Two of Swords
Affirmation
I strive to see all sides of every issue.
Symbolic Attributes
- Element:
- Arcana:Minor Arcana
- Suit:Swords
- Archetype:
- Numerology:2 (The Other: duality, division, debate)
- Hebrew Alphabet:
Keywords
Description
A hoodwinked female figure balances two swords upon her shoulders.
Light Meaning
- Refusing to make a decision without getting the facts
- Exploring both sides of an argument
- Arguing passionately for what you believe in
- Weighing the issues
- Encouraging the open exchange of ideas
- Discussing political or religious issues without getting hot under the collar
Shadow Meaning
- Rejecting evidence that conflicts with dearly-held beliefs
- Arguing with others just for the sake of doing so
- Nit-picking
- Putting off a decision because you're afraid to face the consequences
- Preventing others from getting the information they need to make good decisions
Questions to Ask Yourself
- •What information do I need to get past this impasse?
- •How can I get past being defensive and see the facts?
- •What viewpoints, other than my own, play a role in this situation?
Personal Meaning
Your choices may not look attractive to you, but nevertheless, a choice will have to be made in order to move past a stalemate. Face the truth, make a decision, open yourself up and move forward.
Your choices may not have looked attractive to you, but nevertheless, a choice had to be made in order to move past a stalemate.
Your choices may not look attractive to you, but nevertheless, a choice must be made at this time in order to move past this stalemate. Face the truth, make a decision, open yourself up and move forward.
Personal Reversed Meaning
It will be best for you to delay making decisions of importance for a while. Make sure that you are absolutely clear about your options and your motives before making a move.
You delayed making decisions of importance. You waited until you were sure of your options before making your move.
It might be best for you to delay making decisions of importance at this time. Wait it out for a little while and make sure that you are absolutely clear about your options and your motives before making a move.
Fortune Telling
- •Sometimes, the only way to win is to refuse to fight
- •You're stuck for now; let time pass before taking action
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.