Four of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

Four of Swords Keywords

Rest, relax, recuperate, breathe, reflect, self-care, solitude, peace, retreat, respite

Four of Swords Numerology

4

Four of Swords Astrology Zodiac

Air: Libra

Four of Swords Tarot Suit

Minor Arcana, Suit of Swords

Journal Prompts for Four of Swords Tarot Card

– What can I do to focus on/promote relaxation and rest at this time?

– How can I shift my energy into a more peaceful, mindful state?

Four of Swords Card Meaning

The Four of Swords is traditionally depicted with male figure (a knight, without armor) laying at rest, upon his tomb. The knight and his tomb are colored to appear almost shaded. Goldenrod and black tones create an air of peace and respite. His hands are folded in a prayer position; his sword is next to him, along the side of his stony crypt. There are three additional swords mounted (pointing downward) on the wall to his right. In the upper left-hand corner is a vibrant and colorful stained glass window. The image in the window is of a parishioner (likely the resting knight), kneeling before a priest, to receive his rites.

*Based on the Rider Waite Tarot Deck

Four of Swords Upright

“Rest” is almost always the first word associated with the Four of Swords upright, when it appears in a tarot reading. This card represents an energy of respite, of collecting oneself after a potentially difficult period (keeping in mind that the Three of Swords precedes it). This is a time to focus on a reset or a re-calibration of sorts. 

The upright Four of Swords encourages you to take a pause, a moment to breathe and to symbolically take a load off. Everyone needs time to gather themselves and/or their energy. Now is not the time to worry yourself, especially over things that are beyond your control. If anything, it is more than likely that you have already been spinning your wheels, trying to figure something out. Therefore, you are probably best served by letting go of what you cannot control, if only just for now. Additionally, this card may appear as a sign that the circumstances that you are dealing with may very well be beyond your control.

Whether you are inquiring about love, career, family, finances, etc, in a tarot card reading, this card could also be an indication that you would benefit from taking a breather, especially if you have been concerned about something/someone. Do your best to deal with whatever needs to be dealt with as calmly as you can. Try not to stress out over possible details or outcomes spinning through your mind. The Four of Swords is likely a sign that any areas of concern will most likely end up blowing over when all is said and done. 

If there have been any disagreements among romantic partners, friends, family, co-workers, etc, seeing this card is a positive sign that there will eventually be a peaceful resolution of some kind. Do not push or try to force anything right now as you and/or others may need a moment to heal, recover, etc. It is recommended that you temporarily walk away and return to address the situation when things have calmed down.

A retreat may be needed, especially if you have been pushed to the point of burnout. If you are in a relationship, seeing the Four of Swords may be a sign that you and your partner could use a vacation. Time away to mindfully rest and recuperate could be just what you both need, especially if one or both of you are feeling out of balance. Breathe, allow and remember, this moment of pause is temporary.

When it comes to work, similarly, this card may be your sign that it is time for a short break. Do not hesitate to request and/or simply take the time that you need to rest. For example, taking a day or two off now will refuel and recharge your energy so that you will feel better when you get back into the swing of things.

Four of Swords Reversed

Struggle and/or feelings of unrest may be plaguing you if the reversed Four of Swords has appeared in your reading. If this card is reversed, you may even be running through the same thoughts over and over again. You may be overly focused and/or fixated on something/someone. 

The reversed Four of Swords, suggests that you could be worrying about things (people, places, situations, etc) that are beyond your control. If you do have control over anything, you probably are not able to see things clearly. Consider whether or not you are focusing too much time, energy, attention, etc on thoughts about something/someone unnecessarily. 

If you are struggling, do your best to slow down and take a breath–especially if you are or have been experiencing anxiety, stress, etc. The Four of Swords reversed appears as a sign that you may not be addressing things from a grounded perspective. It is possible that you are getting caught up in your thoughts and could be losing sight of what is necessary. 

You might be feeling drained, unmotivated, etc if this card has appeared in reverse. It may be that, you could use a vacation but simply are not able to. You may be ignoring the fact that you need to rest. Remember, your body needs time to regenerate, heal and recover–do not push yourself to the point of exhaustion and/or burnout. This is a good time to notice if you are and/or have so that you can make the necessary adjustments. 

Additionally, there may be an opportunity presenting itself that you are not taking action upon. Make sure that you are not taking a person, place, situation, etc for granted by being too ‘relaxed’ or lackadaisical about it. You may be missing out on something by being too distracted and/or calm when it comes to reacting.

Spirit may also be trying to get your attention if the Four of Swords appears reversed. If you have been holding space for an opportunity or manifestation, this card could be trying to get you to notice something/someone right in front of you. If you are already aware of this opportunity, do not take this sign for granted. This could also mean that the chance has already passed. 

If the Four of Swords in reverse appears around matters regarding love, it could indicate that you and/or your partner may be withdrawing in some way. It is possible that you and/or they are keeping certain thoughts and/or feelings to yourself/themselves. While it does not necessarily mean that there is deception, cheating, etc, it does suggest that you should be willing to at least initiate communication, if not encourage a supportive and helpful conversation. Try to be as forthcoming and open with your partner as you can. Give your partner the space to open up and come to you in their own time, especially if you have already tried to approach them.