What does the card 5 of Swords mean in Tarot?

Understanding what each card means in a Tarot reading is very important. But sometimes the meanings can be a little confusing, even more so when we want to understand a specific situation that doesn't seem to fit very clearly with the description we find of a card.

In this article, we will discuss the various meanings that the card 5 of Swords can bring to a Tarot reading, both in the light sense and in the dark positional sense of the same. We will address its history, iconography, suit and associated element, as well as see the differences of reading for the card in the various areas of life, its combinations with other Arcana and other tips.Check it out!

Fundamentals of the 5th of Swords

Before jumping into the meanings, it is necessary to reflect on the card 5 of Swords. Knowing the history and how to make a good reading of its iconography helps a lot in understanding its symbolism. Check these points below!

History

The origins of Tarot are uncertain and there are many stories and versions of card designs. Some believe that the first format of what would become the Tarot was born in Egypt, with each suit representing a social class (being the one of Swords the warriors). Others say that it appeared with the alliance of an Egyptian pharaoh with a gypsy king, as a form of sacred, magical and oracular language.

There are also those who say that its origin is solely Romani and that it would have emerged when the people still lived in India. What is known is that new images, letters, cuts and meanings have been developed over the centuries, especially in the regions of Europe, North Africa and the Near East, having Arcana that would have been inspired by historical figures.

Iconography

In some decks, the 5 of Swords is depicted with the image of a man carrying three swords with him, looking with disdain at two distant opponents whose swords are on the ground. This is an image that symbolizes a recently ended conflict in which the man emerged victorious, but at the expense of the opponents' downfall.

The chart also has images of heavy clouds flying over men. This is a clear symbolism of times of conflict and arguments, or of misunderstandings, without the possibility of seeing situations in the clear light of the Sun.

In other decks based on Tarot Rider-Waite, it is also possible to find illustrations representing other broken swords or a victorious and wounded person carrying several swords with him. The symbolism is still the same: discussions, conflicts, victory or the illusion of victory, indicating the need to deal with the consequences of the acts performed to get to that position.

The only differences come from the Anglo-American (or International, the most common deck bought separately from the Major Arcana), which has only the symbols of the suits and the numbers, and also from the Piedmontese deck, which has no numbers or acronyms, only figures.

The suit of Swords

The suit of Swords deals with themes and predictions related to the mind, intelligence, logic, communication, ambitions and conflicts. Therefore, we will certainly not see very emotional or earthly meanings attached to the cards of this suit.

The Swords cards may seem a little cold at first, but they don't necessarily mean that. Also, it's important to remember that, like everything in life, the mental potential of swords is like a blade: it can be wielded for defense, offense, victories, or aggression. It all depends on which cards and what situations present themselves.

Air element

In Tarot, the suit of Swords is associated with the element of air and therefore carries its qualities in the general meanings of its cards.

In Western magic and esotericism, the air element connects to intellect, mental processes, learning, reflection, dynamic movements, creativity, artistic abilities, language, speech and forms of communication in general. In Tarot, the air element also speaks about difficulties, fights, strength, challenges, energy and logic.

In readings that ask how soon something will happen, a card of this suit indicates that the event in question will surface in a few weeks. Like air itself, it is a fast-flowing event (though not as fast as the burning of the fire element in the suit of Clubs, for example).

Meanings of the card 5 of Swords

Having seen the symbolisms and associations of the suit and the card 5 of Swords, it is possible to capture a little of its essence. Next we will go to the general meanings of the card, as well as the more specific ones, and at the end we will speak about other possible interpretations of this Arcane, depending on the type of reading and combinations made. Follow along!

Distorted view of the facts

The 5 of Swords indicates that the consulent is not seeing things as they really are. His will to win and the eagerness to achieve his conquests at any cost can misinterpret the world around him, understanding as attacks some situations that may not be.

So beware of possible misinterpretations, as these can end up leading you into arguments with people you see as opponents, but who never thought of taking on such a role. Stop for a moment before reacting, let your mind cool down, and then make a decision, so as to avoid unnecessary quarrels which will only get in your way.

Low self-confidence

When the 5 of Swords appears in a reading, it is time to reflect on what are your reasons for such a greed for success, to the point of considering hurting others to get what you want. Such attitudes may come from a low self-esteem, which you try to protect tooth and nail, when you understand that someone else is pointing out a failure or trying to take what you have.

In this sense, the chart warns the consulent to work with his insecurities before they cause more harm to others around him. Allow yourself to feel fragile, hurt and sad. Live your feelings and then let them move on. You don't need to become a "war machine" to overcome life's obstacles.

If the card appears reversed, it may foreshadow the end of a period of low self-esteem and the beginning of its improvement.

Discussions and conflicts

One of the most present meanings of the 5 of Swords is that of quarrels and conflicts. The Arcanum predicts a complicated moment, in which your communications can easily result in quarrels and misunderstandings. This card can also indicate that, on your way to achieving victory, the consulter may have caused resentment in other people.

In this way, the 5 of Swords may be appearing in your reading as a warning: be careful what you say, measure your words and attitudes and review what you have done so far and who may have been hurt. If possible, it may be that this is the time to try to redeem yourself for your mistakes. So don't let yourself be brought down by the conflicts that arise.

If it appears in the inverted position, the 5 of Swords can indicate the final solution of conflicts, advocating a period of peace that will begin.

Period of ups and downs

Victory came, but at a very expensive cost: the 5 of Swords symbolizes a moment when one is entering or leaving conflicts, sometimes having won them. But, even so, the consulent does not feel so well with this victory, which came with feelings of tiredness and overload.

This can be a period of ups and downs, often being simultaneous. Each victory comes with endless battles, one after the other, bringing wear and tear and feelings that the consulent may not feel very "noble" to have (greed, ambition, thoughts of winning at any cost).

Therefore, take a moment to reflect on the measures that were taken to conquer your victories, or on what strategies you were planning to take. Now, it is time to discover new paths, less conflicting, always thinking and rethinking your attitudes, so that victory can come with a sweet taste.

5 of Swords in love

The Arcane 5 of Swords can indicate slightly different elements, depending on the type of relationship and the current state of love that the consulter maintains. Therefore, we will analyze what this card means for relationships that are already established and for single people or people who are beginning to date someone. Check it out!

For committed people

The 5 of Swords in a love reading for people who are already part of a serious relationship may indicate problems in the relationship, especially in the communication of the couple. One of you may be keeping secrets, or talking to the other through aggressive words or tones.

This is the time to reflect and begin to try to reconcile with each other, apologizing for the offenses done, big or small. You should take a moment to clear up anything that needs to be cleared up in a respectful way.

Remember that this is a love relationship, not a battle against an enemy, so there need not be winners and losers. Use this period to get out on terms of peace, togetherness, equality and respect.

Plus, it's also the perfect time to break harmful habits that are held by mere custom or because they give you a sense of victory and superiority - or for the other partner to do so.

For singles

If the consulter is single or starting to meet a potential suitor, the 5 of Swords in a love drawing can indicate conflicts in the search for possible love. Be careful with people who show to fight too easily or who always seek to be the "winner" of arguments. It is best to stay away, rather than entering into their arguing games.

Just as with those already in a firm relationship, pay attention to what you say and think carefully about the effect your words can have on the other person.

If you're having trouble finding a partner, think about whether one of the reasons might be on your part. Perhaps this is due to repeating old mistakes or communication problems with potential suitors. To make things work, these flaws should be reviewed and worked on.

5 of Swords in work and financial life

In a reading about professional life, the 5 of Swords predicts moments of conflict, competition and communication problems with your colleagues or competitors (in case you are still looking for a job). Read on and see what applies to your situation!

For employees

If you are already employed in a team and you got the 5 of Swords in your reading, it could be that you are not able to explain well what your projects are and you feel demeaned by the refusal of others. Also, it could be that you are the one who is rejecting proposals from your partners, but you do it because you do not understand what they want to tell you.

The chart also warns of possible competition between employees. You may come across a competing company or a colleague in a similar position who has an interest in the same projects or positions as you. Their presence will arouse feelings of anxiety, anger, and an unbridled quest to prove yourself more competent than they are.

Keep calm and try not to get carried away by the fire of emotion. It's also possible that your boss or supervisor may demean you (or you may perceive them as looking down on you) and make you want to prove yourself in a never-ending battle against the challenges of the job.

For all cases, the best thing to do is to cool your mind and let yourself rest from your struggles. Recovering from your wounds is essential to continue with the daily battle of your career, and for that, you also need to avoid certain discussions, which will hurt more than help.

The work environment is one of the worst environments to create enemies, so avoid conflicts, think well, weigh the pros and cons and thus, you will succeed.

For unemployed persons

Drawing the 5th of Swords, if you are looking for a job, is a warning to watch out for possible disagreements in job interviews (either with other competitors or with the interviewers). There are people who may have perceived your stance as a personal affront, or competitors who are willing to use not-so-correct methods to get the job.

So when you are called for an interview, make sure you know the time and place and arrive on time. If it makes you more comfortable, put together a presentation template or rehearse a conversation. Take a deep breath, keep calm and always take a few seconds to think before answering the interviewer.

Financial situation

The 5 of Swords, in general, does not bring good predictions and its major focus is on communications and conflicts. However, making a deeper interpretation, to adapt it to the financial context, this Arcanum can advocate risky moments as to finances.

Those who are already employed may get into arguments with co-workers which, if not handled well, could result in job loss, while job seekers may encounter difficulties. None of this is comfortable for financial life.

Still, the 5 of Swords does not predict any change in the consulter's income per se, which does not reduce the warnings to pay attention to your actions, both in and out of the workplace. Therefore, this may be the time to set aside your money for collateral.

Combinations with the 5 of Swords

As we well know, most Tarot readings involve the drawing of more than one card for a more profound vision of a situation that the consulter wishes to understand. In this way, we will analyze what the 5 of Swords can indicate, when placed side by side with other Arcana. Check it out!

Positive combinations with Major Arcana for the 5 of Swords

It is difficult to find positive combinations with the 5 of Swords, except, of course, if it comes in inverted position and surrounded by cards with a more luminous content. Otherwise, such combinations come closer to a bittersweet, reflective tone, which still deals with pain and conflicts, but which are heading towards a resolution.

The Sun card is a Major Arcana with one of the most hopeful meanings in all of Tarot. Accompanied by the inverted 5 of Swords, it indicates the resolution of conflicts in order to direct those involved to a new path of victory.

Alongside the Wheel of Fortune or the card The World in luminous position, the inverted 5 of Swords announces the end of a cycle that may come with discussions, but they come to end one stage and begin another. In addition, with The Hanged Man, it also speaks about sacrifices and discussions necessary to achieve wisdom.

Accompanied by the Major Arcane Temperance, the card can call even more attention to the control of patience and other emotions for a harmonious coexistence. Finally, with The Star, even with arguments, the future is bright and hopeful, indicating the resolution of conflicts.

Positive Combinations with Minor Arcana for the 5 of Swords

For positive combinations, when accompanied by the 2 of Swords in a luminous position, the 5 of Swords advocates an argument which, even so, will be the lesser of evils and which comes to solve problems.

With the Queen of Swords, also in a luminous position, the reading calls attention to the use of rationality to solve conflicts. The consulter must keep his mind clear and sharp, freeing himself from the illusions of the 5 of Swords.

With the 2 and 3 of Cups in luminous positions, the inverted 5 of Swords highlights the importance of good communication with friends and romantic companions, so that a way out of trouble can be found.

In addition, with the Queen or King of Hearts, attention is drawn to emotional control and compassion as key points in ending problems.

Negative combinations with Major Arcana for the 5 of Swords

For involving a card with a more conflictive content, the negative combinations with the 5 of Swords are a little more common. Check the meanings of this Arcane with other major and minor ones.

With the card The Magician, it can indicate the use of the powers of manifestation and persuasion for selfish purposes or totally ill-intentioned. With The Empress, it calls attention to domestic quarrels and excessive pride. If it is with The Moon, there is evidence of quarrels that were caused by illusions and lack of understanding or acceptance of the truth. Therefore, open your eyes and see things as they are.

The 5 of Swords with The Fool may indicate immaturity or bad intentioned people around you, who take advantage of a possible naivety. With The Force, it calls attention to intense fights, loaded with a lot of unmeasured anger. With The Hermit, the conjunction indicates that your communication problems leave you more isolated from others, which must be corrected immediately.

Finally, when it is next to the cards The Tower, Death, The Chariot, Wheel of Fortune and The World in inverted positions, the 5 of Swords indicates great conflicts, irreparable fights, possible accidents or illnesses and catastrophic endings to the situation, like a time bomb about to explode.

Negative combinations with the Minor Arcana for the 5 of Swords

There are negative combinations of the 5 of Swords with other minor Arcana. When this is followed by the 10 of Diamonds, it speaks about family arguments and domestic conflicts. With the 4 of Wands, or any other card of the court, the senses of lack of communication and impulsiveness in the answers are reinforced even more.

With the Queen of Swords in inverted position, the conjunction indicates that the consulent is being too cold in his conversations and, while he thinks he is being rational, in reality he is being carried away by pride and false impressions.

The 7 of Cups next to this card does not bring a good prediction, indicating that the consulent is confused or indecisive and may end up following the wrong path with his will to win. The 8 of Cups is also not a good sign, since it speaks of disappointment, sadness and loss of hope.

Finally, still in this suit, the 9 of Cups inverted, when in conjunction with the 5 of Swords, calls the consulter's attention to the arrogance of his actions.

A little more about the card 5 of Swords

Even with everything seen, there are still some details about the Arcane of the 5th of Swords that are worth thinking about. What does it indicate in our health? And in its inverted position? Keep reading to understand the final points of this card!

5 of Swords in health

In a reading about health, the 5 of Swords, being so related to conflicts and communication, can indicate that it may be a good time to review your doctors for proper checkups, as it is likely that the consulter has not been careful about this recently.

The 5 of Swords can also address mental health issues. Reflect on how you've been feeling in recent months, whether you've been communicating your feelings or swallowing them to yourself. Seeking a therapist may be a good bet now.

Inverted card

The 5 of Swords in the inverted position can be a little complicated to understand, since everything depends on which cards are around it. On the one hand, if it is combined with other Arcana of more negative tenor, the card indicates that the conflicts will be even worse and with catastrophic results.

There may be an irreparable fight, a job loss, an illness that must be seen urgently or the return of people with bad intentions and who felt affected by the consulent.

On the other hand, when it is next to cards with more positive content, the 5 of Swords inverted can indicate exactly the opposite: the resolution of conflicts, a peaceful settlement of accounts or a discussion that has come for the greater good of those involved. For example, this can occur so that finally put out their troubles and resolve themselves.

5 of Swords in the yes or no drawing

When you ask a simple question, with only a "yes" or "no" answer, to the Tarot and a card is drawn, if it is the 5 of Swords, know that your answer is negative. This remains the case, even face up or reversed.

Still, it is recommended that you review the meanings of the card, to understand why you receive a "no" and what you should correct in your strategies or attitudes to get a "yes". In addition, you can observe the situation to know how best to deal with the consequences of this negative response.

Challenges of the 5 of Swords

The 5 of Swords, for sure, is a card full of challenges - it is almost the challenge itself. Its biggest problems involve lack of clear communication, quarrels, irritation and disagreements.

In this way, this Arcane incites the consulent to reflect, to work with patience and the need to listen and speak, always considering what can hurt the other. All this involves the reduction of our own pride and the desire to win an argument at any cost, which can be a complicated path to follow for anyone. But it is very necessary.

Tips

The biggest tip for when the 5 of Swords appears in the Tarot reading is to keep calm. Even if it is a card full of negative meanings, analyze well which other Arcana accompany it and what exactly was your question, before despairing.

If this card appeared, it's time to analyze your bad feelings, your words and your attitudes, and admit that you may have done something wrong to yourself or to someone else.

Therefore, abandon pride and shame. Enjoy this moment of learning for your evolution. This is no longer the time to run away from problems.

Can the card 5 of Swords indicate a good time to learn from mistakes?

Certainly, the 5 of Swords is one of the Minor Arcana that most calls our attention to self-reflection and correction of our mistakes.

This card makes us think about how we're feeling about ourselves, how we're communicating with others, what steps we're taking to get the false sense of victory, and whether we're seeing enemies where they don't exist. Or worse, creating new opponents with bad choices.

This letter, then, is a great call for learning and correcting mistakes. Work on your self-image, talk straight to those around you - especially the people you love or who keep you employed.

Settle with those you have hurt and pay attention not to repeat the same cycles that brought you to this point. Finally, do not despair, because the 5 of Swords comes to incite us to learning and evolution.