Five of Swords
Affirmation
Even as I care for myself, I am mindful of the needs of others.
Symbolic Attributes
- Element:
- Arcana:Minor Arcana
- Suit:Swords
- Archetype:
- Numerology:5 (The Catalyst: instability, resistance, confrontation)
- Hebrew Alphabet:
Keywords
Description
A disdainful man looks after two retreating and dejected figures. Their swords lie upon the ground. He carries two others on his left shoulder, and a third sword is in his right hand, point to earth. He is the master in possession of the field.
Light Meaning
- Acting in your own best interest
- Choosing to stand up for yourself
- Not backing down from disagreement and discord
- Taking a stand
- Refusing to go along with an unethical plan
- Knowing when to bend the rules
Shadow Meaning
- Taking advantage of others
- Intimidating others
- Acting in an unethical manner
- Picking fights
- Using words to goad others into violence and irrationality
- Ignoring rules you've agreed to abide by
- Looking out for yourself while allowing harm to come to others
- Gloating over victory
Questions to Ask Yourself
- •How do I behave when I win? What does that say about me?
- •How can I do what's necessary without making others feel defeated?
- •What's the difference between selfish action and acting in my own best interest?
Personal Meaning
Hostilities and fighting over self-interests. Recognize the cost of our battles. Avoid a breakdown in integrity and honour. It might be best to cut your losses and walk away, for as long as you stay engaged, the battle will rage on and on.
Hostilities and fighting over self-interests. Recognizing the cost of our battles. Avoiding a breakdown in integrity and honour. Cutting losses and walk away.
Hostilities and fighting over self-interests. Recognize the cost of our battles. Avoid a breakdown in integrity and honour. It might be best to cut your losses and walk away, for as long as you stay engaged, the battle will rage on and on.
Personal Reversed Meaning
It might be best to stand up for your own interests. Don't be worn down by others' demands, or are allow others to walk all over you. If this becomes the case, you might need to engage in a little conflict in order for your situation to change. Be careful, however, not to fight dirty, for if you lose your integrity, your victory will be hollow.
Not standing up for your own interests. Perhaps you were worn down by others' demands, or were allowing others to walk all over you.
It might be best at this time to stand up for your own interests. Perhaps you are being worn down by others' demands, or are allowing others to walk all over you. If this is the case, it might be time to engage in a little conflict in order for your situation to change. Be careful, however, not to fight dirty, for if you lose your integrity, your victory will be hollow.
Fortune Telling
- •Someone is stealing from you, financially or romantically
- •Be wary of friends who talk behind your back