Five of Swords
loss, defeat, gossip
Five swords are spread across the card, one of them in the middle. Traditionally it announces losses, fights where someone ends up humiliated, gossip and a bad reputation. It might be money that slips away, a friendship broken by one comment, or an argument that gets out of hand. Winning at any cost is losing too. Choose your battles carefully.
In love
Ugly fights, blame, or someone talking about you behind your back. If you're single, don't trust anyone who tells you other people's business, because they'll tell yours too.
Career and money
Money losses, scheming or a coworker taking credit for your work. Keep proof of what you do, don't lend money these days, and don't play their game.
Health
Your defenses are down from the strain of so much conflict. Watch out for bumps, cuts and small accidents at home. Don't take on too much.
Reversed
You get back something you thought was lost, or a rumor is cleared up and your name is clean again.
As a person
Someone envious, gossipy or who plays dirty. Also the atmosphere of an office or a family where everything gets talked about.
The Five of Swords in a reading
In the past
You lost something because of a fight or someone's bad faith. The unfairness may still sting, but it taught you exactly who not to trust.
In the present
There's conflict around you, with gossip or dirty tricks. Don't stoop to their level. Keeping quiet at the right time protects you more than having the last word.
In the future
Watch out for a loss, some gossip or a small betrayal. If you stay out of other people's fights and keep an eye on your money, the blow will be lighter.
As a yes or no answer
No
No. The Five of Swords warns of losses and of a fight where you have little to gain. Pushing now could cost you more than it's worth, so pick another moment.
Do a Spanish deck readingIn tarot, the closest card is Five of Swords, which has its own meaning.
Walk away from that fight before you lose anything else.
Five of Swords FAQ
What does the Five of Swords mean in the Spanish deck?
Five swords are spread across the card, one of them in the middle. Traditionally it announces losses, fights where someone ends up humiliated, gossip and a bad reputation. It might be money that slips away, a friendship broken by one comment, or an argument that gets out of hand. Winning at any cost is losing too. Choose your battles carefully.
What does the Five of Swords mean in love?
Ugly fights, blame, or someone talking about you behind your back. If you're single, don't trust anyone who tells you other people's business, because they'll tell yours too.
What does the Five of Swords mean for career and money?
Money losses, scheming or a coworker taking credit for your work. Keep proof of what you do, don't lend money these days, and don't play their game.
What does the Five of Swords mean reversed?
You get back something you thought was lost, or a rumor is cleared up and your name is clean again.
Who does the Five of Swords stand for as a person?
Someone envious, gossipy or who plays dirty. Also the atmosphere of an office or a family where everything gets talked about.
Is the Five of Swords a yes or no card?
No. No. The Five of Swords warns of losses and of a fight where you have little to gain. Pushing now could cost you more than it's worth, so pick another moment.