The INDIAN TAROTS – Five of Swords

The Five of Swords illustrates the aftermath of a disagreement. The card questions the validity of an argument won if the means to that victory involved pain. The Five of Swords asks us to take a look at the process we use to reach our objectives. In other words: ends do not justify means.

A large man is depicted in the foreground, picking up fallen swords. It is unclear his relation to the two other figures in the card. Perhaps they all had a fight and the large man won. Perhaps he is thinking of attacking them while their backs are turned. Perhaps he is looking at the other two people and is thinking about his younger self. Two figures are seen walking away from the man with the swords. Perhaps they are walking away in defeat. Perhaps they are unaware of the man with the swords. In any case, these figure’s depiction adds a sense of melancholy and lost to the card.

The two swords on the ground are the tools we haven’t used or forgot about. Perhaps they are the swords of the two figures walking away. In that case, they can represent defeat or our shortcomings. Likewise, the three swords in the man’s arms can represent resourcefulness and being prepared. On the flip side, they could also illustrate hoarding and being a miser about resources. The water in the Five of Swords is the holy Ganga, which flows with roar and is responsible for the fertile grounds. Water represents the subconscious coupled with the intelligence. Perhaps this indicates that the man with the swords is out of touch with his subconscious.

Upright meaning

This card often represents conflict, betrayal, and defeat. It suggests that you may have won a battle, but at a cost to your relationships or your integrity. The card encourages you to be aware of the consequences of your actions and to find a way to make amends.

Reverse meaning

This card can indicate reconciliation, compromise, or a release of tension. You may be finding ways to repair a relationship or to let go of past conflict. The card suggests that you may need to focus on finding a way to move forward in a positive direction.