By Katrina Rasbold
For many people, the Five of Swords is one of the more visually striking and unsettling cards in the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. It depicts a smug-looking figure in the foreground, holding three swords, while two defeated individuals walk away in the background. The sky is cloudy and gray, adding to the tension of the scene. This card often signals conflict, betrayal, hollow victories, and the consequences of dishonorable actions. What does the symbolism in Pamela Colman Smith’s depiction of the Five of Swords tell us and what are the subtle implications of the card in a reading? That’s our topic for this week’s “Tarot Talk” post.
Symbolism in the Five of Swords
1. The Central Figure – The Victor with the Swords
The most dominant figure in the card is a man standing in the foreground, gathering swords from the fallen and benefiting from the loss of the dead. He has a slight smirk on his face, suggesting arrogance or gloating. His body language implies that he has won, but at what cost? He has the spoils of war, but at the cost of the many bodies around him.
- His expression suggests a shallow or dishonorable victory.
- The swords he collects might indicate taking power or control from others, sometimes unfairly.
- The number of swords (three in hand, two on the ground) may hint at dishonesty, theft, or manipulation.
2. The Two Defeated Figures
The two figures in the background appear to be walking away in disappointment or sorrow. One has their head bowed, while the other looks back at the victor, seemingly in regret or frustration. Smith tells us that it is not only the dead who have lost, but the defeated living who must now walk away from the battleground unfulfilled and vanquished.
- These figures represent defeat, loss, or betrayal.
- Their posture suggests that they concede the battle but perhaps not the war.
- They also serve as a warning that the central figure’s victory may not be sustainable or ethical or that they were ineffective.
3. The Fallen Swords
Two swords are discarded on the ground, left behind as the defeated figures retreat. The primary figure has not yet picked them up or has decided to leave them unclaimed.
- These swords might symbolize missed opportunities, moral dilemmas, or the cost of winning at all costs.
- They also suggest that not all victories are worth pursuing.
4. The Sky and Landscape
The dark clouds overhead and the stormy, desolate setting suggest a somber mood.
- The cloudy sky represents confusion, tension, or an impending storm or could it be the reversed with the blue sky growing and pushing away the troubled clouds? The intuitive perspective of the reader and the cards surrounding this image in a reading contribute greatly to our understanding of the implications of this card.
- The scene by the water might symbolize emotional undercurrents and unresolved issues.
Interpretations of the Five of Swords
1. In a General Reading
The Five of Swords generally warns of conflict, deception, or unethical victories. It suggests that someone (or you) may have “won,” but at the expense of relationships, trust, or morality. When I see this card in a reading, I consider that the querant won or overcame a challenge, but at someone else’s expense or loss. It can also mean:
- A dispute or argument where someone takes advantage of another.
- A power struggle with a painful outcome.
- Hollow victory—winning, but feeling unfulfilled.
- Manipulation, dishonesty, or deception.
2. In Love and Relationships
When this card appears in a love reading, it often indicates disharmony, betrayal, or a toxic dynamic.
- A breakup where one person feels triumphant, but the emotional wounds remain.
- Verbal fights or manipulation in a relationship.
- Winning an argument at the expense of emotional closeness.
- If reversed, it could signify reconciliation or moving on from past hurts.
3. In Career and Finances
In career-related questions, the Five of Swords suggests office politics, deception, or cutthroat competition.
- A warning of or against unethical workplace behavior, such as backstabbing or sabotage.
- A promotion or business deal won through manipulation.
- A power struggle at work, where no one truly wins.
- If reversed, it could mean learning from past mistakes or repairing damaged professional relationships.
4. In a Spiritual or Personal Growth Reading
In a spiritual context, the Five of Swords warns against ego-driven decisions or pursuing victories that do not align with your higher self.
- Learning the difference between true wisdom and manipulative intelligence.
- A need for humility—sometimes surrendering is more powerful than fighting.
- A warning against holding onto resentment or revenge.
Reversed Meaning of the Five of Swords
When reversed, the Five of Swords can indicate a shift away from conflict or an opportunity for deeper healing. it can also indicate:
- Making amends after a disagreement.
- Letting go of past grudges or guilt.
- Overcoming deceit—the truth comes to light.
- Learning from past mistakes instead of repeating them.
- “Picking your battles” and letting go of conflict in favor of a Greater Good (even if you are right and your cause is just).
The Five of Swords serves as a reminder that not all victories are worth pursuing. It asks us to consider the ethical and emotional cost of winning and whether our actions align with our higher values. Whether in relationships, career, or personal development, this card warns against ego-driven battles and encourages reflection on how we handle conflicts.
When the Five of Swords appears in a reading, the querent should consider:
- Am I fighting for the right reasons?
- Is this victory truly worth the cost?
- How can I resolve this conflict with integrity?
- Is the “win” I might experience commiserate with the loss someone else will incur?
The wisdom of tarot, and particularly Pamela Colman Smith’s evocative artwork, invites us to look beyond immediate wins and think about the bigger picture of our moral and spiritual growth.
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Katrina Rasbold is a professional Witch, published author, priestess, and editor of Green Egg Magazine. She and her husband, Eric, are the creators of the CUSP spiritual path and owners of Crossroads Occult. You can reach her through www.katrinarasbold.com.