking away slowly, with a sense of sadness and loss. One of them seems injured or perhaps crying.
But it’s also possible that there was no real battle, and the others are simply retreating, surrendering because the fight wasn’t worth the energy. The person is left with an empty victory.
The sky is cloudy and turbulent, signaling that not everything is fine even though the battle seems to be over.
The Five of Swords Upright:
General meaning:
General meaning: The Five of Swords clearly shows your involvement in tense situations, conflicts, and friction where there’s no agreement with others.
After these hostilities, you might think you’ve won the battle, but this needs to be seen from different angles.
Maybe they just let you win, or your victory might turn you into the real loser in the end, as the other participants may have fled, been hurt, and distanced themselves from you, leaving you in isolation.
It’s the typical situation where you want to mend things later, but others no longer trust you or your words or actions.
The Five of Swords can represent a situation where you’re up against everyone, a bit like “you versus the world”, resulting in the loss of important connections along the way. If that’s the case, you need to evaluate how significant this fight is and if it’s worth the cost of so many losses along the way.
However, the Five of Swords is also a card open to many interpretations. It could indicate that by being aggressive, you’ll achieve your goals despite the challenges you face. On the contrary, if you take a passive stance and walk away like the men retreating in the card, you may give up everything.
It also suggests that even when you fight and face battles, there will always be another obstacle ahead, another conflict, another disagreement with others’ opinions or desires.
There’s a lot of negative ambition in this card. If your ambition outweighs your values, you might become someone ruthless, trying to win at any cost, justifying the means without considering the consequences this could bring not only to others but also to yourself.
Whether you are the victorious, insensitive figure in the card or the defeated ones walking away, the general idea is negative and one of loss for everyone. It’s a false victory.
When you only pursue your objectives without considering the price, you may later discover that the victory wasn’t worth it, and your arrogance and pride could backfire. You must also remember that even after winning a tough battle, you’re not invincible, and eventually, someone stronger than you will come along and defeat you.
One thing to keep in mind is that if your triumph has been through deceit, lies, and unethical behavior, there may be repercussions and revenge from those who were defeated.
In a reading, the Five of Swords may show something unpleasant: there may be a painful betrayal from one or more trusted individuals from whom you would never expect a stab in the back. This could be a corrupt partner, someone jealous or envious of you and your life, or perhaps a partner being unfaithful.
This is not conclusive with this card alone; other cards in the spread must support or deny such an event.
Regardless, the card suggests that you should still be cautious at this time and carefully consider whom you trust, as you might be under direct attacks or gossip happening behind your back.
In its most negative aspect, instead of a victory, the Five of Swords can signal the side of defeat. Perhaps you fought with all your might and were still defeated. This shouldn’t fill you with despair or resentment. Often, there’s much to learn from defeat, and you can use these lost battles to gain wisdom and insight for future actions.
A final consideration of the card could indicate that sometimes there’s no gain from fighting, or that all you achieve is a hollow, empty victory, where no one truly won or lost.
In this way, the Five of Swords teaches you to choose your battles wisely. Not every fight is worth engaging in. Sometimes the true victory lies in walking away. You can’t go around fighting everything, whether to prove you’re right or as a defense mechanism when attacked.
Sometimes, stepping back or staying out of the conflict is much more positive and brings more benefits than jumping into the fray. Therefore, choose carefully which battles make sense and which do not.
In matters of love:
The Five of Swords, unfortunately, points to unavoidable conflicts. In the worst-case scenario, there could be betrayals or infidelity, but generally, it indicates that there are disagreements on fundamental issues for peaceful coexistence.
First, you must accept reality as it is, without lying to yourself. Each person must express their truths and reasons while acknowledging the flaws and mistakes that prevent the relationship from moving forward.
If you’re single and looking for a relationship, this may not be the best time. You could fall victim to betrayals or find no understanding at all with potential partners.
In the workplace:
The Five of Swords points to conflicts and tensions, but primarily it suggests that you might be your own worst enemy. You’re trying to go against everyone or the system, but just because you want it, things won’t change. Therefore, figure out which battles are worth fighting and which aren’t.
There could be unfair situations at work, possibly even unethical behavior. You must remain incorruptible and do your best work.
If you’re looking for a job, prepare to face tough competition. You can win, of course, so try to focus on areas where you have the most expertise or knowledge to gain an edge in the fight for the position.
Regarding money and finances:
The Five of Swords points to fierce competition in your field or industry. There could also be conflicts with employees or partners, and there’s a possibility that your trust could be betrayed.
Money should be handled cautiously right now. Save, avoid unnecessary expenses, and sell or get rid of things you don’t need. You can still come out victorious in any of these situations, just make sure the fight is worth it.
In terms of health:
The Five of Swords indicates that you’re under significant stress due to the combative nature of the situation. You need to calm down and be kind to yourself. Express your reasons and feelings carefully.
Avoid keeping the anger, resentment, frustration, or sadness inside that this situation causes you. Be mindful of potential injuries or accidents involving sharp objects.
When it comes to spirituality:
The Five of Swords warns you that even if you find your fundamental answers, they are yours alone, serving only you. You shouldn’t go around trying to convert others or force them to think like you.
It might also be a time when your beliefs are breaking down, as you discover they no longer work for you. Take the time and space to find new answers and new ways of understanding how things work.
The Five of Swords Reversed:
General meaning:
General meaning: The Five of Swords, like all fives in the deck, shows its most favorable side when it appears reversed in a reading.
In this reversed position, it suggests you’ve realized that conflict and fighting need to be overcome.
You know that no one is going to win this battle, and it’s best to focus on forgiveness, compassion, and creating peace rather than continuing to fight in vain.
You’re doing this to grow, to be your best self, and now you’re finally ready to put the matter or existing struggles behind you, moving forward once again.
You’re open to change, more willing to find agreements and take a fresh approach where there were previously only clashes and obstacles.
In some way, everyone is laying down their arms, but mainly you, as you understand that negotiating will be more advantageous for the situation and everyone involved.
Thus, The Five of Swords suggests that this is an excellent time to resolve conflicts and old disputes, make agreements, and make peace with those with whom you’ve been at odds.
From another perspective, The Five of Swords may point to a situation that still haunts you. For example, conflicts you thought were over and done with may still crop up in your life now and then to bother you, even though you’ve long since moved on.
This could be, for instance, an ex who hasn’t been able to resolve things like you have and continues to cling to the conflict, preventing you from moving forward and seeking a new relationship. If that’s the case, you should avoid these people and situations as much as possible.
In such cases, The Five of Swords shows that old wounds are reopened, bringing past issues back to complicate your present. Naturally, this can cause you to worry or fear reliving those old issues and being hurt again. But above all, you must work on forgiving and forgetting rather than living in fear.
If there are unresolved resentments or issues with past situations or people, you should focus and work on them. Carrying these burdens is an extra weight on your journey forward.
Finally, The Five of Swords reminds you that you can’t please everyone, and sometimes you shouldn’t pay too much attention to the opinions or views of others.
You’re never going to make everyone happy; that’s a fact. Some people may get upset or distance themselves from you, especially if they feel your decisions directly affect them. This is collateral damage, an almost inevitable cost that you’ll have to accept.
Your life is yours alone, and if others aren’t happy, that’s their problem. The first issue is that they’re upset, and the second is that they’ll need to deal with it and move on. It’s as simple as that.
In matters of love:
The Five of Swords can warn you that while having a conciliatory, peace-making attitude is good and positive, you should ask yourself if you’re sacrificing some happiness just to keep up appearances. Do you want to be what others expect, or do you want to be happy?
If you’re seeking love, your choices or decisions may surprise others, and they might not agree. Well, they’ll have to accept it. Your life is your life.
Regarding work:
The Five of Swords reversed suggests that while conflicts may still exist in your job, you’re taking a different, more conciliatory approach that allows you to resolve matters or at least buy more time for them to be settled.
There’s also the possibility of a radical change in job or career. You’re not sure if this will be the right move, but it certainly creates tensions and opposing views, especially with your family. If you believe you’re doing the right thing, follow your instincts, even if others don’t understand or think differently.
In terms of finances and money:
The Five of Swords shows that conflicts that may have existed are evolving favorably or have completely ceased. There’s understanding and common ground when it comes to money, business, or investments, if that’s the case.
You and others admit mistakes and shortcomings, setting egos aside to find a common solution that benefits everyone. It’s a favorable time for money since you’re addressing problems rather than opposing or avoiding them.
In matters of health:
The Five of Swords tells you that for proper healing, both emotionally and physically, you must forgive yourself in order to forgive others. Now that conflicts have subsided, you need to work on this forgiveness to relieve the stress that has likely been manifesting physically as illness or discomfort.
Regarding spirituality:
The Five of Swords suggests that you need to strengthen yourself internally. This is a time for personal decisions that others may not like, but you must understand that your emotional well-being comes first, and they’ll need to accept your changes and decisions.
Take time to rest and reflect on these changes, and learn how to tolerate others’ opposition, or forgive them if they’ve been upset or disappointed with you.
