Understanding the Basics of Tarot Cards—Swords

The Swords suit is one of the four suits within the Minor Arcana, consisting of fourteen cards. These cards revolve around inner and outer conflicts, often reflecting our personal challenges and truths. These cards are usually “tough pills to swallow” due to the fear, insecurity, self-doubt, and sorrow that often come with them. Although not the brightest suit in the deck, they are there to bring light to situations and encourage strength. While they all share the same overarching themes, each card has its own purpose and meaning.

Ace of Swords

The Ace of Swords is the representation of your prime motive. It is what ultimately guides you. One of the more optimistic cards within the swords deck, this card is usually a sign of progress and success. When this card is pulled, you are most likely at the very beginning of a new journey. You may feel uncertain about whether this path is the right one for you or if it was smart to venture off from your initial plan. This card is telling you that you have the strength to get through anything on this journey.

Two of Swords

The Two of Swords symbolizes the act of making a decision in the face of conflict. You are stuck between two choices, but cannot reach a place of harmony or serenity until you choose a side. It could also represent a miscommunication or being in a state of mixed signals, which leaves you unsure of how to move forward. When this card is pulled, it’s urging you to gain as much information as you can and to make a decision that most positively impacts your future, even if it hurts.

Three of Swords

The Three of Swords revolves around heartache and complete sorrow. If you pull this card, you’re most likely in a place of grief, mourning, complete sadness (or are about to enter it). This card represents pains of the heart, and it tells you to lean into this pain and try your best to understand and grow from it. Work through and feel your emotions rather than repress them for the sake of your personal growth and the possibility of strength.

Four of Swords

The Four of Swords is telling you to retreat to a place of silence, calmness, and rest. You are currently on a path of emotional and/or physical burnout and need to slow down before you completely collapse. This card is begging you to take a break and allow yourself some space to breathe, reflect, and exist. You aren’t giving yourself the needed time to process your decisions or what path you find yourself turning down, which may lead to chaos. Take some time for

Five of Swords

The Five of Swords represents tension and competition. You are most likely in a battle and need to examine why and if it’s healthy. Even if you may be “winning” in these competitions, in whatever shape or form they may take, are you really winning if you’re harming yourself or others? This card is telling you to pick your battles wisely and to be more reflective and cognizant of them before diving in head first. You have to think before you act, or you may end up on the losing side of the coin every time.

Six of Swords

The Six of Swords represents you walking away from a difficult situation. It is painful and hard, possibly even scary or bringing up feelings of regret or guilt. But it needed to be left behind. When this card is pulled, it’s telling you that this release is helping you grow, even if it feels awful at the moment. You made the right decision, and hopefully, one day will be able to acknowledge it. Plus, letting go means opening yourself to the opportunity of letting in something new

Seven of Swords

The Seven of Swords symbolizes deception. You are most likely experiencing, or about to experience, the ultimate betrayal. You have become the target of someone's toxicity, secrets, and manipulation. When this card is pulled, it's telling you to be skeptical of those who don’t have your best interests at heart, don’t believe everything that you’re told, and make sure to not allow people to take advantage of you.

Eight of Swords

The Eight of Swords represents feeling trapped or bound to a situation you may not want to be in. You may be desperately seeking a way out but are falling short. However, it’s important to know that there is always an escape. When this card is pulled, it’s informing you these moments of being stuck are done through your own mind. Something, most likely your fears or negative mindsets, is holding you back from finding the escape route. You need to open your mind and set yourself free, or else you’ll be stuck there forever.

Nine of Swords

The Nine of Swords surrounds your anxieties and fears. You are in a state of perpetual worry. You are most likely in a position where you’re losing sleep or needed time for rest and reflection. You most likely feel powerless or as though you’re lacking control of yourself and your emotions. This card is telling you to stop worrying, that you are just feeding into stressful situations and making yourself feel worse. You need to release the power that these worries and concerns have over you.

Ten of Swords

The Ten of Swords is the epitome of finality. You’ve reached a point in a situation where there’s no turning back, but also no stepping forward. Whatever this endeavor may be, it’s over for good. While this could be a tragic loss and you may be mourning the end, it also could bring weightlessness and closure. If you pull this card, it’s a sign to close that chapter for good and to allow yourself to move on, there is no more you can do for that situation.

Page of Swords

The Page of Swords is about follow-through, allowing yourself to move forward. You are in a place of enthusiasm, goal setting, and planning, but haven’t made an effort to take your first steps in achieving it. While you need more research and a solid plan before making any sudden decisions, this card wants you to follow through with your plans and be prepared for the challenges or obstacles you may face along the way.

Knight of Swords

The Knight of Swords is always up for a challenge and is prepared for the battle. He is impulsive yet sharp, often falling into the habit of acting first and asking questions later. When this card is pulled, it’s a lesson to not be like the knight. Rather than acting impulsively and barging into every situation, think about your intentions and actions. Make sure your actions are just and helpful rather than harmful. Make sure that you’re heading in the right direction.

Queen of Swords

The Queen of Swords is independent and knows exactly what she wants and how she’s going to get it. She hums to the tune of her own song, not allowing herself to follow others aimlessly. She will not be confined to other people's expectations and boxes. When this card is pulled, it’s to encourage you to find your own form of independence and start fighting for yourself and your needs. Find your inner strength.

King of Swords

The King of Swords is powerful in his mind. He is full of wisdom, intelligence, and truth. He is against following emotions, instead focusing on fairness and objectivity. Due to this, he is well-respected and trusted by all. When this card is pulled, it’s asking you to acknowledge your position of power and to lend your support and guidance to others. Allow yourself to guide others, and remember that you can also ask for help if you need it.