
This post is intended to be a mini Five of Swords Tarot Guide. It is important to mention that the longer you work with the cards the more you will discover how they speak to you. For example, the Five of Swords does have a theme and traditional meaning but I recommend leaving “space” for the card to speak to you. Over time, you may discover that the card represents unique insights or themes for you personally.
Suit of Swords Summary

Numerology of the #5 – Themes
- Number 5 energy is dynamic and resonates with action, change, impulsivity, a lack of control and is responsive in the moment.
- Positive energies of the number 5 are stimulating, charismatic, optimistic, inspiring, daring, adventurous, energetic, sensual, tolerant, flexible, adaptable, curious, enthusiastic, easy going, and free spirited.
- Negative energies are irresponsibility, boredom, and excitability. 5’s can also be associated with indulgence.
Five of Swords Tarot – Upright Meaning
- Do you want to win at all costs? Manipulation, control, narcissism and jealousy. Doing what you need to do for you without thinking of others. A failure to compromise. Ego’s fighting. One upmanship. Exploiting another’s weakness.
- Changes within groups or collaboration.
- The current strategy is messed up and not working. Air affects reasoning and ideas and decisions. Mental defeat, mental failure.
- A need to stand up for yourself. Is someone taking advantage of you again? There is an extreme conflict but you cannot be defeated if you stand up for yourself. Advises the seeker not to show any weakness as it may be used against them. Need to put yourself first but choose your words with care. Think before acting.
- Modern day definition of insanity – doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different outcome. If you want different results you must use different methods.
Shadow Side of the Five of Swords
- The querent may experience defeat in the current situation. Or it may be advantageous to accept a minor loss and just move on – away from the conflict.
- A need to make wrongs right. It may be time to take responsibility, not blame others and make amends in a current situation.
- There may be a need to self-reflect on your own behavior and stop blaming others. Work on your own limiting beliefs and insecurities. Integrate the aspects of yourself that you don’t like from a place of grace. Transform any negative energy in your life into positive energy for healing yourself.
Where to Find the Tarot Decks In Pinterest Pins Linked to this Post
- The Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham
- Tarot Familiars by Lo Scarabeo
- Oraculum Leviathan: Draconian Tarot Deck & Grimoire by Asenath Mason and Bill Duvendack
- Tarot Apokalypsis Deck by Kim Huggins and Eric C. Dunne
- Tarot of Pagan Cats by Lo Scarabeo
- Light Seer’s Tarot Deck by Chris-Anne
- Tarot of the Ages by Mario Garizio
Artist Attribute
The featured image for this post is by Chinnu Indrakumar. Discovered on Unsplash.com.
References
- My own experience
- The Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham
- Holistic Tarot: An Integrative Approach to Using Tarot for Personal Growth by Benebell Wenn
Disclaimer
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