Minor Arcana · Swords
Five of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
- defeat
- betrayal
- conflict
- hollow victory
Five of Swords upright
The Five of Swords is a win with a bitter aftertaste. Ask whether being right was worth what it cost. Sometimes the best move in a sharp conflict is the one that leaves the sword on the ground.
Five of Swords reversed
Reversed, the Five of Swords hints at reconciliation possible or a fight abandoned before it had to be won. Lay down the blade. You can be right or you can be in relationship.
How to read Five of Swords
Five of Swords belongs to the suit of Swords. The suit of air: thoughts, truth, decisions and conflict.
Fives bring conflict, loss or a change that shakes things up.
Upright, let its keywords guide the reading: defeat, betrayal, conflict, and hollow victory.
Reversed, the same themes are usually blocked, delayed or turned inward. Read the reversed meaning above with that in mind.
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