Minor Arcana – Five Swords

The Five of Swords card shows a man standing near an ocean looking at two retreating male figures with an expression of contempt on his face.

There are clouds in the blue sky above him and also an indication of wind which is evident from the man’s blowing hair. The man seems to have been collecting swords. There are two swords placed over his left shoulder, and he is holding a third one with his right hand.

Before him on the ground there are two more swords. It seems that this man has been triumphant over the two retreating ones and has managed to take these from them. The two men seem to be going away with a feeling of sadness and loss that is evident from their hunched strides.

Upright Position: The card signifies two things – triumph and conflict. It probably means that the subject will be victorious, but only after a phase of hard work. The card also suggests that though the subject thinks that the intentions are honorable, she/he is probably blinded by self centered intentions, and lacks compassion and empathy towards others. Depending upon the background of the seeker, the card may even indicate abuse.

Reversed Position: Reversed, the card does not hold the opposite meaning. However, in this case, the victim perhaps is the subject her/himself. It suggests that the person has got entangled in a conflict or is being unable to walk away from an unwanted event or memory from the past. An old wound may reopen and the seeker may find residual resentment remaining in her/his soul.