Five of Swords
Upright Meaning
Conflict, tension, loss, defeat, winning at all costs.
Reversed Meaning
Reconciliation, making amends, past resentment.
Five of Swords in love, career and health
Love & Relationships
Upright Meaning
Painful quarrels, lack of respect in relationship, win feeling at expense of feelings.
Reversed Meaning
End of quarrels, attempt to reconcile, forgiveness of old grudges.
Career & Work
Upright Meaning
Unfair competition, lack of loyalty, success over dead bodies.
Reversed Meaning
End of work intrigues, admission of mistake, business relations repair.
Health & Wellness
Upright Meaning
Force drop through stress, nervousness, headache.
Reversed Meaning
Slow return to peace, releasing anger.
Is Five of Swords a yes or no card?
No
Upright, Five of Swords is usually read as a no: it points to an obstacle, a loss or an ending worth respecting. Reversed, the answer tends to weaken or turn into "not yet", so read it together with the rest of the spread.
Advice
Consider if this win is worth its price. Sometimes it's better to let go.
Warning
Watch out for pride and vindictiveness. Evil acts always return.
Symbolism
- A man collects swords from defeated opponents who walk away in sadness.
Interpretation
Pick your battles. Winning at the cost of your integrity or relationships is a hollow victory. Consider if it's worth it.
Numerology
5 (Conflict)
Frequently asked questions
What does Five of Swords mean in tarot?
Conflict, tension, loss, defeat, winning at all costs. Pick your battles. Winning at the cost of your integrity or relationships is a hollow victory. Consider if it's worth it.
What does Five of Swords reversed mean?
Reconciliation, making amends, past resentment.
What does Five of Swords mean in love?
Painful quarrels, lack of respect in relationship, win feeling at expense of feelings. Reversed Meaning: End of quarrels, attempt to reconcile, forgiveness of old grudges.
What does Five of Swords mean for career and work?
Unfair competition, lack of loyalty, success over dead bodies. Reversed Meaning: End of work intrigues, admission of mistake, business relations repair.
Is Five of Swords a yes or no card?
No. Upright, Five of Swords is usually read as a no: it points to an obstacle, a loss or an ending worth respecting. Reversed, the answer tends to weaken or turn into "not yet", so read it together with the rest of the spread.
What advice does Five of Swords give?
Consider if this win is worth its price. Sometimes it's better to let go.