Five of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

A smirking figure gathers swords while two others walk away defeated. The Five of Swords is conflict where winning costs more than it gains.

• Suit:Swords — Air
• Keywords:conflict, defeat, hollow victory, tension
• Reversed:reconciliation, regret, moving on
• Yes or no:No

What the card shows

A man holds three swords and looks back at two people walking away. Two swords lie on the ground under a stormy sky.

He won, but he is alone.

Upright meaning

Upright, the Five of Swords shows arguments, winning at any cost or betrayal. Ask whether the fight is worth it.

Reversed meaning

Reversed, reconciliation or letting go of a conflict.

In love and relationships

In love, hurtful arguments or power struggles.

In work and money

At work, office politics or unfair competition. With money, conflicts over resources.

As advice

Choose peace over being right.

In Marseille and Thoth

In the Tarot de Marseille the Five of Swords combines curved blades with a central straight one. In the Thoth deck the card is Defeat.

Questions to reflect on

• Is this fight worth it?
• What would peace cost me?
• Who have I hurt by winning?

Frequently asked questions