Tarot Arcanum Five of Swords: degradation, destruction

Description: In the foreground stands a victorious man, holding 2 swords in his left hand and one in his right. At his feet lie 2 more swords. In the background are two defeated. The weather on the map is alarming.

Main card meanings in the upright position:

1. The end of a difficult battle/upcoming battle;
2. Obvious losses and dubious gains;
3. Degradation, destruction;
4. Shame;
5. Failure, loss;
6. Cowardice;
7. Cruelty;
8. Aggravation of conflict, scandal;
9. Baseness, meanness, revenge;
10. Intrigue, slander, insults, humiliation;
11. Dismissal;
12. Aggressive, destructive thinking;
13. The collapse of previous ideals;
14. Injured pride;
15. Impertinence.

The main meanings of the card in the inverted position:

1. 1 and 2 points of meaning in the upright position, but the outcome for the questioner is a loss;
2. The loss is not as serious as with the card in the upright position;
3. Dishonesty in business relations;
4. Release from accusations, end of gossip;
5. All the negative meanings of the card in the upright position, but with even more negativity;
6. Egoism;
7. Weakness;
8. False pride.

In the foreground is the winner, holding one sword in his right hand and two, captured from his opponents, in his left. Two more swords lie right there on the ground. In the distance are two defeated men walking away towards the sea. Shreds of dark clouds rush across the sky.

The card indicates the end of a difficult battle that cost both the winner and the losers a lot of effort («Pyrrhic victory»). It can also mean leaving, parting with someone. In general, it says that the person who pulled it out will have to fight, the outcome of which is unclear; the losses are at least obvious, and the gain is doubtful. So is it worth starting?

In the inverted form: damage and injuries are still inevitable, but the outcome is no longer a draw, but a clear loss, that is, the prognosis is unfavorable.

In the «Egyptian Tarot», with the upright position of this card, the swords fold into an inverted pentagram, which predicts losses and failures. Only in the inverted position is the forecast somewhat softened («draw»).

(E. Kolesov «Azbuka Tarot»)

DESCRIPTION: The sky is covered with storm clouds. An arrogant man looks back mockingly at the two men from whom he has taken the swords. The two defeated figures look disheartened. Element: Air.

EXPLANATION: Called the «Lord of Defeat», this card signifies degradation, destruction, disgrace, failure and loss. The man in the foreground is the master of the situation, so it is clear that both the winner and the losers are shown here. The individual meaning of this card when drawn will depend on the nature of the other cards placed next to it in the layout. In addition to defeat and loss, this card signifies cowardice and cruelty. The positive side of this card is that it may show you that in adverse circumstances something valuable and important must be saved, and the situation depicted here may be a lesson for you.

REVERSED MEANING: You are still experiencing loss, but not as severely as you expected. You have achieved a Pyrrhic victory. You are being dishonest in your dealings with others.

SELF-DEVELOPMENT LESSON: If you have just emerged victorious from a conflict situation, what was the price of this victory? Was it achieved at the expense of others? If you have suffered a defeat, what can you do to avoid being exploited in the future?

( N. Drewry «Tarot. Step-by-step guide to studying» )

The Five of Swords is perhaps the most «harmful» card of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot. It means an escalation of conflict, a nasty scandal, «blows below the belt», baseness and meanness. At the same time, the card does not indicate whether all these harmful actions come from us or, on the contrary, we were drawn into this unseemly story as a victim. Only the other cards of the layout can tell about this. However, in any case, the Five of Swords means a «Pyrrhic victory» that will not please the winner for long.

WORK: Here the Five of Swords marks a difficult period associated with intrigue, slander and the lowest insults, usually followed by dismissal, and often a dramatic continuation in court. But the card can also mean some sensitive blow — rejection of a project, failure in exams. Sometimes it can also be a manner of acting extremely shamelessly, «walking on corpses».

CONSCIOUSNESS: At the level of consciousness, it means that we are experiencing a period of aggressive, destructive thinking, the forms of expression of which are from irritability and thirst for destruction to misanthropy and the cult of violence. Sometimes these impulses turn against ourselves — in the form of consistent undermining of one's own health or suicide attempts. The most unpleasant form is the «psychology of a crusader», who considers or passes off his destructive activity as «virtue» or as service to some higher cause. In the area of ​​self-knowledge, it can mean a sudden collapse of all previous ideals and the deepest despair associated with it — which, however, can become the beginning of the path to the discovery of Truth.

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS: A period of heartlessness, hatred, all sorts of meanness and a downright sadistic thirst for revenge, when partners inflict the most cruel and merciless blows on each other. This happens in those unions that have either already broken up or are about to do so. And since such enraged opponents are usually unable to come to an agreement with each other, then their reconciliation can best be facilitated by a third party, an absolutely neutral person. And even then only if both partners decide to do so, because the one who considers himself «stronger» (or more right) often mockingly rejects any attempts by the other to reconcile.

Fives in Tarot

The number five is associated with the Hierophant card, the planet Mercury, and the astrological signs of Gemini and Virgo. Mercury is also called quicksilver. Mercury symbolizes change, freedom of movement, adaptability, flexibility, mobility, variety, travel, and learning. People born under the sign of Mercury prefer intellectual activity to crafts. They need to beware of impulsiveness and a chameleon-like ability to adapt their thoughts to the situation.

The appearance of fives in a layout indicates major changes, often concerning promotions, or possible travel. Some kind of public recognition is also likely. Fives often foretell adventures, interesting tasks, or relocations. This is a time of tension and serious expenditure of nervous energy.

The number five represents Yang energy, restless, volatile, and impetuous. This may be a time of hasty action, adventurism, excitement, freedom from the limitations of the past, important changes, uncertainty, scattered energy and creative possibilities. This time is favorable for literature, art, public speaking, advertising, travel, research, gambling, trade and communications. Since the nature of fives is rather restless, this is not the best time for long-term hobbies.

Five of Swords Upright

Key words and phrases: Wounded pride. Humiliation. Arguments. False pride. Ridicule. Derision. Embarrassment. Cunning. Secret gloating. Intrigue. Turmoil. Backroom dealings. Betrayal. Malicious gossip. Debates. Hostility. Anger. Sabotage. Gossip behind one's back. Insincerity. Restrictions. Loss. Tightening of restrictions. Failure. Bad luck. Defeat. Loss of face. Cowardice. Negative thinking. Cloudy thinking. Theft. Unwillingness to consider consequences. Manipulation. Selfishness. Dominant attitude. Carelessness. Tactlessness. Blame. Destructive behavior. Revenge. Betrayal. Funeral. It's not fair. Is that all? It is only whether you win or lose that matters, not how you play. Be careful: you may get exactly what you wanted.

Situation and advice: The Five of Swords suggests that your behavior or the behavior of someone around you is considered negative or destructive. You will need to swallow your pride and accept some restrictions before you can continue with your plans. Your egoism prevents you from admitting that you have bitten off more than you can chew. Perhaps you blame others for your mistakes.

You are so concerned about winning that you do not consider the consequences of your behavior. You may get what you wanted, but eventually realize that it cannot fully realize your desires. Aggressive actions will not help you achieve the desired result either. Perhaps you listen to the opinions of too many people instead of drawing your own conclusions. You need to be wise enough to accept everything you cannot change and admit your defeat. Only then can you move on. You may have won the battle, but at what cost? As soon as you feel like a winner, ask yourself: «What did it cost me?» Victory will not bring satisfaction.

Be aware that someone in your circle does not deserve your trust. Perhaps you have become a victim of dirty gossip or behind-the-scenes intrigue. Someone is acting against you out of envy or malice. The court card in the layout will tell you who is sabotaging your plans and undermining your reputation.

People: Those who have lost their face. People who always lose. Evil gossips. Saboteurs. Those who create problems.

Five of Swords Reversed

Keywords and phrases: (Positive meanings) Release from accusations. End of malicious gossip and slander. Betrayal exposed.

(Negative meanings) Very similar meanings of the card in the correct position, but have an even more negative connotation. Loss. Failure. Intimidation. Manipulation. Humiliation. Dishonesty. Illegal methods. Persecution. Anger. Deception. Weakness. Defeat. Selfishness. False pride. Intrigue. Despair. Deterioration. Suspicion. Paranoia. Bad relationships. All efforts are only for winning. Mine, all mine!

Situation and advice: Positive aspect of the Five of Swords: an end to attacks and slander, which the card predicts in the right position.

Negative aspect: the Five of Swords in the inverted position says that you are in a situation where you feel humiliated, or it seems to you that you are being persecuted. Your self-esteem may be low due to the fact that you have been repeatedly humiliated or you have suffered a defeat. Someone is inciting you or openly and viciously attacking you.

People: Provocateurs. Evil enemies. Behind the scenes schemers.

The meaning and inner meaning of the Five of Swords Arcana

The meaning of the five of swords in the upright position:

• Loss, Damage, Corruption, Distortion, Exhaustion, Destruction, Injury, Decrease, Diminution, Losses, Mistakes, Harm, Stinginess, Decline of business, Disadvantages, Devastation, Wastefulness, Misfortune, Failures, Overturning, Ruin.
• Destruction, Flight.
• Debauchery, Shame, Disgrace, Insult, Ugliness, Ugliness, Humiliation.
• Contempt, Vice, Debauchery, Temptation, Debauchery.

Other meanings of the five of swords tarot in upright:

• destruction, loss, dishonor, desire to hurt, settle scores, encroachment on the capital of the questioner
• defeat, low self-esteem

The Tarot card five of swords is a card of conflicts and defeats. The Client was drawn into an argument, he suffered a strong failure and was forced to retreat to lick his wounds. Due to wounded pride and humiliated self-esteem, there is a danger of being trapped in negative thoughts and attitudes. However, if the Client accepts defeat with dignity, elegantly, he will overcome the painful feeling of humiliation and accept a new challenge.

The meaning of the five of swords tarot: grief, severe loss, tragic situation. The Questioner will face decline, destruction, dishonor and loss. Hidden as well as foreseen dangers are possible. Decline and defeat. Reversed Interpretation:

• Mourning, Dejection, Attachment, Sadness, Suffering.
• Mental Anguish, Ceremonial Procession, Burial, Funeral, Lowering into the Grave.

Other Reversed Five of Swords Tarot Meanings:

• Failure, Anxiety, Defeat, Loss, Sadness, Mourning
• Deception, Malice

The Five of Swords Tarot in the wrong orientation signifies unethical, malicious, divisive behavior either toward or on the part of the Client. If he is the victim, the sense of defeat will be intense; if he is the instigator in the intrigue, any success he achieves will be a Pyrrhic victory.

The reversed five of swords tarot has the same negative meaning as the upright one.

Inner meaning

The five of swords tarot card is a card of collapse or failure. It predicts the collapse of your plans, an unhappy or tragic situation and (or) a huge loss. The surrounding cards (that is, other events and people) can soften this loss, but you are entering a very bad streak and can only try to get through it with the least losses.

Sources:

1. N. Drewry «Tarot. Step-by-step guide to studying»
2. E. Kolesov“The ABC of Tarot”
3. Unknown author“Initial information for reading tarot cards”
4. X.Banzhaf«Tarot Self-Teacher»
5. Anthony Lewis“Tarot made simple and clear”

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