Minor Arcana · Swords · 5
Five of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
- Arcana
- Minor Arcana
- Suit
- Swords
- Rank
- Five
- Element
- Air
- Yes or no
- No
Upright meaning
Hollow victory · conflict · selfishness
A fight where you lose more than you gain, even if you win. Ask first whether you really need to win.
Reversed meaning
Reconciliation · lingering resentment · backing down
The fight ends and a chance to make up arrives. But talk honestly about the resentment that remains.
In a yes-or-no reading
- UprightNoThe card says it won't be easy as things stand.
- ReversedNoThe card says it won't be easy as things stand.
What the suit means — Swords
Swords are the suit of air. They stand for thoughts and words, judgment, conflict and decisions.
What the number means — Five
Five is the number of conflict, loss and change as stability breaks down.
The 14 Swords
- Ace of Swords
- Two of Swords
- Three of Swords
- Four of Swords
- Five of Swords
- Six of Swords
- Seven of Swords
- Eight of Swords
- Nine of Swords
- Ten of Swords
- Page of Swords
- Knight of Swords
- Queen of Swords
- King of Swords
Draw your own
Now that you know the card, think of one question and shuffle the deck yourself. Which of the 78 cards comes up is decided the moment you shuffle.
Meanings follow the widely used Rider–Waite tradition, and the pictures are simple designs drawn for this site. Please treat tarot as a light-hearted aid to reflection.