The Five of Swords is the fifth Swords card. The meaning is quite well portrayed by the illustration; conflict is on the horizon, and you should prepare for it, though beware, things may not go your way.
The Five of Swords generally represents loss in conflict, low self-esteem and confidence, and general disagreements.
At a glance
The Five of Swords is a Minor Arcana tarot card, and it is typically associated with defeat, loss, and betrayal. It is often depicted as a figure walking away from a battlefield with three swords in hand, while two other swords lie broken on the ground. This card can symbolize the aftermath of a conflict or a situation in which one person has come out victorious at the expense of others.
In a reading, the Five of Swords can indicate that you or someone else is feeling defeated or has suffered a loss. It can also suggest that you are feeling vulnerable or that you are experiencing a sense of defeat or defeatism. This card can indicate that you are experiencing a sense of defeat in an area of your life, whether it be in your personal relationships, career, or something else.
The Five of Swords can also suggest that you are feeling betrayed or that you are involved in a situation in which someone has acted in a way that is untrustworthy or dishonest. This card can indicate that you are feeling hurt or that you have been wronged in some way.
If the Five of Swords appears in a reading, it may be a warning to pay attention to your own feelings and to be aware of any negative emotions that may be impacting your decision-making. It can also suggest that you need to be proactive in addressing any conflicts or challenges that you are facing, rather than simply accepting defeat.
In a reversed position, the Five of Swords can indicate that you are feeling more confident and that you are ready to take control of a situation. It can also suggest that you are ready to move on from a situation that has caused you pain or disappointment.
Overall, the Five of Swords is a card that can indicate a sense of defeat, loss, or betrayal. It can suggest that you are feeling vulnerable or that you are experiencing a sense of defeatism. However, it can also be a warning to be proactive in addressing any conflicts or challenges that you are facing, and to pay attention to your own feelings and emotions. In a reversed position, the card can indicate a sense of confidence and a readiness to take control of a situation.
Card meanings
Past
The Five of Swords in the Past position can represent a past defeat, one which is still affecting your life. Perhaps you think about how you were beaten. Defeat will occur in life. This could be something as clear cut as losing a partner, losing a fight, or losing something else precious to you.
There is a mourning process you’ll need to follow, one that is unique to you. Don’t force things. Eventually you’ll come back around to being your usual self, and be all the stronger for it. There’s no need to keep pretending you’re stronger, faster, or better than you actually are. Work on yourself as much as you can.
Present
You may have recently been defeated in some aspect of life. This could have been because you were overconfident in your own abilities. The Five of Swords in the present position can show that life is being especially tough on you right now.
Someone specifically may become an enemy, and for now it is best to simply avoid them when possible.
Defeat makes us better people, as if we learn from our mistakes, then that weakness if turned into a strength. The Five of Swords does represent defeat, but not wholly. Nobody wins every battle.
Future
Avoid conflicts when you see the Four of Swords in the future position. You’re likely to lose any fight you initiate. While you can’t predict conflict coming your way, you can actively avoid it by walking away.
In the long term, think about what you are aiming for in life. If your future is not planned out, then you might be working towards an unrealistic goal.
Work, careers and education
The Five of Swords can mean bad news in regards to your career or education. It’s possible you just received bad news; maybe in the form of grades or feedback at work. This isn’t the end of the world. If you want to, you can improve. if you don’t want to improve, then that maybe something worth thinking about.
If you don’t feel particularly safe where you currently are, then there will always be alternatives. Maybe you feel completely defeated. If this is the case, then leaving and starting afresh somewhere new may be your best bet.
Love and Relationships
The Five of Swords is a slightly negative card to draw when it comes to love and connections. Perhaps you have been rejected one too many times. If the same person keeps saying no, then maybe it’s time to take the hint.
In a relationship, the Five of Swords can represent the fallout after an argument or conflict of sorts. Give things time, you may both need to think about how to proceed. Where is the relationship heading? Are you both in the same place,with similar goals?
Inner conflict can also occur here.Try not to second guess your partners motives. It’s very likely they are not trying to hurt you. Take things at face value. It might be a tough period, but as the rest of the Five of Swords suggests, this isn’t a cataclysmic event. You can recover if you wish.
Wealth
Expect losses when you see the Five of Swords drawn in regards to money. Now isn’t the time to gamble on anything. It may be too late, however, you may already have lost something, and now you’re working through the pain of dealing with your loss. Let it come and go.
Money is a tricky concept for many of us. In one regard, we need it, in another, we need to recognise how transient it is. Money can be replaced and regained, time however, cannot. Work out where your priorities are.
Health and well-being
The Five of Swords represents the feeling of defeat when it comes to your health. Consider this to be potentially mental or physical damage from which you are recovering.
You may just be coming to terms with your current state in life. It is important not to face big challenges alone.
Other associations
Element: Air
As a Yes or No question: No
Keywords
Defeat and recovery, conflict, battle, disagreement,aggression