The Five of Swords Tarot Card Meaning & Combinations

What does The Five of Swords Mean in a Tarot Reading, and what are its combinations?

​Keywords for the Five of Swords Tarot Card (Upright):
Conflict, Defeat, Dishonesty, Betrayal, Hostility, Loss, Resentment.


Keywords for the Five of Swords Tarot Card (Reversed):
Resolution, Reconciliation, Release, Moving on, Learning from Mistakes, Finding Peace.


Image Description and Symbolism:
Depicting a figure holding three swords, while two others lie on the ground, the Five of Swords symbolizes conflict, defeat, and disharmony. It represents the aftermath of a battle or confrontation.

Five of Swords - Rider Waite Version

Upright General Meaning:
Signifying conflict, defeat, and disharmony, the Five of Swords reminds us of the consequences of actions that lead to victory at the expense of others. It encourages finding resolution and peace.


Reversed Meaning:
When reversed, the Five of Swords suggests resolution, reconciliation, and the opportunity to move on from past conflicts. Embrace forgiveness and learn from mistakes to find inner peace.


Zodiac Sign Associated with the Five of Swords:
While not directly associated with a specific zodiac sign, the Five of Swords resonates with signs such as Aries and Scorpio, known for assertiveness, leadership, transformation, and healing.


Aide Memoir:
Picture a person standing proudly with 3 swords in hand, while two others lie on the ground, defeated. This image represents the core meanings of the Five of Swords - a triumph achieved through questionable means and a reminder to consider the consequences of our actions.


Meaning for the Future:
In the future, you may face conflicts or challenges that require resolution. Approach them with integrity, seek understanding, and find peaceful resolutions for harmonious relationships.


Meaning for the Past:
Reflecting on a period of conflict, defeat, or betrayal, the Five of Swords indicates how it has influenced your experiences and possibly led to loss. Gain insights into your present circumstances.


Meaning for Existing Relationships:
In existing relationships, the Five of Swords represents conflict, disharmony, or resentment. Prioritize open and honest communication, resolution, and rebuilding trust and understanding.


Meaning for Raising Children:
Teach children the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully. Encourage open communication, empathy, forgiveness, and peaceful resolutions.


Meaning for Romance if Single:
Approach romantic connections with caution, considering potential conflicts. Focus on personal growth, self-reflection, and attracting healthier relationships based on respect and understanding.


Meaning on Where to Go to Find Love:
Seek environments promoting open communication, understanding, and conflict resolution. Engage in activities fostering personal growth, empathy, and peaceful interactions to attract harmonious relationships.


Advice on Dress Sense:
Dress in a way that reflects integrity and peace, choosing clothing that makes you feel confident and respectful. Embrace styles conveying harmony and authenticity.


Advice Regarding Worries about Your Appearance:
Release worries about appearance, focusing on inner qualities. Embrace self-acceptance and self-worth, recognizing true beauty comes from integrity and authenticity.


Love Feelings – How Someone Sees You:
Seen through the lens of the Five of Swords, others may perceive you as someone who has faced conflicts and challenges, recognizing the need for resolution and peace. Your strength and willingness to find harmony are admired.


Meaning for Reconciliation with an Ex:
Reconciliation may require honest communication and resolution of past conflicts. Consider whether it is in both parties' best interest. Find inner peace and forgiveness before considering a reunion.


Meaning for Mending Broken Relationships:
Mend broken relationships through open communication, understanding, empathy, and forgiveness. Rebuild trust and find resolution with mutual effort and willingness.


Meaning for Career:
In a career context, the Five of Swords signifies conflicts or power struggles. Seek resolution through open
communication and understanding, choosing peaceful solutions maintaining harmony and integrity.


Meaning for Business Owners:
Resolve conflicts within the workplace by fostering open communication, understanding, and conflict resolution. Emphasize teamwork, cooperation, and a harmonious work environment.


Meaning for Finance:
Be cautious in financial matters, avoiding conflicts or dishonesty. Seek fair and honest dealings, considering long-term consequences. Maintain integrity and avoid situations leading to loss or resentment.


Meaning for Health:
Address conflicts or stress impacting well-being. Seek resolution, practice stress-management techniques, and find healthy outlets for emotions. Maintain emotional and mental balance for overall health.


Meaning for Spirituality:
Explore conflicts and disharmony within your spiritual journey. Seek resolution, release resentments, and find peace within. Embrace forgiveness, empathy, and inner growth.


Actions to Take:
Seek open communication, understanding, empathy, release resentments, and practice self-reflection and personal growth. Maintain integrity and authenticity in interactions.


The Five of Swords as a Person:
Represents someone who has experienced conflicts or challenges, possesses resilience, determination, and emotional scars. Cautious in forming relationships, they value integrity and peaceful resolutions.


The Five of Swords as Feelings:
Signifies feelings of conflict, defeat, or resentment. Seek resolution, healing, and understanding to find inner peace.


The Five of Swords and Your Pet:
Signifies the need to address conflicts or disharmony between you and your pet. Foster understanding, patience, and peaceful resolutions for a harmonious relationship.


The Five of Swords from a Feminist's Point of View:
Recognizes conflicts and power imbalances within relationships. Emphasizes seeking resolution, open communication, and mutual respect. Encourages women to reclaim power and find peace within.


A Non-Serious Fun Meaning:
Reminds not to engage in unnecessary conflicts or battles. Find humor in challenging situations and approach conflicts lightheartedly.


The Five of Swords Tarot, Yes or No?
The Five of Swords does not provide a straightforward yes or no answer. Its focus is on conflicts, resolutions, and finding peace. Interpretation depends on the context and specific question asked.