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 wands
Suit 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
