The swords is the suit of intelligence, logic, truth, ambition, conflict and communication. It is associated with the element of air. In readings, these cards focus on the faculty and power of intellect, which like the swords themselves, are double-edged. This can be used for both good or evil, to help and to harm, and our greatest conflicts usually come from this delicate balance. At their worst, the swords can be abusive, harsh, and lack empathy.
Learn More about the Suit of SwordsTarot Card Meanings List — Swords
cups major arcana pentacles swords wandsSuit of Swords

King of Swords Meaning
Upright: head over heart, discipline, truth, Reversed: manipulative, cruel, weakness

Knight of Swords Meaning
Upright: action, impulsiveness, defending beliefs, Reversed: no direction, disregard for consequences, unpredictability

Queen of Swords Meaning
Upright: complexity, perceptiveness, clear mindedness, Reversed: cold hearted, cruel, bitterness

Page of Swords Meaning
Upright: curiosity, restlessness, mental energy, Reversed: deception, manipulation, all talk

Ten of Swords Meaning
Upright: failure, collapse, defeat, Reversed: can't get worse, only upwards, inevitable end

Nine of Swords Meaning
Upright: anxiety, hopelessness, trauma, Reversed: hope, reaching out, despair

Eight of Swords Meaning
Upright: imprisonment, entrapment, self-victimization, Reversed: self acceptance, new perspective, freedom

Seven of Swords Meaning
Upright: deception, trickery, tactics and strategy, Reversed: coming clean, rethinking approach, deception

Six of Swords Meaning
Upright: transition, leaving behind, moving on, Reversed: emotional baggage, unresolved issues, resisting transition

Five of Swords Meaning
Upright: unbridled ambition, win at all costs, sneakiness, Reversed: lingering resentment, desire to reconcile, forgiveness

Three of Swords Meaning
Upright: heartbreak, suffering, grief, Reversed: recovery, forgiveness, moving on

Four of Swords Meaning
Upright: rest, restoration, contemplation, Reversed: restlessness, burnout, stress

Two of Swords Meaning
Upright: difficult choices, indecision, stalemate, Reversed: lesser of two evils, no right choice, confusion

Ace of Swords Meaning
Upright: breakthrough, clarity, sharp mind, Reversed: confusion, brutality, chaos