Today we’ll cover the meaning and interpretation of the Four of Swords tarot card. This is a part of a deep dive series on the tarot.
Summary
| Category | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Upright Meaning | Rest, recuperation, healing, solitude, contemplation, relaxation, temporary withdrawal |
| Reversed Meaning | Exhaustion, burnout, anxiety, sleeplessness, avoidance, feeling stuck, unwillingness to rest |
| Astrology | Jupiter in Libra |
| Love | Taking a break to reassess a relationship, needing space or time apart, healing from heartbreak |
| Career | Taking a break from work, re-evaluating career goals, planning future career moves |
| Finances | Saving money, taking a break from financial stress, financial planning for the future |
| Past | Time of rest and reflection, recovering from a difficult period, gaining perspective |
| Present | Needing rest and time alone, contemplating the future, taking a break from stress |
| Future | A period of rest and rejuvenation, taking time to reassess goals and priorities, regaining strength |
The Four of Swords tarot card description
The Four of Swords tarot card typically depicts a peaceful and contemplative scene.
The central image on the card is often of a knight or a figure lying in repose within a church or chapel, surrounded by four swords that have been placed vertically into the ground.
The swords symbolize the end of conflict and a time for rest and contemplation. The knight or figure is often depicted as being in a state of rest or meditation, representing a time of introspection and reflection.
In some versions of the Four of Swords, the figure is surrounded by stained glass windows or other symbols of spirituality, suggesting that the individual is seeking solace and refuge in religion or spirituality.
In others, the figure may be surrounded by peaceful landscapes, such as rolling hills or serene waters, representing a time of peace and tranquility.
The overall tone of the Four of Swords is one of calm and stillness, reflecting a need for rest and recuperation after a period of conflict or difficulty.
The card may also indicate a time for contemplation and reflection, a need to retreat from the demands of the world and focus inward.
In a reading, the Four of Swords may suggest that it is time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life, to rest and recharge, and to gain a fresh perspective on one’s situation.
The Four of Swords card keywords
Some keywords associated with the Four of Swords tarot card are:
- Rest
- Repose
- Contemplation
- Meditation
- Introspection
- Reflection
- Peace
- Tranquility
- Solace
- Recuperation
- Refreshing perspective
- Taking a break
Astrology of the Four of Swords card
In tarot, astrological correspondences are assigned to each card to give deeper meaning and context to the card’s interpretation. The Four of Swords is often associated with the astrological sign of Libra.
In astrology, Libra is associated with balance, harmony, and diplomacy. The sign is also known for its tendency towards peaceful resolution and avoidance of conflict.
In this sense, the Four of Swords aligns well with the themes of rest, contemplation, and introspection that are commonly associated with the card.
When the Four of Swords appears in a reading, the astrological influence of Libra may suggest a need for balance and harmony in one’s life. It may also indicate a time for taking a step back, avoiding conflict, and seeking inner peace and stability.
Upright Four of Swords tarot card meaning
What is the meaning of the upright Four of Swords card?
The upright Four of Swords tarot card represents a time for rest, reflection, and introspection. It suggests that it is time to take a break from the demands of the world, rest and recharge, and gain a fresh perspective on one’s situation.
The Four of Swords tarot card represents a time of rest, reflection, and introspection. The central image of the card often depicts a knight or figure lying in repose, surrounded by four swords that have been placed vertically into the ground.
These swords symbolize the end of conflict and the need for peace and tranquility. The figure is depicted as being in a state of rest, reflecting the idea of taking a break from the demands of the world.
In a reading, the upright Four of Swords suggests that it is time to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of life and focus on one’s own well-being. This may mean taking a break from work, relationships, or other responsibilities, in order to rest and recharge.
The card may also indicate a time for contemplation and reflection, to gain a fresh perspective on one’s situation.
Overall, the Four of Swords symbolizes the need for peace and stillness, both physically and mentally. It can also represent a time for seeking refuge and solace, either in spirituality or nature. In some readings, the card may indicate a period of grieving or mourning, a time to process emotions and heal.
If the Four of Swords appears in a spread, it may be a reminder to prioritize one’s own well-being and to take the time necessary to find inner peace and clarity.
Example upright Four of Swords reading
Tanya just wants to help people, but they always reject it. She asks the tarot about this and draws the upright Four of Swords. What does this mean?
The upright Four of Swords in Tanya’s reading may suggest that it’s time for her to take a break from her attempts to help others and focus on her own well-being.
The card represents the need for peace, stillness, and introspection, and may indicate that Tanya needs to withdraw from her current situation and focus on finding inner peace and clarity.
It may also indicate that Tanya has been putting too much effort into helping others and has forgotten to take care of herself. The card’s message is to remind her that she can’t help others effectively if she is not in a good place herself.
In this context, the Four of Swords may suggest that Tanya needs to take a step back, recharge, and find new ways to approach her desire to help others that are more sustainable for her well-being.
The card can also indicate a time for self-reflection, to gain a new perspective, and come up with new strategies that work for both Tanya and those she wishes to help.
Reversed Four of Swords card tarot meaning
What is the meaning of the reversed Four of Swords tarot card?
The reversed Four of Swords tarot card symbolizes a period of unrest, tension, and conflict, representing the struggle to find peace and rest. It means feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or stuck in a situation, and highlights the need to prioritize their own well-being and find new strategies to create balance and peace in their life.
The reversed Four of Swords tarot card represents a period of unrest, tension, and conflict, in contrast to the upright position which symbolizes peace and rest.
The central image of the card still depicts a figure lying in repose, surrounded by four swords, but in this position, the figure may be depicted as restless or uncomfortable, indicating a lack of peace.
In a reading, the reversed Four of Swords suggests feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or stuck in a situation that feels like a trap.
The card can indicate a need to take a break from the demands of life, but the reversed position suggests that this may be difficult to achieve. You may be struggling to find a way to relax or may feel trapped in your current circumstances.
In some readings, the reversed Four of Swords can suggest a lack of balance and peace in one’s life, leading to feelings of stress and anxiety. The card can also indicate a need to confront emotional or psychological issues that are blocking you from finding inner peace.
Overall, the reversed Four of Swords suggests a need for rest but may be facing obstacles in achieving it. It may be a reminder to prioritize one’s own well-being and find new strategies to create balance and peace in one’s life.
Example reversed Four of Swords reading
James is considering quitting coffee. He asks the tarot about this and draws the reversed Four of Swords. What does this mean?
The reversed Four of Swords in James’ reading may indicate that he is struggling to find peace and balance in his life, specifically related to his decision to quit coffee. The card suggests that he may be feeling overwhelmed or stuck, and may be facing obstacles in achieving his goal.
In this context, the reversed Four of Swords can suggest that James is having a hard time finding a new routine or finding alternative sources of energy and stimulation. The card may indicate that he is feeling trapped by his current habits and is finding it difficult to make a change.
Overall, the reversed Four of Swords can be interpreted as a reminder for James to prioritize his well-being and to find new strategies to create balance in his life.
Quitting coffee can be a positive change, but the card suggests that James may need to approach this decision in a more methodical and thoughtful way, taking the time to consider all of the factors involved.
Meanings of the Four of Swords in tarot positions
Depending on the position of the Four of Swords card, you will need to interpret it differently.
Love Four of Swords tarot meaning
In a love context, the Four of Swords tarot card can represent a time for introspection and reflection, as well as a need for rest and peace.
The central image of the figure lying in repose, surrounded by four swords, suggests a time to withdraw from the demands of the world and focus on finding inner peace.
In a love reading, the Four of Swords can indicate a period of introspection and contemplation in the relationship. It may suggest that one or both partners need to take a step back, recharge, and gain a fresh perspective on the relationship.
This can be a time to reassess the relationship, address any underlying issues, and find a new way forward together.
In some cases, the Four of Swords can also suggest the need to take a break from dating and focus on themselves. The card can indicate a need to find inner peace and stability and may suggest needing to spend some time alone to find clarity and recharge.
Overall, the Four of Swords in a love context can suggest a need for balance, peace, and rest. It can be a reminder to prioritize one’s own well-being and to take the time to gain a new perspective on the relationship.
Career Four of Swords tarot meaning
In a career context, the Four of Swords tarot card can represent a time for rest and rejuvenation, as well as a need for introspection and reflection.
The central image of the figure lying in repose, surrounded by four swords, suggests a time to withdraw from the demands of work and focus on finding inner peace.
In a career reading, the Four of Swords can indicate a period of reassessment and reflection. It may suggest needing to take a step back, recharge, and gain a fresh perspective on their career path. This can be a time to focus on personal growth and to explore new opportunities that align with their values and goals.
In some cases, the Four of Swords can also suggest needing to take a break from work and focus on yourself. The card can indicate a need to find inner peace and stability and may suggest needing to spend some time away from work to recharge and gain a new perspective.
Overall, the Four of Swords in a career context can suggest a need for balance, peace, and rest. It can be a reminder to prioritize one’s own well-being and to take the time to gain a new perspective on their career path.
Finances Four of Swords tarot meaning
In a financial context, the Four of Swords tarot card can represent a time for rest and contemplation, as well as a need for introspection and reflection.
The central image of the figure lying in repose, surrounded by four swords, suggests a time to withdraw from the demands of financial concerns and focus on finding inner peace.
In a financial reading, the Four of Swords can indicate a period of reassessment and reflection. It may suggest needing to gain a fresh perspective on their financial situation. This can be a time to focus on budgeting, savings, and finding new strategies to create financial stability.
In some cases, the Four of Swords can also suggest needing to take a break from financial worries and focus on yourself. The card can indicate a need to find inner peace and stability and may suggest needing to spend some time away from financial concerns to recharge and gain a new perspective.
Overall, the Four of Swords in a financial context can suggest a need for balance, peace, and rest. It can be a reminder to prioritize one’s own well-being and to take the time to gain a new perspective on their financial situation.
Advanced modern tarot interpretations of the Four of Swords card
I always like to examine other, modern decks to see what can be read into their symbolism.
This is because 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 Four of Swords tarot card:
The Four of Swords tarot card represents a need for introspection and rest from the constant stimulation and information overload of our digital lives.
The central image of the figure lying in repose, surrounded by four swords, suggests a time to withdraw from the endless barrage of notifications and emails and focus on finding inner peace.
In a technology reading, the Four of Swords can indicate a period of reflection and disconnection. It may suggest that they need to take a step back from their screens, turn off their devices, and gain a fresh perspective on their digital habits.
This can be a time to focus on self-care and explore new ways to integrate technology into their life in a more mindful and balanced way.
In some cases, the Four of Swords can also suggest needing to take a break from their constant connection to technology and focus on themselves. The card can indicate a need to find inner peace and stability and may suggest needing to spend some time away from screens to recharge and gain a new perspective.
Overall, the Four of Swords in a technological context can suggest a need for balance, peace, and rest from the constant demands of our digital lives. It can be a reminder to prioritize one’s own well-being and to take the time to gain a new perspective on their relationship with technology.
Back to the Minor Arcana list.
The previous card was the Three of Swords tarot card and the next card is the Five of Swords card.
References
- Dean, L. (2018). The Tarot Companion: A Portable Guide to Reading the Cards for Yourself and Others. Fair Winds Press.
