The Four of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
The central figure in the scene is lying flat, with a straight body and extended legs, suggesting a state of sleep, rest, or unconsciousness, indicating a cessation of consciousness and thought. It can also be interpreted as prayer, as the figure's hands are clasped together and raised to the chest.
The protruding stained-glass window in the upper left corner reveals that the setting is a church, and the figure is a knight, currently lying on top of a coffin, which originally symbolizes death (being in a church is an occasion of death).
Three swords are above the figure, and another horizontal sword is beneath. The wall above the figure's upper body divides a square space where the three swords seem to hang, with their points downward towards the figure's head, neck, and chest, indicating the presence of danger threatening the person. The sword under the bed also represents hidden worries and the root cause of the figure's downfall. The three swords also symbolize the subconscious state, temporarily sealed, escaping through sleep but still needing to face it upon waking. The sword under the bed (inside the coffin), lying parallel to the body, represents a state of pause and concealment.
The body is colorless and yellowish, and the color of the bed (coffin) is not much different. The walls and the hanging swords are in shades of gray.
However, the colorful window in the upper left corner stands out in stark contrast, becoming a very eye-catching comparison. This church window is an installation art, representing the window to the soul, a colorful world, and also indicating the figure's other dreams and hopes. The stained-glass window features two people, a woman on the left and a kneeling child on the right, which can be compared to the image of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child.
Reclining Knight
The central figure of a knight in a horizontal position represents rest, solitude, and a period of respite. The armor suggests that this rest is not an abandonment of responsibilities, but rather a needed pause for rejuvenation.
Swords
There are four swords in the card. One sword under the reclining figure symbolizes the power of rational thought and mental clarity. The other three swords, usually depicted hanging on the wall or pointed downwards, signify the temporary pause of conflict and strife.
Stained Glass Window
The stained glass window typically found in this card illustrates spiritual aspects, indicating that the rest is not merely physical but also spiritual. It serves as a reminder that time apart can serve to deepen one’s spiritual understanding.
Tomb or Altar
The knight is often shown reclining on a tomb or an altar, indicating that this rest can be a deeply transformative experience, like a metaphorical death leading to rebirth.
Cushion or Pillow
The cushion or pillow under the knight’s head provides comfort and signifies the importance of mental ease during a period of respite. The presence of a cushion in a scene of solitude and retreat indicates that the time apart is not punitive but restorative.
Position of the Hands
The knight’s hands are often shown in a position that suggests prayer or meditation, underscoring the importance of mental and spiritual relaxation and focus. This pose is indicative of inner work and contemplation, which are necessary aspects of any meaningful rest or retreat. It suggests that one’s period of respite is as much about mental and spiritual rejuvenation as it is about physical rest.
Keywords
Rest, Retreat, Contemplation, Rejuvenation, Preparation
General Overview
The Four of Swords symbolizes a period of rest and recuperation, often following a time of challenge or upheaval. The image of the knight in peaceful repose suggests withdrawal from the world for a span to regather one’s strength, both mentally and physically. Think of it as a sanctuary for the soul, where one may meditate and reflect upon the experiences that have brought them to this juncture.
While the card may seem passive at first glance, this is a proactive form of rest, one that is consciously chosen to regenerate and realign. The aim is not merely to escape the turmoil but to prepare for future endeavors. Hence, the importance of the sword positioned beneath the knight, reminding us that action will be necessary once the period of rest concludes.
In essence, this card tells us to honor our needs for retreat and reflection, to withdraw temporarily from the busy or challenging aspects of life and focus on our inner world for rejuvenation and clarity.
Work
Work Situation
Currently in this job, you have temporarily gained a chance to catch your breath and can relax a bit, but there are still many challenges waiting for you to solve in the future.
How to Solve Work Difficulties
Now is the time to step back from conflicts or busy storms and think about what should be done, but this is not a good time to take action.
Workplace Relationships
In this job, everyone works independently, and there is not much interaction on a daily basis. Although this can lead to feelings of loneliness, at least the colleagues are harmless.
How to Get Along with Your Boss
Basically, your boss does not like to be disturbed, so unless it's important, it's best not to bother him. If you can handle things on your own, he will appreciate it.
Job Prospects
The future of this job still holds many challenges, but for now, you can take a break and decide whether to charge forward again based on what happens next.
Job Hunting/Changing Jobs
It's better to stay still than to move now. It's best to rest fully before looking for a job, and you might find an even better one.
Love
Love Situation
After an argument, the two of you have returned to calm, but it could also be the calm before the storm. Now is the time to think about the next steps for this relationship.
Possibility of New Romance
A new romance is unlikely to happen now. Instead, it's a time for you to be alone and rest. Once you've had enough rest, you will naturally find a new partner.
View on This Relationship
You have thought a lot about this relationship and often consider the future of the two of you, but there are still no answers, and there won't be any major decisions for now.
Sexual Attraction
There is not a strong sexual attraction in this relationship, which may lead to a lack of sexual activity, and it could become a neglected part of your relationship.
How to Resolve Arguments
The arguments have temporarily stopped, but the issues are not that easy to solve. It's best to think about it for a while longer before finding an opportunity to resolve them.
Possibility of a Breakup
If you two want to break up now, the best method is to avoid meeting each other. If you can make it so that the other person cannot find you, then your relationship will naturally end.
Possibility of Reconciliation
There is still a chance for reconciliation between the two of you, but it definitely won't be now. Maybe after giving each other more time to think, there will be a final answer.
Friendship
Interpersonal Situation
You basically have few friends, and even good friends don't contact each other often. You are already used to being alone and don't think it's a bad thing.
How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends
It's best for both parties to isolate themselves now and calmly think about things. If you are eager to solve the problem now, it may make the relationship worse.
Family
Family Situation
The family has emerged from a chaotic situation, and it's time to rest and recover. There should be no major actions at this time, let everyone recover well.
Relationship with Elders
Sometimes elders are used to putting pressure on you, but you can also live freely. Sometimes you feel a bit distant from each other, but there won't be any conflicts.
Relationship with Peers
Basically, peers do their own thing and don't care about each other's affairs. If someone wants to ask for your help, you might even deliberately hide.
Relationship with Juniors
You adopt a laissez-faire attitude towards juniors, sometimes even to the point of letting them fend for themselves. Even if serious things happen, you won't be particularly nervous.
Academics
Academic Situation
Your performance in studies is average, but you don't have much fighting spirit and aren't studying hard. Maybe you need more rest to recover.
Learning Methods
At this time, you should focus on reflection and thinking and stop cramming in too many new things, otherwise, you might have indigestion and it could have a negative impact.
Relationship with Teachers
Basically, teachers won't bother you, so you need to be proactive. If you have any questions and want to ask him, you usually won't get a satisfactory answer.
Relationship with Classmates
You don't like to go out with classmates recently and prefer to be alone. You can use this time to think or improve your shortcomings.
Finance
Financial Situation
Your financial situation has entered a stable state, but there is still a need for some detailed adjustments. At this time, you can think about your next strategy.
Investment Situation
You should not make any investments now, and if there are ongoing investments, it's best to end them first. After settling how much money you have, you can start again after a while.
Purchasing Strategy
It's not suitable to make most purchases at this time. The real need is rest, so only products related to health or leisure vacations can be considered.
Keywords
Restlessness, Impatience, Stagnation, Forced Activity, Premature Action
General Overview
In the reversed position, the Four of Swords suggests a state of unrest or impatience, contrasting with its upright meaning of peaceful respite. Here, the restful pause may have gone on for too long, leading to stagnation, or perhaps there’s a sense of being rushed back into action before adequate rest and preparation have been completed.
This card reversed may caution against making hasty decisions or taking premature actions. On the flip side, if you’ve been in a state of extended pause, it may indicate that it’s time to end the period of rest and re-enter the fray. The challenge lies in discerning whether you are acting hastily or if it’s genuinely time to move on.
The essence of the reversed Four of Swords is a reminder not to forsake wisdom for speed. Though action may be called for, it should be carefully considered and well-timed.
Work
Work Situation
There are many potential crises in this job that should be carefully prevented from happening. Even if it appears to be relaxed on the surface, it's actually tense underneath.
How to Solve Work Difficulties
At this time, it should be handled with caution and prudence. More importantly, preventive measures should be well in place to avoid the same problems from happening again in order to solve the issues comprehensively.
Workplace Relationships
Everyone in this job follows a certain plan, so there is not much need for mutual support, making it difficult to cultivate deep friendships among colleagues.
How to Get Along with Your Boss
Your boss is very cautious and careful, and he plans and takes care of his subordinates well. On the surface, it seems like laissez-faire management, but in reality, everything is under his control.
Job Prospects
The prospects for this job are not very clear at the moment, and there may be new transfers. So at this time, it's better to stay still rather than act, and wait until the situation becomes clear.
Job Hunting/Changing Jobs
When looking for a job now, be very careful and act low-key to avoid unnecessary trouble. Also, assume various situations that might occur and think about how to deal with them.
Love
Love Situation
The relationship between the two is very calm, but it may also be a bit indifferent. Both parties do not want to provoke any conflicts now, so they will try every means to prevent quarrels.
Possibility of New Romance
It is not likely to have a new love now. Even if someone takes the initiative to pursue you, you won't be interested. You need to take the initiative to pursue to find a new partner.
View on This Relationship
This relationship is currently developing steadily, and various issues have been effectively controlled. Although the two people do not have strong affection, they also won't be confrontational.
Sexual Attraction
There is not a strong sexual attraction in this relationship, but there may still be regular sexual life. So both parties may not be satisfied, but they can still accept it.
How to Resolve Arguments
The problem has already emerged, so it should be dealt with in time before the conflict expands to prevent serious quarrels, otherwise it will be difficult to resolve.
Possibility of a Breakup
Now is a good time to propose a breakup. You can tell the other party that both need a rest and want to be apart for a while, then the relationship is over.
Possibility of Reconciliation
The two people can no longer reconcile, but there may still be some words that have not been said. As long as you explain everything clearly, this relationship will completely end.
Friendship
Interpersonal Situation
Actually, you don't have many friends, but each one is a carefully selected confidant. Even if you haven't contacted each other for a long time, your feelings will not change.
How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends
Actually, the other party doesn't want to provoke a conflict, but you often unconsciously stimulate the other party. You need to pay more attention to your own words and deeds, and don't blame the other party for the problem.
Family
Family Situation
There may be elderly or seriously ill family members who need to be taken care of by others. Everyone should share the responsibility and take turns to be responsible. If it is handled by one person, he will be exhausted.
Relationship with Elders
You often make various demands on the elders, but he always has ways to deal with you. Basically, the care he gives you is very good, so the relationship is also good.
Relationship with Peers
Among peers, there is not much intersection, but there is a clear division of labor. Because everyone can do their own job, there will be no conflicts.
Relationship with Juniors
Basically, you are very careful about the affairs of juniors and will strive to provide them with a peaceful and safe growth environment. But sometimes you may overprotect them because of your own laziness.
Academics
Academic Situation
You want to take a break in your studies, but it is impossible to achieve. Your current academic performance is not satisfactory and has not yet reached your full potential.
Learning Methods
At this time, in addition to dealing with the current situation, it is more important to find time to preview before class. But first, you need to overcome
Relationship with Teachers
It is a teacher who is very good at managing students and pays great attention to the management of the class. However, he doesn't like comparing between classes, so the performance in the class is more important.
Relationship with Classmates
You prefer static activities, so you will become good friends with quieter people. This will help your studies a bit, but it will also be a bit dull.
Finance
Financial Situation
Your financial situation still has a lot to deal with, so it's time to put your plans into practice. You should be more frugal in your expenses.
Investment Situation
Now you can readjust your investment situation, but it's still not suitable to make new investments. If you don't have enough energy, it's okay to put it aside for now.
Purchasing Strategy
It's better not to make purchases at this time. Saving money is the correct choice. Maybe after considering for a while, you will make a wiser decision.