Today we’ll cover the meaning and interpretation of the Ten of Swords tarot card. This is a part of a deep dive series on the tarot.
Summary
| Category | Upright Meaning | Reversed Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Astrology | Saturn in Gemini | None |
| Love | Painful endings, betrayal | Healing, closure |
| Career | Failure, job loss, unemployment | New opportunities, success |
| Finances | Financial ruin, bankruptcy | Recovery, financial stability |
| Past | Past traumas and pain | Overcoming past pain |
| Present | Suffering, feeling trapped | Feeling trapped, but hope for the future |
| Future | A difficult end or new beginning | The worst is over, moving on |
The Ten of Swords tarot card description
The Ten of Swords tarot card typically depicts a painful and sorrowful scene. The image often shows a figure lying face down on the ground, with ten swords piercing their back.
The swords may be arranged in a symmetrical pattern, symbolizing finality and the end of a situation. The figure is usually shown in a desolate, barren landscape, with a stormy sky in the background, adding to the sense of despair and hopelessness.
In some versions of the card, the figure is depicted as bleeding, which represents the emotional or physical pain they are experiencing.
The Ten of Swords can indicate a profound betrayal or loss, the end of a cycle or phase in life, and a sense of hopelessness or despair. However, it is also a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always the possibility for healing and renewal.
The Ten of Swords card keywords
Some keywords associated with the Ten of Swords tarot card are:
- Betrayal
- Loss
- End of a cycle
- Despair
- Hopelessness
- Pain
- Sorrow
- Finality
- Backstabbing
- Heartbreak
- Trauma
- Healing
- Renewal
Astrology of the Ten of Swords card
In traditional tarot, the Ten of Swords is associated with the astrological sign of Mars in Sagittarius. Mars represents the qualities of action, energy, and assertion, while Sagittarius is a sign of exploration, truth-seeking, and optimism.
The combination of these energies can represent a time of intense conflict and challenge, where one is forced to face the harsh realities of life and face their fears head-on.
However, this is also an opportunity for growth and transformation, as one must learn to rise above their circumstances and overcome obstacles in order to move forward.
The Ten of Swords can indicate a crisis point, where one must confront the truth about their situation and make a difficult decision in order to move forward with their life. At the same time, this card can also symbolize the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in life.
Upright Ten of Swords tarot card meaning
What is the meaning of the upright Ten of Swords card?
The upright Ten of Swords tarot card symbolizes a painful ending, loss, and feelings of despair, but also represents a turning point toward healing and renewal. The card encourages individuals to face their fears, overcome their obstacles, and embrace a new chapter in their life with newfound wisdom and perspective.
The upright Ten of Swords tarot card represents a painful ending, a deep wound or betrayal, and feelings of despair. The image on the card usually depicts a figure lying face down on the ground, with ten swords piercing their back, symbolizing the finality of the situation.
The figure is often shown in a desolate, barren landscape, with a stormy sky in the background, adding to the sense of hopelessness and loss. The card can indicate that the individual is experiencing a profound loss or disappointment, and may feel as though they have been wronged or betrayed.
However, the Ten of Swords is also a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always a possibility for healing and renewal. This card suggests that the individual must confront the truth about their situation and make a difficult decision in order to move forward with their life.
It represents a turning point, where one must release their old ways of thinking and doing things and embrace a new chapter in their life.
The Ten of Swords encourages individuals to have the courage to face their fears and to find the strength to overcome their obstacles. With time and determination, they will be able to heal and move forward with newfound wisdom and perspective.
Example upright Ten of Swords reading
Kyle wants to be a professional poker player but hasn’t had much success. He turns to the tarot for help and draws the upright Ten of Swords. What does this mean?
The upright Ten of Swords tarot card can indicate that Kyle is experiencing a difficult time in his pursuit of becoming a professional poker player.
The card symbolizes a painful ending, loss, and feelings of despair, which may reflect Kyle’s struggles and setbacks in the competitive world of poker. However, the Ten of Swords also represents a turning point and encourages Kyle to have the courage to face his fears and overcome his obstacles.
The card suggests that Kyle should be willing to make tough decisions, confront the truth about his situation, and embrace a new chapter in his journey toward becoming a professional poker player.
With time and determination, he will be able to heal and move forward with newfound wisdom and perspective, and perhaps even achieve success in the future.
Reversed Ten of Swords card tarot meaning
What is the meaning of the reversed Ten of Swords tarot card?
The reversed Ten of Swords tarot card represents a turning point from pain and despair, towards healing and renewal. The reversed card indicates that the individual is taking steps to overcome their obstacles, finding the courage to face their fears, and making positive changes in their life, leading to growth and a stronger sense of self.
The reversed Ten of Swords tarot card represents a turning point, where the individual is moving away from the pain and despair represented by the upright position.
The reversed card can indicate that the individual is starting to heal from their wounds and that they are beginning to find hope and renewal. It can suggest that they are moving away from negative patterns and habits and that they are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The reversed Ten of Swords can indicate that the individual is taking steps to overcome their obstacles and that they are finding the courage to face their fears. It can suggest that they are becoming more resilient and that they are developing a stronger sense of self.
The reversed card can also indicate that the individual is becoming more proactive and is taking steps to make positive changes in their life. This can be a time of growth, where the individual is gaining new perspectives and insights that will help them to move forward and succeed.
The reversed Ten of Swords is a reminder to the individual that they have the strength and resilience to overcome even the toughest challenges, and that they can find hope and renewal even in the darkest moments.
Example reversed Ten of Swords reading
Jessica never got the closure she needed after her father died. She does a tarot reading and draws the reversed Ten of Swords. What does this mean?
The reversed Ten of Swords tarot card in this situation can indicate that Jessica is moving towards healing and closure after the loss of her father.
The reversed card represents a turning point away from the pain and despair symbolized by the upright position, and towards hope and renewal. This can suggest that Jessica is taking steps to overcome her grief and that she is finding ways to heal from her loss.
The reversed Ten of Swords can indicate that Jessica is finding the courage to face her feelings and that she is beginning to find closure and peace.
The reversed card can also suggest that Jessica is starting to find closure through new perspectives and insights and that she is learning to move forward in a positive way.
This can be a time of growth and self-discovery, where Jessica is becoming more resilient and gaining a stronger sense of self.
The reversed Ten of Swords is a reminder to Jessica that she has the strength and resilience to overcome her grief and that she can find closure and peace in her own time and way.
Meanings of the Ten of Swords in tarot positions
Depending on the position of the Ten of Swords card, you will need to interpret it differently.
Love Ten of Swords tarot meaning
In a love context, the Ten of Swords can indicate a painful ending to a relationship or a heartbreak. The card symbolizes feelings of loss, despair, and betrayal.
It can suggest that the individual is experiencing a major loss or setback in their love life and that they are feeling overwhelmed by the pain of the situation. The Ten of Swords can indicate that the individual is going through a difficult time and that they may feel that they have reached rock bottom.
However, the Ten of Swords also represents a turning point and can indicate that the individual is moving towards healing and renewal.
It can suggest that the individual is starting to come to terms with the end of their relationship and that they are beginning to find hope and comfort in their own time and way.
The Ten of Swords can indicate that the individual is becoming more resilient and that they are developing a stronger sense of self, which will help them to overcome this difficult time and to find love again in the future.
In a love context, the Ten of Swords can also indicate that the individual is ready to face the truth about their relationship and that they are making tough decisions to move forward.
The card encourages individuals to confront their fears and overcome their obstacles so that they can find peace and happiness in their love life once again.
Career Ten of Swords tarot meaning
In a career context, the Ten of Swords tarot card can indicate a painful ending or loss related to one’s professional life.
This can be a challenging and difficult time, where the individual may be feeling overwhelmed, defeated, and uncertain about their future prospects. The card can symbolize the end of a job, a business venture, or a project that was once important to them.
However, the Ten of Swords also represents a turning point and encourages individuals to face their fears and overcome their obstacles.
The card suggests that the individual should be willing to make tough decisions and confront the truth about their situation and embrace a new chapter in their career journey.
In a career context, the Ten of Swords can indicate that the individual is ready for change and that they are open to new opportunities.
It can suggest that they are moving away from negative patterns and habits and that they are becoming more proactive in their professional life. The Ten of Swords can also indicate that the individual is becoming more resilient and that they are developing a stronger sense of self and purpose in their career.
The card is a reminder to the individual that they have the strength and resilience to overcome even the toughest challenges, and that they can find success and fulfillment in their career with the right approach and mindset.
Finances Ten of Swords tarot meaning
The Ten of Swords tarot card in a financial context can portend a devastating blow to one’s wealth and financial stability.
This may be a trying and tumultuous time, where feelings of defeat and uncertainty may loom large. The card may foretell financial losses, a crumbling financial venture, or even bankruptcy.
However, the Ten of Swords also marks a turning point, challenging one to confront their fears and rise above their obstacles.
The card urges one to make bold decisions, face their financial reality, and embrace a new chapter in their financial journey. With determination and patience, one can heal from financial setbacks and emerge with newfound wisdom and perspective.
The Ten of Swords may indicate that one is primed for change, open to fresh financial prospects, and leaving behind negative financial habits. It may also suggest that one is becoming more resilient, discovering their financial purpose, and fortifying their sense of self.
The card serves as a reminder of one’s inner strength and determination, reminding them that they have the capability to overcome even the toughest financial challenges and attain financial success and stability with the right mindset and approach.
Advanced modern tarot interpretations of the Ten 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 Ten of Swords tarot card:
In a social media context, the Ten of Swords tarot card can symbolize a painful ending or loss related to one’s online presence and reputation.
This may be a difficult and challenging time, where the individual may feel overwhelmed, defeated, and uncertain about their online reputation. The card can represent online conflicts, cyberbullying, or the end of a social media project or venture.
However, the Ten of Swords also represents a turning point and encourages individuals to face their fears and overcome their obstacles.
In a social media context, the Ten of Swords can indicate that the individual is ready for change and that they are open to new online opportunities.
It can suggest that they are moving away from negative online patterns and habits and that they are becoming more proactive in their online presence.
The Ten of Swords can also indicate that the individual is becoming more resilient and that they are developing a stronger sense of self and purpose in their online life.
The card is a reminder to the individual that they have the strength and resilience to overcome even the toughest online challenges, and that they can find online success and stability with the right approach and mindset.
Back to the Minor Arcana list.
The previous card was the Nine of Swords tarot card and the next card is the Page of Swords card.
References
- Dean, L. (2018). The Tarot Companion: A Portable Guide to Reading the Cards for Yourself and Others. Fair Winds Press.
