Five of Swords
Affirmation
Even as I care for myself, I am mindful of the needs of others.
Symbolic Attributes
- Element:
- Arcana:Minor Arcana
- Suit:Swords
- Archetype:
- Numerology:5 (The Catalyst: instability, resistance, confrontation)
- Hebrew Alphabet:
Keywords
Description
A disdainful man looks after two retreating and dejected figures. Their swords lie upon the ground. He carries two others on his left shoulder, and a third sword is in his right hand, point to earth. He is the master in possession of the field.
Light Meaning
- Acting in your own best interest
- Choosing to stand up for yourself
- Not backing down from disagreement and discord
- Taking a stand
- Refusing to go along with an unethical plan
- Knowing when to bend the rules
Shadow Meaning
- Taking advantage of others
- Intimidating others
- Acting in an unethical manner
- Picking fights
- Using words to goad others into violence and irrationality
- Ignoring rules you've agreed to abide by
- Looking out for yourself while allowing harm to come to others
- Gloating over victory
Questions to Ask Yourself
- •How do I behave when I win? What does that say about me?
- •How can I do what's necessary without making others feel defeated?
- •What's the difference between selfish action and acting in my own best interest?
Personal Meaning
Hostilities and fighting over self-interests. Recognize the cost of our battles. Avoid a breakdown in integrity and honour. It might be best to cut your losses and walk away, for as long as you stay engaged, the battle will rage on and on.
Hostilities and fighting over self-interests. Recognizing the cost of our battles. Avoiding a breakdown in integrity and honour. Cutting losses and walk away.
Hostilities and fighting over self-interests. Recognize the cost of our battles. Avoid a breakdown in integrity and honour. It might be best to cut your losses and walk away, for as long as you stay engaged, the battle will rage on and on.
Personal Reversed Meaning
It might be best to stand up for your own interests. Don't be worn down by others' demands, or are allow others to walk all over you. If this becomes the case, you might need to engage in a little conflict in order for your situation to change. Be careful, however, not to fight dirty, for if you lose your integrity, your victory will be hollow.
Not standing up for your own interests. Perhaps you were worn down by others' demands, or were allowing others to walk all over you.
It might be best at this time to stand up for your own interests. Perhaps you are being worn down by others' demands, or are allowing others to walk all over you. If this is the case, it might be time to engage in a little conflict in order for your situation to change. Be careful, however, not to fight dirty, for if you lose your integrity, your victory will be hollow.
Fortune Telling
- •Someone is stealing from you, financially or romantically
- •Be wary of friends who talk behind your back
How to Interpret This Card in a Reading
A guide to deepening your understanding of Tarot symbolism.
Context is Key
No Tarot card exists in a vacuum. While the meanings above provide a foundation, the true significance of this card depends on where it lands in your spread. Is it in the past position, indicating a phase you are moving away from? Or is it in the outcome position, suggesting a potential future? Always consider the neighboring cards — they often tell a story that modifies or amplifies the message.
Trust Your Intuition
Traditional meanings are the starting point, but your intuition is the compass. When you look at the card imagery, what draws your eye first? A specific color, a symbol, or a facial expression might trigger a personal memory or feeling. That immediate reaction is often the most relevant message for your current situation, even if it differs from the standard definition.
Understanding Reversals
If this card appears reversed (upside down), don't fear it. Reversals often suggest an internalizing of the card's energy, a delay, or a need to revisit the lesson before moving forward. It can also indicate that the "shadow" aspects described above are currently more active, inviting you to bring them into the light for healing.
Connecting with the Element
Remember the suit this card belongs to. Wands speak to passion and action (Fire). Cups dive into emotions and relationships (Water). Swords navigate the mind and conflicts (Air). Pentacles ground us in the material world and resources (Earth). The Major Arcana represents larger life themes and soul lessons. Filtering the card's meaning through its elemental lens will give you a grounded, practical way to apply its wisdom to your life.