Four of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

Four of Swords Tarot Card Keywords

Respite, withdrawal, healing, relaxing, taking stock, slowing down, truce, contemplation.

Four of Swords Tarot Card Description

Swords are a calm, logical and intellectual suite of tarot cards which enables them to fit seamlessly with the numerological meaning for four. Four is the number for realistic thinking and reminds us of the need for practicality and self-reliance. It also reminds you that as long as you utilise these skills, you can overcome any issues.

Upright Meaning

It’s time to move on, but are you still working on last year’s timetable? If you seem to be stuck in the doldrums, it could simply be that you are dwelling too much on the past, or that past events are cramping the here and now. You may have had a rough time and this has made you extremely cautious when it comes to exploring new projects, plans or partnerships. Your confidence has probably been sapped by your misadventures, and this is understandable, but it’s time to get back on your feet, dust yourself off, draw a line under your mistakes and move on. The Four of Swords has another separate meaning too. If you are moving towards a confrontation with a person or organisation, don’t do anything yet. Make a tactical retreat for now. What you really need to do is dispassionately gather the facts, form a strategy and then go on the offensive when the time is right. You may find that after all, you have simply got the wrong end of the stick. But if this is not the case, you are more likely to succeed if you remain calm and focused. If a relationship is not going to plan, take some time out to be alone, a little distance between you and your other half will give you both the chance to keep things in perspective. In matters social and romantic, make sure that everyone knows where they stand - hidden feelings, unresolved issues and secret agendas could prove damaging if they are left unaddressed.

Reversed Meaning

Taking time out to clear you mind is a wise move, but only if you don’t take it too far. The appearance of the Four of Swords suggests you have become too insular and isolated. At first, your search for peace and quiet may have been a good idea, but now it can lead to you mulling over problems until you have lost all perspective. Far from energising you, your overlong retreat has become draining and has made you feel cut off from the world and rejected. Whether your time alone has been a personal choice or forced on you in some way, it is time to go out and face the world again. In regard to relationship matters, you may need to make your feelings clear and speak your truth.