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.

'The Five of Swords' Tarot Combinations

Combining two Tarot cards can offer nuanced interpretations that blend the energies and meanings of the individual cards. Here are the combined meanings for each pair of cards that include 'Five of Swords' tarot card:

Here are interpretations for the combination of the Five of Swords, representing conflict, adversity, or defeat, with each of the Major Arcana cards:

Five of Swords and The Fool: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) aligning with new beginnings, innocence, or spontaneity (The Fool), suggesting the aftermath of conflict might lead to a fresh start or a naive approach to handling difficulties.
Five of Swords and The Magician: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) coupled with manifestation, power, or resourcefulness (The Magician), indicating the need to navigate conflicts with resourcefulness or to transform challenges into opportunities.
Five of Swords and The High Priestess: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) in connection with intuition, mystery, or hidden knowledge (The High Priestess), suggesting inner conflicts or seeking hidden truths amidst adversities.
Five of Swords and The Empress: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) combined with nurturing, abundance, or creativity (The Empress), indicating conflicts that affect nurturing or creative aspects or finding resolution through nurturing approaches.
Five of Swords and The Emperor: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) alongside authority, structure, or control (The Emperor), indicating conflicts related to authority figures or struggles for control and stability.
Five of Swords and The Hierophant: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) in connection with tradition, guidance, or institutions (The Hierophant), suggesting conflicts related to traditional beliefs or seeking guidance amidst adversities.
Five of Swords and The Lovers: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) combined with choices, relationships, or harmony (The Lovers), indicating conflicts or challenges within relationships or decision-making processes.
Five of Swords and The Chariot: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) alongside determination, control, or success (The Chariot), suggesting conflicts that require determined action or overcoming obstacles to achieve success.
Five of Swords and Strength: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) in connection with inner strength, courage, or resilience (Strength), suggesting the need to face conflicts with inner strength or to find resilience amidst adversities.
Five of Swords and The Hermit: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) aligned with introspection, solitude, or guidance (The Hermit), indicating conflicts that lead to introspection or seeking guidance for resolution.
Five of Swords and Wheel of Fortune: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) in connection with fate, change, or cycles (Wheel of Fortune), indicating conflicts that are part of larger cycles or changes.
Five of Swords and Justice: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) aligned with fairness, balance, or consequences (Justice), indicating conflicts related to justice or seeking fairness amidst adversities.
Five of Swords and The Hanged Man: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) in connection with suspension, sacrifice, or surrender (The Hanged Man), suggesting conflicts that require surrender or a different perspective for resolution.
Five of Swords and Death: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) aligned with transformation, endings, or change (Death), indicating conflicts leading to significant transformations or necessary endings.
Five of Swords and Temperance: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) alongside balance, patience, or moderation (Temperance), suggesting conflicts that require patience or finding a balanced approach for resolution.
Five of Swords and The Devil: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) combined with bondage, temptation, or materialism (The Devil), indicating conflicts rooted in temptation or material desires.
Five of Swords and The Tower: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) in connection with upheaval, sudden change, or revelation (The Tower), suggesting conflicts leading to sudden and disruptive changes or revelations.
Five of Swords and The Star: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) alongside hope, healing, or inspiration (The Star), indicating conflicts that pave the way for healing or bring hope amidst difficulties.
Five of Swords and The Moon: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) in connection with illusion, intuition, or subconscious (The Moon), suggesting conflicts that involve emotional complexities or hidden factors.
Five of Swords and The Sun: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) aligned with joy, success, or optimism (The Sun), indicating conflicts that eventually lead to joy or success after overcoming difficulties.
Five of Swords and Judgment: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) in connection with rebirth, awakening, or redemption (Judgment), suggesting conflicts that lead to a profound awakening or call for self-reflection.
Five of Swords and The World: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) aligned with completion, fulfillment, or achievement (The World), indicating conflicts that lead to closure or significant achievements after overcoming challenges.

Here are interpretations for the combination of the Five of Swords, representing conflict, with each of the Wands cards:

Five of Swords and Ace of Wands: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) combined with creative potential, inspiration, or new beginnings (Ace of Wands), suggesting conflicts that may hinder or challenge new creative or passionate ventures.
Five of Swords and Two of Wands: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) alongside planning, future outlook, or personal power (Two of Wands), indicating conflicts that hinder future plans or challenge personal aspirations.
Five of Swords and Three of Wands: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) in connection with expansion, foresight, or exploration (Three of Wands), suggesting conflicts related to future endeavors or exploring new horizons.
Five of Swords and Four of Wands: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) combined with celebration, stability, or harmony (Four of Wands), indicating conflicts that disrupt celebrations or challenge stability in relationships or home life.
Five of Swords and Five of Wands: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) alongside competition, strife, or differences (Five of Wands), indicating conflicts arising from competitive situations or conflicting interests.
Five of Swords and Six of Wands: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) in connection with victory, recognition, or success (Six of Wands), suggesting conflicts despite achievements or challenges related to recognition.
Five of Swords and Seven of Wands: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) combined with defense, perseverance, or protection (Seven of Wands), indicating conflicts that require defending one's position or facing multiple challenges.
Five of Swords and Eight of Wands: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) alongside swift movement, progress, or communication (Eight of Wands), suggesting conflicts that arise suddenly or affect rapid progress.
Five of Swords and Nine of Wands: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) in connection with resilience, perseverance, or boundaries (Nine of Wands), indicating conflicts that test one's resilience or challenge established boundaries.
Five of Swords and Ten of Wands: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) combined with burdens, overextension, or responsibilities (Ten of Wands), indicating conflicts adding to existing burdens or overwhelming responsibilities.
Five of Swords and Page of Wands: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) in connection with youthful energy, exploration, or starting something new (Page of Wands), suggesting conflicts that hinder or challenge new endeavors or youthful enthusiasm.
Five of Swords and Knight of Wands: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) alongside action, impulsiveness, or adventurous spirit (Knight of Wands), indicating conflicts related to impulsive actions or challenges in pursuing adventures.
Five of Swords and Queen of Wands: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) combined with passion, leadership, or determination (Queen of Wands), indicating conflicts that challenge leadership qualities or passionate endeavors.
Five of Swords and King of Wands: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) in connection with charismatic leadership, vision, or boldness (King of Wands), suggesting conflicts related to assertive leadership or challenging bold decisions.

Here are interpretations for the combination of the Five of Swords, representing conflict or adversity, with each of the Cups cards:

Five of Swords and Ace of Cups: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) combined with emotional new beginnings, love, or compassion (Ace of Cups), suggesting conflicts that hinder emotional fulfillment or disrupt new emotional starts.
Five of Swords and Two of Cups: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) in connection with partnerships, unity, or relationships (Two of Cups), indicating conflicts within partnerships or challenges in maintaining harmony.
Five of Swords and Three of Cups: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) alongside celebration, friendship, or joy (Three of Cups), suggesting conflicts that disrupt celebrations or challenge social harmony.
Five of Swords and Four of Cups: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) combined with apathy, contemplation, or dissatisfaction (Four of Cups), indicating conflicts leading to emotional dissatisfaction or introspective periods.
Five of Swords and Five of Cups: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) alongside loss, regret, or disappointment (Five of Cups), indicating conflicts leading to emotional disappointment or regretful situations.
Five of Swords and Six of Cups: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) in connection with nostalgia, innocence, or childhood (Six of Cups), suggesting conflicts related to past memories or challenges with innocence.
Five of Swords and Seven of Cups: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) combined with illusion, choices, or fantasy (Seven of Cups), indicating conflicts arising from unclear choices or illusions.
Five of Swords and Eight of Cups: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) alongside emotional withdrawal, seeking more, or moving on (Eight of Cups), suggesting conflicts leading to the need for emotional withdrawal or seeking better situations.
Five of Swords and Nine of Cups: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) in connection with emotional fulfillment, contentment, or wishes (Nine of Cups), indicating conflicts related to emotional satisfaction or fulfillment of desires.
Five of Swords and Ten of Cups: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) combined with emotional fulfillment, harmony, or family (Ten of Cups), indicating conflicts within family or challenges in achieving emotional harmony.
Five of Swords and Page of Cups: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) in connection with youthful emotions, creative potential, or new feelings (Page of Cups), suggesting conflicts affecting new emotional experiences or creative endeavors.
Five of Swords and Knight of Cups: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) alongside romantic ideals, charm, or emotional pursuit (Knight of Cups), indicating conflicts related to romantic pursuits or challenges in emotional expression.
Five of Swords and Queen of Cups: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) combined with compassion, empathy, or emotional stability (Queen of Cups), indicating conflicts affecting emotional stability or challenges in expressing empathy.
Five of Swords and King of Cups: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) in connection with emotional maturity, control, or compassion (King of Cups), suggesting conflicts involving emotional control or challenges faced by emotionally mature individuals.

Here's the combined interpretation for the Five of Swords, representing conflict or adversity, with each of the Swords cards:

Five of Swords and Ace of Swords: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) combined with mental clarity, truth, or new ideas (Ace of Swords), indicating conflicts leading to new insights or the need for clear communication.
Five of Swords and Two of Swords: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) in connection with decisions, choices, or stalemate (Two of Swords), suggesting conflicts related to difficult decisions or mental stalemates.
Five of Swords and Three of Swords: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) alongside heartbreak, sorrow, or pain (Three of Swords), indicating conflicts that lead to emotional pain or heartache.
Five of Swords and Four of Swords: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) combined with rest, contemplation, or healing (Four of Swords), suggesting conflicts leading to the need for mental rest or recovery.
Five of Swords and Six of Swords: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) in connection with transition, moving on, or progress (Six of Swords), suggesting conflicts leading to the need for transition or moving away from adversity.
Five of Swords and Seven of Swords: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) combined with deceit, sneakiness, or betrayal (Seven of Swords), indicating conflicts involving deception or betrayal.
Five of Swords and Eight of Swords: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) alongside restriction, feeling trapped, or self-imposed limits (Eight of Swords), suggesting conflicts leading to feelings of being trapped or restricted.
Five of Swords and Nine of Swords: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) in connection with anxiety, nightmares, or fear (Nine of Swords), indicating conflicts leading to increased anxiety or fear.
Five of Swords and Ten of Swords: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) combined with painful endings, betrayal, or rock bottom (Ten of Swords), suggesting conflicts leading to a complete breakdown or painful conclusion.
Five of Swords and Page of Swords: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) in connection with curiosity, new ideas, or youthful energy (Page of Swords), indicating conflicts related to new ideas or communication challenges.
Five of Swords and Knight of Swords: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) alongside haste, action, or assertiveness (Knight of Swords), suggesting conflicts related to hasty decisions or aggressive actions.
Five of Swords and Queen of Swords: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) combined with mental clarity, independence, or impartiality (Queen of Swords), indicating conflicts involving impartial decisions or mental independence.
Five of Swords and King of Swords: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) in connection with mental authority, logic, or clear thinking (King of Swords), suggesting conflicts involving authoritative decisions or logical disputes.

Here are the interpretations for the Five of Swords, representing conflict or adversity, combined with each of the Pentacles cards:

Five of Swords and Ace of Pentacles: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) combined with material beginnings, prosperity, or opportunity (Ace of Pentacles), indicating conflicts affecting new opportunities or challenges in material matters.
Five of Swords and Two of Pentacles: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) in connection with balance, juggling, or flexibility (Two of Pentacles), suggesting conflicts related to finding balance or juggling responsibilities.
Five of Swords and Three of Pentacles: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) alongside collaboration, teamwork, or craftsmanship (Three of Pentacles), indicating conflicts affecting collaborative efforts or teamwork.
Five of Swords and Four of Pentacles: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) combined with conservatism, stability, or possessiveness (Four of Pentacles), suggesting conflicts related to possessiveness or issues of stability.
Five of Swords and Five of Pentacles: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) in connection with hardship, scarcity, or financial loss (Five of Pentacles), indicating conflicts leading to financial losses or hardship.
Five of Swords and Six of Pentacles: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) combined with generosity, charity, or balance (Six of Pentacles), suggesting conflicts involving fairness or issues related to giving and receiving.
Five of Swords and Seven of Pentacles: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) alongside assessment, patience, or investment (Seven of Pentacles), indicating conflicts affecting long-term plans or the need for patience.
Five of Swords and Eight of Pentacles: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) in connection with dedication, skill development, or craftsmanship (Eight of Pentacles), suggesting conflicts related to work dedication or skill development.
Five of Swords and Nine of Pentacles: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) alongside independence, luxury, or self-reliance (Nine of Pentacles), indicating conflicts involving independence or self-reliance.
Five of Swords and Ten of Pentacles: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) combined with wealth, legacy, or family prosperity (Ten of Pentacles), suggesting conflicts affecting family matters or wealth distribution.
Five of Swords and Page of Pentacles: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) in connection with practicality, new opportunities, or learning (Page of Pentacles), indicating conflicts related to new opportunities or practical learning.
Five of Swords and Knight of Pentacles: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) alongside responsibility, diligence, or reliability (Knight of Pentacles), suggesting conflicts related to responsibilities or reliability issues.
Five of Swords and Queen of Pentacles: Conflict or defeat (Five of Swords) combined with nurturing, practicality, or abundance (Queen of Pentacles), indicating conflicts affecting nurturing qualities or practical abundance.
Five of Swords and King of Pentacles: Conflict or adversity (Five of Swords) in connection with financial security, stability, or control (King of Pentacles), suggesting conflicts related to financial control or stability.