A smirking man collects swords while two defeated figures walk away toward the sea. It is conflict won at a cost: a hollow victory, humiliation, betrayal.
A hollow victory, a conflict that leaves everyone poorer.
Waite’s keywords (1911): Degradation, destruction, revocation, infamy, dishonour, loss.
Reversed
Reversed, the conflict ends: reconciliation, regret, or the desire to make amends.
Reconciliation, the wish to end the fight.
Waite’s keywords (1911): The same; burial and obsequies.
In love
Upright Fights where everyone loses; pride above love.
Reversed Reconciliation after a fight; making amends.
In work
Upright Conflict at work, unfair competition, a victory that costs you allies.
Reversed Ending a work conflict; making peace.
In money
Upright Money won unfairly, or lost in a dispute.
Reversed Resolving a financial conflict.
At home and in the family
Upright Quarrels at home where no one really wins.
Reversed Making peace in the family.
On your path
Upright Your ego wins, your soul loses.
Reversed Humility; you let go of the need to be right.
Its counsel
Upright Ask yourself whether this battle is worth it.
Reversed Make peace. Being right is not everything.
Correspondences
- Arcana
- Minor Arcana, suit of Swords
- Element
- Air
- Rank
- Fives: struggle, loss and unsettling change
Dreams that carry this card
Swords
Ace of Swords · Two of Swords · Three of Swords · Four of Swords · Six of Swords · Seven of Swords · Eight of Swords · Nine of Swords · Ten of Swords · Page of Swords · Knight of Swords · Queen of Swords · King of Swords