General
In thought and communication, this card points to challenge, loss, or competition that reveals what needs attention. Consider how thought, communication, conflict, and discernment are shaping the situation.
Five of Swords
swords · five · air
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Upright
Love
In love, this card points to work through disappointment with care and ask for support. Its swords emphasis highlights thought, communication, conflict, and discernment.
Work
At work, this card points to a competitive test, a resource challenge, or a useful problem to solve. Its swords emphasis highlights thought, communication, conflict, and discernment.
Reversed
General
In thought and communication, this card suggests recovery, an easing conflict, or difficulty admitting that something hurts. Look for where thought, communication, conflict, and discernment need attention or a more balanced approach.
Love
Reversed in love, it can indicate resentment, rivalry, or avoiding the conversation that could heal things. Look for a clear conversation about needs and expectations.
Work
Reversed at work, it can indicate conflict lingering, morale strained, or a loss not yet processed. Review the practical next step before investing more effort.
Card illustration
A smirking figure gathers swords as two defeated figures walk away beneath clouds. The card belongs to the suit of swords, associated with thought, communication, conflict, and discernment.
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Copyright and public-domain information
The underlying Rider–Waite–Smith card design is attributed to Pamela Colman Smith (original Rider–Waite–Smith design) and is identified by this site’s dataset as public domain in the United States. This statement concerns the historic artwork; a particular scan or digital file may have separate source details or terms.
File-specific note: Original 1909/1910 Rider–Waite–Smith artwork is public domain in the United States. Commons file pages identify the status of each scan; verify the individual file page and local law before reuse.
Wikimedia Commons’ public-domain guidance describes works as public domain in their country of origin and in jurisdictions whose copyright term is the author’s life plus 70 years or fewer. Commons also requires the applicable United States public-domain tag to state why the work qualifies in the U.S.; consult the linked file page for that file’s specific tag, authorship and source information.
Copyright terms differ internationally. Commons cautions that the image may not be public domain in Mexico (100 years), Jamaica (95), Colombia (80), Guatemala or Samoa (75); these countries do not apply the rule of the shorter term. Honduras has a 75-year term but does apply that rule. Certain French wartime works and specified Russian wartime or posthumously rehabilitated works may also receive extended terms.
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Tarot meanings are reflective interpretations for entertainment and general information. They are not guarantees, professional advice, or a substitute for your own judgment.
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Related cards
Follow the same suit, shared themes, or the card sequence.
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