The Five of Swords Tarot Card Meanings Simply Explained

Today we’ll cover the meaning and interpretation of the Five of Swords tarot card. This is a part of a deep dive series on the tarot.

Summary

CategoryMeaning
Upright meaningConflict, betrayal, loss, defeat, humiliation, competition
Reversed meaningResolution, forgiveness, making amends, letting go, moving on
AstrologyVenus in Aquarius
LoveBreakup, divorce, cheating, dishonesty
CareerPower struggles, office politics, cutthroat competition
FinancesFinancial loss, bankruptcy, bad investments
PastConflict or betrayal in the past, lingering resentments
PresentDealing with a difficult situation, feeling defeated
FutureBe prepared for potential conflicts and competition

The Five of Swords tarot card description

five of swords tarot card meanings

The Five of Swords tarot card is a depiction of defeat, defeat, and conflict. It usually shows a scene of a battlefield with one person standing triumphantly over two defeated figures who are lying on the ground.

The person who is standing is often depicted as holding two swords, symbolizing their victory in battle.

The imagery on the card can vary between different decks, but common themes include the depiction of a person who is feeling victorious but also potentially arrogant or overconfident, and the feeling of defeat, loss, and abandonment experienced by the two defeated figures.

In some decks, the background may show a turbulent sky or a mountainous landscape to emphasize the conflict and struggle represented by the card.

The colors used on the card may also have symbolic meaning, with red and black often representing passion, conflict, and negative energy, and blue or green representing calmness, peace, and growth.

Overall, the Five of Swords card represents the challenges and losses that come from conflict and competition, and encourages the person receiving the card to reflect on their own experiences with victory and defeat, and the impact that these experiences have had on their life.

The Five of Swords card keywords

Some keywords associated with the Four of Swords tarot card are:

  • Defeat
  • Conflict
  • Victory
  • Loss
  • Arrogance
  • Overconfidence
  • Struggle
  • Abandonment
  • Challenge
  • Competition
  • Reflection
  • Negative energy
  • Passion
  • Peace
  • Growth

Astrology of the Five of Swords card

In tarot, each card can be associated with a particular astrological sign or planet. The astrological significance of the Five of Swords can vary depending on the deck and the interpretation of the reader, but here are some common associations:

  • Zodiac Sign: Gemini or Aquarius
  • Planet: Mercury or Uranus

These astrological associations reflect the themes of communication, intellect, and unpredictability that are often associated with the Five of Swords.

Mercury, the planet associated with communication, symbolizes the potential for conflict that arises from misunderstandings and lack of clarity. Uranus, the planet of unpredictability, highlights the sudden and unexpected nature of the defeat and struggle depicted in the card.

Gemini, the sign associated with communication, reflects the card’s themes of competition and the consequences of words and actions.

Aquarius, the sign associated with individuality and non-conformity, highlights the idea of standing apart from others and charting your own course, even if it means facing defeat and loss.

Upright Five of Swords tarot card meaning

What is the meaning of the upright Five of Swords card?

The upright Five of Swords tarot card symbolizes defeat, loss, and conflict, often showing a scene of a battlefield where one person stands over two defeated figures. It warns against arrogance and overconfidence, reminding the person receiving the card to reflect on their own experiences with victory and defeat and the impact it has had on their life.

The traditional interpretation of the upright Five of Swords tarot card is one of defeat, loss, and conflict.

This card often depicts a scene of a battlefield, where one person stands triumphantly over two defeated figures who are lying on the ground. The person standing is holding two swords, symbolizing their victory in battle.

The upright Five of Swords often symbolizes a situation in which you’ve come out on top but at the cost of relationships or personal honor.

The card warns against arrogance, overconfidence, and the tendency to trample over others to get ahead. The defeated figures lying on the ground represent the emotional and spiritual toll that this type of victory can take.

This card can also represent a difficult situation in which you feel outnumbered or overwhelmed. In this case, the upright Five of Swords can suggest needing to stand their ground and not back down in the face of adversity.

Ultimately, the upright Five of Swords encourages the person receiving the card to reflect on their own experiences with victory and defeat, and the impact that these experiences have had on their life.

The card asks you to consider if the cost of their victories has been worth it and if there are other, more constructive ways to achieve their goals.

Example upright Five of Swords reading

Joanna is in the process of opening up a small crafts store. She asks the tarot about this and draws the upright Five of Swords. What does this mean?

If Joanna draws the upright Five of Swords tarot card while asking about her small craft store, the traditional interpretation could suggest that she may face challenges and conflicts in the process of opening and running the store.

It could also indicate that there may be competition or obstacles that she will need to overcome to succeed.

However, the Five of Swords can also suggest that Joanna needs to be aware of her own tendencies towards arrogance and overconfidence and to make sure that she is not tramping over others to achieve her goals.

This card can be a reminder to approach her new venture with integrity and respect for others, in order to minimize conflicts and build strong, supportive relationships.

Ultimately, the upright Five of Swords suggests that Joanna should reflect on the cost of her victories and consider if there are more constructive ways to achieve her goals for her small craft store.

Reversed Five of Swords card tarot meaning

What is the meaning of the reversed Five of Swords tarot card?

The reversed Five of Swords tarot card suggests peace and growth after conflict, indicating that the person has found a way to heal from their wounds and move forward. It represents finding a way to channel passion and energy in a positive way, and staying focused on goals to continue growing and evolving even in the face of adversity.

The traditional interpretation of the reversed Five of Swords tarot card is one of peace and growth after conflict. While the upright Five of Swords depicts defeat and loss, the reversed position can suggest you have been able to find a way to heal from your wounds and move forward.

This card can indicate you have been able to put aside past conflicts and have found a way to make peace with your opponents. It can also suggest that you have learned from your mistakes and have grown from your experiences, becoming a stronger and more resilient person as a result.

The reversed Five of Swords can also indicate finding a way to turn defeat into victory. By reframing their situation and looking at it from a different perspective, they may have discovered new opportunities or avenues for growth.

This card can also suggest you have found a way to channel your passion and energy in a positive, constructive way, helping them to overcome challenges and conflicts in their life. It can be a reminder to stay focused on their goals and to continue to grow and evolve, even in the face of adversity.

Example reversed Five of Swords reading

Jakob is training to run a marathon. He asks the tarot about this and draws the reversed Five of Swords. What does this mean?

If Jakob draws the reversed Five of Swords tarot card while asking about his marathon training, the traditional interpretation could suggest that he has overcome conflicts and challenges in his training, and is now in a place of peace and growth.

This card can indicate that he has found a way to channel his passion and energy in a positive, constructive way, helping him to become a stronger and more resilient runner.

The reversed Five of Swords can also suggest that Jakob has learned from his mistakes and has grown from his experiences. He may have discovered new opportunities or avenues for growth in his training and has found a way to turn his defeat into victory.

This card can be a reminder for Jakob to stay focused on his goal of running a marathon and to continue to push himself to grow and evolve as a runner. By continuing to overcome challenges and conflicts, he may be able to achieve his goals and reach new levels of success.

Meanings of the Five of Swords in tarot positions

Depending on the position of the Five of Swords card, you will need to interpret it differently.

Love Five of Swords tarot meaning

In a love context, the Five of Swords tarot card can suggest conflict and discord within a relationship. This card can indicate that the partners are facing challenges and difficulties that are causing tension and fighting.

The image of the victorious figure standing over two defeated figures can symbolize a power imbalance in the relationship, with one person feeling as though they have won out over the other.

However, this card can also suggest that the partners are aware of the issues in the relationship and are working to find a solution. By putting aside past conflicts and making peace with one another, the partners may be able to rebuild their relationship and find happiness and fulfillment together.

The Five of Swords can also be a warning against arrogance and overconfidence in a relationship. It can remind the partners to approach their relationship with respect and integrity, and to not trample over each other in their quest for happiness.

Ultimately, the Five of Swords tarot card in a love context suggests that the partners should reflect on the cost of their victories and consider if there are more constructive ways to achieve their goals and desires within the relationship.

By working together to overcome challenges and conflicts, they may be able to build a strong and lasting bond.

Career Five of Swords tarot meaning

In a career context, the Five of Swords tarot card can suggest conflict and competition within the workplace. This card can indicate that the person is facing challenges and difficulties with coworkers or superiors that are causing tension and strife.

The image of the victorious figure standing over two defeated figures can symbolize a power imbalance in the workplace, with the person feeling as though they have won out over others.

However, this card can also suggest that the person is aware of the issues in their career and is working to find a solution. By putting aside past conflicts and making peace with their coworkers and superiors, the person may be able to rebuild their relationships and find success and fulfillment in their career.

The Five of Swords can also be a warning against arrogance and overconfidence in the workplace. It can remind the person to approach their career with respect and integrity, and to not trample over others in their quest for success.

Ultimately, the Five of Swords tarot card in a career context suggests that the person should reflect on the cost of their victories and consider if there are more constructive ways to achieve their goals and desires within their workplace.

By working to overcome challenges and conflicts, the person may be able to build a strong and successful career.

Finances Five of Swords tarot meaning

In a financial context, the Five of Swords tarot card can suggest conflict and loss in financial matters.

This card can indicate that the person is facing challenges and difficulties with their finances that are causing tension and stress. The image of the victorious figure standing over two defeated figures can symbolize a power imbalance in their financial situation, with the person feeling as though they have won out over others at the cost of their own loss.

However, this card can also suggest that the person is aware of the issues in their finances and is working to find a solution. By putting aside past conflicts and making peace with their financial situation, the person may be able to rebuild their finances and find stability and security.

The Five of Swords can also be a warning against arrogance and overconfidence in financial matters. It can remind the person to approach their finances with respect and integrity, and to not trample over others in their quest for wealth.

Ultimately, the Five of Swords tarot card in a financial context suggests that the person should reflect on the cost of their victories and consider if there are more constructive ways to achieve their goals and desires in their financial life.

By working to overcome challenges and conflicts, the person may be able to build a strong and secure financial future.

Advanced modern tarot interpretations of the Five of Swords card

I always like to examine other, modern decks to see what can be read into their symbolism.

The reason for this is that every person will have different decks, so it’s good to learn how to go with your gut on what you see. This is the best way to have a good interpretation of the moment.

Too many people stick to a learned reading instead of going with the flow. Remember, each reading, deck, person, position, and question is different. Reading the cards is an art, not a science.

Here is a new interpretation of the Five of Swords tarot card:

In a social media context, the Five of Swords tarot card can suggest conflict and competition in online interactions. This card can indicate that the person is facing challenges and difficulties in their online presence that are causing tension and strife.

The image of the victorious figure standing over two defeated figures can symbolize a power imbalance in the virtual world, with the person feeling as though they have won out over others.

However, this card can also suggest that the person is aware of the issues in their social media presence and is working to find a solution.

By putting aside past conflicts and making peace with their online interactions, the person may be able to rebuild their reputation and find fulfillment in their virtual world.

The Five of Swords can also be a warning against arrogance and overconfidence in online interactions. It can remind the person to approach social media with respect and integrity, and to not trample over others in their quest for online power.

Ultimately, the Five of Swords tarot card in a social media context suggests that the person should reflect on the cost of their victories and consider if there are more constructive ways to achieve their goals and desires in their online presence.

By working to overcome challenges and conflicts, the person may be able to build a positive and fulfilling social media life.

five of swords tarot interpretations

Back to the Minor Arcana list.

The previous card was the Four of Swords tarot card and the next card is the Six of Swords card.

References

  • Dean, L. (2018). The Tarot Companion: A Portable Guide to Reading the Cards for Yourself and Others. Fair Winds Press.