Ace of Swords

New Challenges · Extremes · Rationality · Resolve

Card Interpretation

Above a range of mountains, a hand pierces through the sky, clutching a sword tightly as its blade thrusts straight through a crown perched atop it. The entire scene symbolizes the boundless power of the desire to challenge. The sword represents harm—much like its double-edged nature, it can wound others as easily as it can hurt oneself; it can save lives just as readily as it can take them. As a symbol here, the sword serves as a warning to those who wield it: one wrong move can lead to dire consequences. Much like how the blade pierces the crown in the image, it can all too easily become a force of extremism. Just as love and hate can either build or destroy, so too can this sword. The perfectly balanced blade in the card symbolizes the neutral power of wisdom. While the core theme of the Swords suit revolves around harm, many later interpretations incorporated the element of Air (to which Swords are traditionally linked). Thus, the Ace of Swords is often associated with meanings like rationality, integrity, knowledge, mental strength, resolve, and fairness, usually signifying a certain authority or the necessity of seeking it.

Upright

1. Possessing strong drive and a competitive, assertive spirit
2. High chances of victory in challenges, with outcomes likely to be positive
3. In health readings, it indicates surgery or injections, signifying treatable conditions
4. Progressing smoothly in endeavors and turning misfortunes into blessings
5. Endowed with extraordinary strength to achieve surprising results

Reversed

1. Prone to stirring up trouble and disputes in one’s undertakings
2. Foretelling numerous obstacles along the path of striving
3. Bringing disaster upon oneself due to reckless bravado
4. Higher likelihood of failure when taking on challenges
5. In health readings, it represents external injuries

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Two of Swords

Avoidance · Resistance · Opposition · Deadlock · Tension

Card Interpretation

In the image, a woman clad in a gray robe turns her back on a turbulent ocean—a symbol of emotion. She sits on a stone bench, her eyes blindfolded with a white cloth that signifies escapism from reality, holding two swords crossed over her chest in a defensive stance. By turning her back to the sea of emotion and blinding herself, she embodies the self-deceptive folly of "burying one’s head in the sand." Crossing the swords before her face is equivalent to closing off her heart, representing a shut-off, guarded mindset. The woman sits motionless, the two swords slanting against each other like two opposing forces locked in a stalemate, symbolizing an awkward, strained interpersonal predicament. Additionally, it indicates that the querent is unable or unwilling to make a decision.

Upright

1. Demonstrating considerable dedication, able to focus body and mind fully on completing a task
2. Possessing an iron will that refuses to waver easily
3. Engaging in cutthroat competition or conflict with colleagues or rivals
4. Reaching the end of a long, stubborn struggle that one has refused to concede

Reversed

1. Indicates the querent can finally make a decision, break the deadlock, ease tension, and stop resisting. However, as the sea and reefs shift to the top of the card, hidden rumors and deceit will come to light
2. Being two-faced or having a dual personality
3. Caution against acting in ways that harm friends’ interests
4. Knowing when to quit while ahead, or making a timely retreat from a difficult situation
5. Being duplicitous, saying one thing but meaning another

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Three of Swords

Grief · Loss · Delay

Card Interpretation

Three swords pierce a single heart in unison, set against a backdrop of a bleak, rainy sky. It is a shocking, gut-wrenching scene that directly conveys the card’s core meaning: heartbreak. Yet amidst the chaos, the image retains a certain harmony—the three swords inadvertently form a symmetrical pattern. It serves as a reminder that grief is both beautiful and inevitable, a force that fosters growth. If one accepts grief with an open heart, it will transform into a source of strength for self-improvement. The card simply depicts the raw, broken state of a shattered heart, without revealing the cause of the pain or the process of healing. One should not dwell on emotional wounds to the point of being unable to move on, allowing the pain to fester indefinitely.

Upright

1. Experiencing frequent quarrels or arguments lately
2. Losing a source of love or affection that one has long cherished
3. Facing separation, whether it be a romantic breakup or the end of a friendship
4. Encountering intense opposition or conflict in life
5. Shedding tears of sorrow and disappointment

Reversed

1. Remaining psychologically closed off, unwilling to accept anything new or help from others
2. The wounds are ready to heal, but the querent still wallows in grief and refuses to let others in
3. Consistently causing heartache to those around you
4. Beware—you are at risk of suffering a devastating loss
5. Overwhelming feelings of anxiety and unease growing stronger by the day

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Four of Swords

Rest · Passivity · Contemplation · Preparation

Card Interpretation

A man rests peacefully beneath three swords hanging on the wall, with a fourth sword lying beside him—he can rise to action at any moment. Compared to other cards in the Swords suit, this image exudes a sense of serenity and calm. It typically represents a state of inactivity, but this is not pure idleness. Instead, it is a period of rest to recharge one’s energy, pause ongoing tasks, and plan for the next steps. Once fully prepared, he will leap into action at a moment’s notice to continue his unfinished business. "Rest is for the sake of better work" encapsulates the card’s primary meaning.

Upright

1. Needing a period of recuperation and rest before proceeding
2. Learning to make temporary concessions in all matters
3. Mastering the strategy of "retreating to advance"

Reversed

1. A reminder to avoid impatience; think carefully and take things step by step
2. Usually able to rest adequately in a short time before re-engaging with life fully
3. Reflect on oneself and recover things that were lost in the past

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Five of Swords

Pyrrhic Victory · Selfishness · Loss · Dispute · Humiliation

Card Interpretation

The victor collects the swords of the defeated, a smile playing on his lips as he watches his vanquished foes walk away in dejection. It is safe to say that the more miserable the losers look, the more pleased the winner becomes. The scene makes it clear that a violent conflict has just concluded, and the victor is still basking in his arrogant triumph, oblivious to its emptiness. This victory brings him no real benefits; it is a purely spiteful act that harms others without benefiting himself, only serving to fuel his ambition and turn him more selfish. The Five of Swords symbolizes a meaningless, hollow victory, warning against the act of harming others by any means necessary just to come out on top. Additionally, this card represents hostility, quarrels, and humiliation.

Upright

1. Avoid being short-sighted; never lose sight of the ultimate goal of the "game"
2. Be vigilant of people around you who harbor ill will or hostility
3. At risk of being demoted or dismissed from your position
4. Gradually descending into moral decay or corruption
5. Feeling confused or disillusioned with interpersonal relationships

Reversed

1. Breaking free from selfish behavior and putting an end to pointless disputes
2. Outcomes are unpredictable
3. An unfortunate event will befall someone you know
4. A funeral or bereavement is imminent

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Six of Swords

Melancholy · Healing · Recovery · Travel

Card Interpretation

A small boat carries six swords sticking out of its hull, along with a boatman pole-ing at the helm and a mother and her child. They sail toward distant, calm waters that symbolize a bright future—while the waves beneath the boat churn violently. The six swords, symbols of harm, cannot be pulled out; otherwise, the boat will sink. They have no choice but to forge ahead with danger as their companion, carrying their wounds with them on the journey. Things are not entirely dire, but they are far from ideal. The boatman holds a black bamboo pole—black symbolizes hidden potential, a reminder that the future is uncertain, and one should not paint oneself into a corner. Sail through the turbulent waves, and you will reach the boundless calm of still waters.

Upright

1. Turbulent waves spilling onto the shore, foretelling more hardships ahead
2. Wounds lingering and refusing to heal, due to a reluctance to accept help
3. Lacking effective solutions or strategies at the moment
4. Needing to open up and share your true feelings with those who have misunderstood you

Reversed

1. Finding peace and stability after enduring great hardships
2. Withdrawing into seclusion and cutting oneself off from the world
3. Requiring the assistance of a mediator or go-between to resolve a conflict
4. Having successfully weathered the storm and overcome difficulties

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Seven of Swords

Deceit · Isolated Attempt · Confidence

Card Interpretation

The scene depicts a man sneaking into a military camp to steal swords. He makes off with only five blades, leaving the other two behind right where they were. Bound by the limits of his own strength, he cannot afford to confront the enemy head-on in broad daylight—instead, he resorts to this underhanded tactic to weaken the foe’s fighting capacity. The two swords left in his wake symbolize the peril of such a ploy; one wrong move could spell a catastrophic end. Still, his refusal to back down in the face of difficulty speaks volumes of his unshakable confidence, and that much deserves recognition. His expression might suggest success, but appearances are deceiving. As long as even one sword remains in the enemy’s hands, harm is inevitable.

The Seven of Swords teaches us that accomplishing a formidable task demands immense effort and dedication. It also serves as a warning: such sneaky, underhanded schemes might work once or twice, but they will never yield success in the long run.

Upright

1. Prone to carelessness and inattentiveness in daily life
2. There lurks a deeply hidden enemy in the shadows
3. A breach of privacy; personal secrets have been leaked
4. A theft is imminent, or has already taken place
5. A plan has already failed, or is on the brink of failure

Reversed

1. Unexpected good fortune is on the horizon
2. It is wise to seek and consider advice from others
3. Valuable guidance or sound counsel will come your way

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Eight of Swords

Self-Imposed Limitations · Bad News · Oppression · Confusion

Card Interpretation

The woman in the image is blindfolded and has her hands tied, trapped within a circle of swords. She cannot stretch out her hands, cannot see, and cannot move freely. Her home lies far away on a mountain in the distance. The Eight of Swords symbolizes a state of helpless isolation and entrapment.Yet there is still hope: the warm glow of her home in the distance calls out to her, inspiring her to break free from her shackles and rush toward freedom. This card reflects a temporary state of being for the querent, not a permanent fate.

Upright

1. Being in an isolated position, embarking on a new life of struggle that risks leading to downfall
2. Receiving distressing or unwelcome news
3. Facing blame, criticism, and malicious gossip from those around you
4. Feeling trapped and deprived of freedom
5. Constant conflicts and arguments plaguing daily life

Reversed

1. Breaking free from constraints and regaining freedom
2. The crisis has been resolved, allowing you to finally breathe a sigh of relief

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Nine of Swords

Despair · Nightmares · Agony · Insomnia

Card Interpretation

The man in the image sits up in bed, clutching his face in agony, his blanket cast aside on the floor. Nine swords hang on the wall beside him, resembling window bars or ribs closing in. Sorrow and regret always feel more intense at night; when the trivial distractions of the day fade away, people are left alone with their thoughts, tormented to the point of lying awake all night. The Nine of Swords represents this sudden, overwhelming wave of distress that can wash over us at any time. Unlike the pain symbolized by the Three of Swords—which stems from external troubles—the suffering here originates from within, a torment of the mind and soul.

Upright

1. Trapped in hardship, either currently enduring it or facing it imminently
2. Experiencing misfortune brought about by a romantic partner
3. Facing failure or disruption midway through a venture; good things never come easy
4. Severing ties with a friend or romantic partner
5. Falling ill, referring to any physical discomfort or ailment

Reversed

1. Constantly encountering humiliating incidents, struggling to cope with life and sinking into profound despair
2. Being surrounded by many sincere, close friends who offer support
3. Being indecisive and hesitant in making decisions
4. Plagued by a persistent sense of fear or dread
5. Being engulfed by rumors and malicious slander from those around you

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Ten of Swords

Agony · Conclusion · The Darkness Before Dawn

Card Interpretation

Beneath a gray sky shrouded in dark clouds, a man lies prostrate on the ground, dead, with ten swords piercing his back—one of them even stabbing through his head. The entire scene is a shocking, harrowing sight. The Ten of Swords is widely regarded as an ill-omened card, carrying deeply negative connotations of agony, sorrow, suffering, and all manner of distressing emotions.

At the same time, this card represents situations of excess—symbolizing the consequences of overindulgence and unchecked development. The silver lining in this bleak image lies in two details: the man wears a crimson robe, a symbol of his love for life; and the faint glow of dawn breaks on the distant horizon, telling us that the darkness is about to end. The water beside the path lies calm and still, a stark contrast to the turbulent waves seen in other Swords cards. This foreshadows a message of hope: things may not be as bad as they seem. What perished in the darkness is gone, and what is born at dawn is a new beginning.

Upright

1. Trapped in prolonged distress with no visible way out
2. Feeling passive and wishing for everything to come to an end
3. Facing or having already suffered a crushing defeat
4. Destined for a tragic and lonely fate

Reversed

1. A fleeting opportunity for sudden success presents itself
2. There is hope for a comeback and turning one’s fortunes around
3. Possibilities for improvement and positive change exist