Tarot Swords

The tarot swords represent various aspects of the Air element and correspond to the spades in a deck of regular playing cards. Because of their association with the Air element the tarot swords may mean freedom or even quick change. The swords can also often represent military, strength, authority, suffering, and violence.

Ace of Swords Upright: Beginning of a victory, ability to love and hate with ardor, triumph, a card of great force in love as well as hatred

Reverse: The same but with catastrophic results, obstacles, tyranny

Two of Swords Upright: Well balanced emotions are needed, indecision, intimacy, affection, friendship

Reverse: Release, beware when dealing with the disloyal, imposture, falsehood

Three of Swords Upright: Problems in affectionate relationships, possible civil war, division, absense, delay

Reverse: Disorder, confusion, loss, mental alienation

Four of Swords Upright: Rest after strife, retreat, temporary exile, vigilance

Reverse: Renewed activity, social unrest, labor strikes, circumspection, economy, avarice

Five of Swords Upright: Failure, defeat, loss, dishonor, cruelty, degradation, an empty victory

Reverse: A lesser chance of loss or defeat, an empty victory, unfairness in dealings, burial

Six of Swords Upright: A journey, route, envoy, passage away from sorrows, harmony will prevail

Reverse: Journey will be postponed, declaration, confession, publicity

Seven of Swords Upright: An unwise attempt, unreliability, betrayal, insolence, spying, possible failure, hope, annoyances

Reverse: Excessive help is given, good advice, counsel, stolen items are returned, instruction, slander

Eight of Swords Upright: Restricted action, conflict, crisis, indecision, censure, sickness, weakness, a prisoner

Reverse: Relaxation, new beginnings possible, freedom also disquiet, difficulties, or opposition

Nine of Swords Upright: Suffering, doubt, desolation, illness, injury, death of a loved one, miscarriage, cruelty, suspicion, misery, loss, pitilessness, slander, deception,

Reverse: Healing over time, unselfishness, good news of a loved one also imprisonment, doubt, or suspicion to a lesser degree

Ten of Swords Upright: Sudden misfortune, ruin of plans, defeat, failure, pain, affliction, tears, death

Reverse: Temporary advantage, courage, some success, better health

Page of Swords Upright: Dexterity, grace, diplomacy, spying, examination, authority

Reverse: A cunning person, an imposture, sickness, unforeseen events,

Knight of Swords Upright: A headlong rush into life, a strong or skillful man, bravery, a skillful and clever person, defense, war, destruction,

Reverse: Tyranny, a troublemaker, extravagance, incapacity

Queen of Swords Upright: A quick and confident decision, a widow, mourning, absence, sterility,

Reverse: Malice, a sly and deceitful person, narrow mindedness, bigotry, deceit

King of Swords Upright: A judge, a powerful commander, a firm overcautious friend, wise counselor, power, authority, military intelligence, law

Reverse: Evil intentions, cruelty, an obstinate person, unfair judgments

Information on other Cards
Meaning Of Tarot Cards The Major Arcana 0-7
Meaning of Tarot Cards II The Major Arcana 8-21
Tarot Pentacles
Tarot Cups
Tarot Wands