5 of Swords in Tarot: meaning of the card, in love, work and more!

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 are going to discuss the various meanings that the 5th of Swords card can bring to a Tarot reading, both in its bright and dark positional sense. We will discuss its history, iconography, suit and associated element, as well as see the differences in reading for the card in different areas of life, its combinations with other Arcana and other tips. Check out!

Before jumping into the meanings, you need to reflect on the 5th of Swords card. Knowing the story and how to read its iconography helps a lot in understanding its symbolism. Check out these points below!

The origins of Tarot are uncertain and there are numerous 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 layer (the Swords being the warriors). Others say that it emerged 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 appeared when the people still lived in India. What is known is that new images, cards, cuts and meanings were developed over the centuries, mainly in the regions of Europe, North Africa and the Near East, having Arcana that would have been inspired by historical figures.

In some decks, the 5 of Spades is represented as a man carrying three swords with him, looking with disdain at two other distant opponents, whose swords are on the ground. This is an image that symbolizes a conflict that has just ended, in which the man has emerged victorious, but at the expense of the defeat of the opponents.

The card also has images of thunderclouds flying over the 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 the Rider-Waite Tarot, 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 reach that position.

The only differences come from the Anglo-American deck (or international, the most common one purchased separately from the Major Arcana), which only has the symbols of the suits and the numbers, and also from the Piedmontese deck, which does not have numbers or acronyms, only figures.

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

The Spades cards may seem a little cold at first, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it. Furthermore, it is important to remember that, like everything else in life, the mental potential of swords is like a blade: it can be wielded for defense, attack, victories or aggression. It all depends on which cards and which situations present themselves.

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

In Western magic and esotericism, the air element is linked 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 talks about difficulties, fights, strength, challenges, energy and logic.

In readings that ask about 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 (but not as fast as the burning of the fire element, the suit of Wands, for example).

Given the symbolism and associations of the suit and the 5 of Spades, it is possible to capture a little of its essence. Next, we’ll go to the general meanings of the card, as well as the more specific ones, and, at the end, we’ll talk about other possible interpretations of this Arcanum, depending on the type of reading and combinations made. Follow!

The 5 of Swords indicates that the querent is not seeing the issues as they really are. Your will to win and the eagerness to achieve your conquests at any cost can distort your interpretation of the world around you, understanding as attacks some situations that may not be.

Therefore, be careful with possible misinterpretations, as they may end up leading you to create discussions with people you see as opponents, but who never thought of assuming such a role. Stop a little before reacting, let your mind cool down and then make a decision, so as to avoid unnecessary fights that will only get in your way.

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

In that sense, the card advises the querent to work through their insecurities before they cause greater harm to others around them. Allow yourself to feel fragile, hurt and sad. Live your feeling and then let it move on. You don’t have to become a “war machine” to overcome life’s obstacles.

If the card appears reversed, it can herald the end of a period of low self-esteem and the beginning of your improvement.

One of the most present meanings in the 5 of Swords is discussions and conflicts. The Arcanum predicts a complicated moment, in which your communications can easily result in fights and disagreements. This card may also indicate that, on his way to achieving victory, the querent may have caused resentment in others.

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

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

Victory came, but at a very costly cost: the 5 of Swords symbolizes a time when one is entering or leaving conflicts, sometimes having won them. But even so, the consultant does not feel so good about this victory, which came with feelings of fatigue and overload.

This can be a period of ups and downs, often at the same time. Each victory comes with endless battles, one after the other, bringing weariness and feelings that the querent may not feel very “noble” to have (greed, ambition, thoughts of winning at any cost).

So take a moment to reflect on the steps you took to achieve your wins, or what strategies you were planning to take. Now, it’s time to discover new paths, less conflicting, always thinking and rethinking your attitudes, so that victory can come with a sweet taste.

Arcanum 5 of Swords can indicate slightly differentiated elements, depending on the type of relationship and the current state of love that the querent maintains. So, let’s analyze what this card means for established relationships and for people who are single or who are starting to date. Check out!

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

This is the time to reflect and start trying to reconcile with each other, apologizing for the offenses you have done, big or small. You should take a moment to clarify anything that needs to be clarified in a respectful manner.

Remember, this is a loving relationship, not a battle with an enemy. Therefore, there need not be winners and losers. Use this period to get out in terms of peace, unity, equality and respect.

In addition, it is also the perfect occasion to break harmful habits that are maintained by mere custom or because they give you a sense of victory and superiority – or else, for the other partner to do so.

If the querent is single or is starting to meet a potential suitor, the 5 of Swords in a love stripe can indicate conflicts in the search for possible loves. Be careful with people who demonstrate to fight very easily or who always seek to be the “winner” of arguments. It’s best to walk away rather than get into their arguing games.

As with those who already have a strong relationship, pay attention to what you say and think carefully about the effect your words can have on the other person.

If you are having difficulties finding a partner, consider whether one of the reasons would be on your part. Perhaps, this occurs with the repetition of old mistakes or communication problems with potential suitors. For everything to work out, these flaws must be reviewed and well worked on.

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

If you are already employed in a team and you got the 5 of Swords in your reading, it may be that you are not able to explain well what your projects are and you feel…