Five of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

Five of Swords Keywords

Defeat, conflict, argument(s), regret, hostile, aggressive, rebellious, discord, remorse

Five of Swords Numerology

5

Five of Swords Astrology Zodiac

Air: Aquarius

Five of Swords Tarot Suit

Minor Arcana, Suit of Swords

Journal Prompts for Five of Swords Tarot Card

– How is my perspective (especially if negative) affecting or being affected by the current situation?

– What can I do to manage any hostilities or negative attitudes (and shift toward peaceful resolution)?

Five of Swords Card Meaning

Dark gray clouds with a craggy-like appearance are scattered above an ocean, setting the background scene of the Five of Swords. A gust of wind blows past a red-haired male figure wearing red and green garments. He is holding two swords upright, leaning them against his left shoulder. He is grabbing the handle of a third sword with the tip of the blade resting on the ground (which the viewer cannot see). Two other swords are laying down to either side of him. 

Two masculine figures can be seen with their backs turned toward the red-head male. They appear to be walking away with an air of defeat about them. The man holding the swords seems to have won a battle and has an aggressive look of satisfaction on his face.

*Based on the Rider Waite Tarot Deck

Five of Swords Upright

The energy of the upright Five of Swords can be quite “cutting”, bringing with it a very conflicting attitude and/or mindset. The Five of Swords can describe intense arguments and/or disagreements. It may even be said that those described by this card often have a “win at any cost” type of mentality.

If this card has appeared in your tarot reading, you may want to consider the kind of energy you are projecting toward others. It may benefit you to at least consider how your words and/or actions affect others. You may not be thinking of the bigger picture or the long-term impact of how you go about managing disagreements. Conversely, this card could be describing someone whom you are dealing with. If so, give yourself space to breathe, allowing for any tensions to calm down. 

The Five of Swords upright is not a favorable card to receive, especially if your inquiry is about a love-relationship. At minimum, this card indicates that you and/or your partner are not seeing things from a shared perspective. There may be competitive or even suspicious energies coming through, creating tension and/or strain on the relationship. Consider how you and your partner are communicating with each other. This card would indicate that one or both of you may be unkind, thoughtless and/or harsh with words. You and/or your partner could be feeling defeated or even verbally abused by the other.

When it comes to career or work-related matters, the Five of Swords may be a negative omen. One or more individuals could be experiencing conflict, if not creating it. There may be disagreements arising. Whether different opinions are being expressed out loud or not, it is highly likely that the negative energy is being felt by others. Someone could be acting in a very passive-aggressive manner, disrupting the harmony of the work place.

Money matters are likely stressful at this time if the Five of Swords has appeared. You may feel like you need to take drastic measures or even do something out of character in regards to making and/or saving money. Additionally, if you tend to be giving and/or generous with your money and/or resources, be careful about lending right now. You may not be in a position to share or help out as you might like to. Also, whoever you are thinking of helping may not be able to pay you back; that or they may not actually follow through in the end. On the other hand, you may be dealing with someone who secretly intends to take more from you than they are willing/able to give back.

Five of Swords Reversed

The reversed Five of Swords can be a sign that any form of conflict and/or tension is lifting and/or lightening up. It can also be an indication that you have the upper hand in what may be a very straining situation or struggle. This card in the reversed position may reveal various meanings; including recovery, relief and/or the desire for such alleviation after some form of struggle. 

You may be ready to bring a disagreement to an end, especially in a more peaceful manner. If you have been experiencing any internal/mental difficulties, the Five of Swords in reverse would indicate that you are finally starting to see things from a clearer perspective. If you have been experiencing a negative mindset, breathe a sigh of relief that any straining inner dialogue is and will be ending. Additionally, you are ready to let go and move forward and onward toward better times.

In relationships, the Five of Swords reversed may indicate that you and your partner have reached some form of resolution after a straining time. Any underhandedness or even secret-keeping has been or will be exposed. This will allow truthful conversations and hopefully, healing exchanges to come through in a more peaceful manner. Disagreements and/or differences can more easily be resolved with both partners being willing to work things out. If your relationship has been on the verge of a break-up, seeing the reversed Five of Swords may mean one of two things: One, you are both ready to work on reconciliation; or two, you are both ready to amicably and peacefully end the relationship.

Your work-environment will see a positive shift, especially if you have been dealing with aggressive co-workers, clients, etc. Any personality clashes, arguments and/or negative attitudes should be shifting and moving toward resolution. Discussions are neutral if not friendly and all parties are willing to smooth things over. 

Where finances are concerned, you should be seeing any strain around money manners turning toward the better. The reversed Five of Swords in a tarot card reading would also indicate that your relationship with money and your perspective about lack vs abundance is improving. Disputes around money and/or what is owed to you will also be coming to an end in a favorable way. It is also possible that anyone who has tried to avoid paying you back, especially if it has been longstanding, will either be returning what it owed if not held responsible for the debt. Generally speaking, your money woes/concerns will be ending.