Five of Swords
Minor Arcana · Suit of Swords
Upright
- conflict
- winning at a cost
- tension
- defeat
- reconciliation
- making amends
- past resentment
- walking away
In the picture
A man smirks as he gathers three swords, while two defeated figures walk away toward the sea. Two more swords lie on the ground under a windswept sky.
Upright meaning
The Five of Swords is a hollow victory. Someone wins, but the cost is goodwill. The card asks whether this argument is worth winning, and whether pride is worth more than the relationship.
Reversed meaning
Reversed, the fighting is over and it is time to make amends or let it go. It can also point to lingering resentment. Clearing the air helps everyone.
About the suit of Swords
Swords are the suit of air: thoughts, words, decisions and conflict. Swords cards can be sharp, because they deal with truth, worry and the hard choices made in the head.
