The Five of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
Five swords are scattered in disarray, each pointing in a different direction. The central figure in the scene holds three swords, while two others lie on the ground next to two other figures. The dynamic movement of the swords suggests a fierce battle has taken place, and a truce is currently in effect.
The protagonist in the foreground holds two sword hilts in his left hand, pressed together against his chest with the points upward. His right hand grasps the hilt of another sword, which stands upright with its tip planted on the ground, extending beyond the frame.
This figure stands with legs apart, looking back at those he has defeated, a smug smile on his face. He is dressed in a red garment over a green coat, with orange-red boots on his feet.
The two distant figures with their backs turned are the sword-abandoners, both with their heads bowed and faces covered, seemingly unwilling to face the situation. Their swords have fallen to the ground, conveniently isolating the central figure. The figure on the left wears a green sleeved brown coat with a cloak draped over his right shoulder. The figure on the right is further away, his silhouette more blurred, dressed in a brown garment. All three figures face away from each other, with the two fallen swords separating the victor from the vanquished.
The setting is on the shore by the water, with waves lapping at the shore, suggesting the possibility of defeat leading to a fall into the water. The opposite bank is faintly visible, a distant realm that might offer refuge. The clouds in the sky take on an eerie shape, surrounding the protagonist, much like the serrated pattern of his hair. It is also evident that the wind blows from left to right, aligning with the direction of the protagonist's hair and the 'movement' of the clouds. The sky, clouds, sea, and distant mountains across the shore are all depicted in a bleak, grayish hue, painting a desolate scene.
Swords on the Ground
The swords scattered on the ground symbolize the aftermath of a battle or conflict. They can represent ideas, words, or actions that have caused separation or discord. The scattered swords suggest a lack of unity and a situation where there might be a winner, but at a cost.
Figure Holding Swords
The figure holding three swords while looking back at two other figures indicates a sense of conquest but also isolation. It serves as a warning that victory achieved through dubious means may lead to a hollow, lonely success.
Two Figures Walking Away
The two figures in the background, walking away defeated and forlorn, represent the losing parties. Their bowed heads and defeated posture symbolize the emotional and psychological toll of the conflict. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of engaging in zero-sum confrontations.
Water in the Background
The water represents the emotional context in which this conflict has unfolded. Turbulent waters suggest emotional upheaval and instability, indicating that the battle has emotional underpinnings that may not be fully resolved even after the apparent conclusion of the conflict.
Cloudy Sky
The sky, particularly if it appears cloudy or stormy, symbolizes the mental or intellectual climate surrounding the situation. Like the water, it suggests turbulence, but in this case, it pertains to thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes that have contributed to the conflict.
Keywords
Conflict, Victory at a Cost, Betrayal, Isolation, Tension
General Overview
The Five of Swords represents a situation where there may be a winner, but it is a victory that comes at a substantial price. The card often symbolizes conflict, strife, or betrayal and warns that winning may result in isolation or shallow triumph. It invites us to question the cost of such a victory and whether it will prove Pyrrhic in the end.
The elements of Air in this card evoke thoughts, ideas, and communication, often clouded by human ego or conflict. The intellect is present but may be misused, manipulated for personal gain without consideration for collective wellbeing.
This card advises caution and invites you to reassess the ethics and implications of your actions or those of others around you. It poses a question: Is the fight you’re engaged in worth the price you’re paying, emotionally, morally, or otherwise?
Work
Work Situation
This is a painful job, filled with intense struggles, where you must always be on guard. If you don't take others down, they will take you down.
How to Solve Work Difficulties
At this time, even if you want to maintain a superficial peace, it's impossible. So take extreme measures and charge ahead, even though the final result is likely to be a lose-lose situation.
Workplace Relationships
Your colleagues are all too busy fighting to become friends privately. Even if you want to help others with good intentions, you might be bitten back.
How to Get Along with Your Boss
Your boss often incites fights among colleagues to gain his own maximum benefit. You should learn not to be used by him, rather than dancing to his tune.
Job Prospects
There is little prospect for this job. Even if you exert all your efforts, you still cannot achieve the ideal goal, and you may end up bruised in the process.
Job Hunting/Changing Jobs
You are too proud to set appropriate conditions to find a good job. If you cannot adjust yourself at this time, this situation will continue.
Love
Love Situation
The two of you are now in a fierce argument, and it is a completely unconstructive quarrel. Even if you win on the surface, you will not gain any benefits.
Possibility of New Romance
It is unlikely to have a new romance now. Unless you can change your fighting rooster personality and get along peacefully with others, it is difficult to find someone who can tolerate you.
View on This Relationship
It always feels like the two of you are often in meaningless quarrels, but you can't swallow that breath. Even if you really win the argument, you will still feel empty or lost.
Sexual Attraction
There is not a strong sexual attraction between the two of you. Unharmonious sex life will become an important source of your quarrels, adding fuel to the fire of this relationship.
How to Resolve Arguments
There is really only a quarrel of pride between the two of you, with no substantive content at all. So don't think about solving it with rational methods, only by lowering your posture and pretending to be pitiful.
Possibility of a Breakup
A big quarrel now will be the fastest way to break up. Although this may leave a bad impression and reputation, a peaceful breakup is impossible.
Possibility of Reconciliation
The two of you have completely torn each other's faces. Reconciliation is impossible, so it is safer to stay away, so as not to quarrel again after meeting.
Friendship
Interpersonal Situation
You sometimes instigate discord among friends, causing everyone to be unable to trust each other. You not only get no benefits but also leave some negative impressions.
How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends
At this time, don't be too self-righteous, but consider the other party's situation and position. If you only look at the problem subjectively, it is easy to offend people without realizing it.
Family
Family Situation
Now the family may quarrel over very unimportant things, and there may even be violent situations. At this time, everyone should step back and calm down.
Relationship with Elders
Your elders are often too domineering, leading to some unnecessary conflicts between you. If you can't help but confront him, it may become a very tense relationship.
Relationship with Peers
Quarrels often occur among peers, and even if someone wins the argument, they gain no benefits. Therefore, there is no affection between each other, and they cannot cooperate in anything.
Relationship with Juniors
You have a bad temper with juniors. If something doesn't suit you, you will severely teach him. As a result, he is particularly afraid of you, and the relationship between the two of you will be more distant.
Academics
Academic Situation
You are very proud of your performance in academics, and it is easy to win awards in competitions. However, these are just temporary benefits, and the foundation is not solid.
Learning Methods
The current learning situation can only rely on your own hard study, and no one can help you. As long as you quickly read the key points first, the rest can be dealt with later.
Relationship with Teachers
It is a teacher who is both subjective and strict, and often loses his temper with students. So it's best not to violate his taboos, otherwise, you can't eat it.
Relationship with Classmates
Your relationship with classmates is not good, and some people will secretly report to the teacher, so classmates cannot trust each other and cannot help each other in learning.
Finance
Financial Situation
You have serious problems in finance, and you may even go bankrupt or leave a bad credit record. You should handle it carefully instead of ignoring it.
Investment Situation
There has been a major loss in investment, and no matter how hard you work, there will be no improvement. At this time, it is not suitable to make any new investments, especially to avoid partnerships with others.
Purchasing Strategy
It is not suitable to make purchases at this time, otherwise, serious consumer disputes will occur. Although you can get some compensation, the time and energy spent are not worth it.
Keywords
Reconciliation, Forgiveness, Moving Past Conflict, Averting Disaster, Learning from Mistakes
General Overview
When the Five of Swords is reversed, it suggests a period of reflection and reconsideration following a time of conflict or strife. This is a phase where you or those around you are more open to extending an olive branch, signifying a desire to resolve issues and move beyond petty quarrels. It also indicates learning from past mistakes and trying to avoid similar pitfalls in the future.
Unlike its upright position, which often warns of a Pyrrhic victory, the reversed card suggests that the emotional or moral cost of past conflicts is recognized, and steps are being taken for reconciliation. The situation is not completely healed but is in a process of healing.
It serves as a reminder that it’s not too late to make amends or change course. Accepting one’s own part in conflicts and learning from them is a sign of maturity and spiritual growth.
Work
Work Situation
You are encountering severe setbacks in your work, to the point where your reputation may be tarnished and you might find it hard to stay. No matter how hard you try, it's difficult to turn the tide.
How to Solve Work Difficulties
You should first calm down and assess the situation properly, instead of acting impulsively, as competing for a short-term win will not benefit you and may even cost you more.
Workplace Relationships
In this job, you cannot find friends and are constantly suppressed by other colleagues. Even if you want to work hard, others often deliberately do not cooperate with you.
How to Get Along with Your Boss
Your boss is arrogant and overly confident, and when problems arise, they will blame their subordinates, completely sacrificing their interests. It would be best to leave their jurisdiction as soon as possible.
Job Prospects
The future development of this job is very unfavorable to you, as you have already left a bad impression on everyone here, and it will be very difficult to turn things around, no matter how hard you try.
Job Hunting/Changing Jobs
This is a very unfavorable time for you to look for a job, and it is unlikely that you will find a good one. If you are not careful and find a job, it will also be a hard and thankless task.
Love
Love Situation
You are at a disadvantage in this relationship, and everything is at the mercy of your partner. You have no ability to fight back, so you become weak and powerless.
Possibility of New Romance
It is completely impossible to have a new love now. Even if you meet someone you like, you will definitely be rejected, so don't trouble yourself at this time.
View on This Relationship
You feel frustrated in this relationship, as if no matter what you do, it's always your fault, and you have no way to refute your partner. You want to end it but feel powerless.
Sexual Attraction
There is no sexual attraction in this relationship, and sex has become a tool for the struggle between two people, so it is difficult for both of you to have a satisfactory sex life.
How to Resolve Arguments
There is really no way except to surrender. Arguing further will not yield any results, and you will not be able to persuade your partner, so don't waste your energy.
Possibility of a Breakup
If you are no longer interested in this relationship, just let go and the relationship will naturally end! There is no need to negotiate or argue with your partner, as it is just a waste of effort.
Possibility of Reconciliation
This relationship has completely failed and has no redeeming qualities. Reconciling would be a disaster for you, and you must not let this happen.
Friendship
Interpersonal Situation
You are afraid of conflicts with others in interpersonal relationships and lack your own opinions, so you are often bullied by others but don't know how to fight back.
How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends
If you are wrong, you should apologize and don't argue with the other party out of stubbornness. You might feel good at the moment, but it will lead to more problems later on.
Family
Family Situation
There is a major crisis happening at home now, which no one can handle alone. At this time, you should first calm down and face it rationally and calmly.
Relationship with Elders
Basically, the elders control everything about you and have a significant impact on you. You have no will or ability to resist, and you can only accept their demands.
Relationship with Peers
You are a relatively quiet person among your peers and are often bullied by others. Sometimes you harbor resentment, but there is no practical solution.
Relationship with Juniors
You feel that you have spent a lot of time disciplining juniors, but you can never meet your standards, and they often go against you, and you have no way to deal with them.
Academics
Academic Situation
Your performance in academics is very poor now, or you have encountered a significant setback in exams. You should pick up your emotions and start over, and don't be knocked down.
Learning Methods
Don't be defeated by a sense of failure. Believe that you can learn, and as long as you start from the beginning and work hard slowly, your grades will gradually improve.
Relationship with Teachers
Now it seems that the teacher is particularly focused on you, so it's better to be honest recently. Even if you don't have a particularly good performance, at least don't be the last one.
Relationship with Classmates
You actually don't like to participate in classmates' social activities because you often feel wronged. You should spend more time studying and not care too much about interpersonal relationships.
Finance
Financial Situation
Your financial situation is very bad, and the problem is no longer something you can handle alone. Declaring bankruptcy is one of the options in desperate situations.
Investment Situation
Your investment has completely failed now, and you may lose all your money. Now, whatever you can get back is considered a windfall, so don't fantasize about making a profit again.
Purchasing Strategy
This time is very unfavorable for your purchases, and you still won't get good results after a lot of effort. It's better to take a break and reconsider after a while.