What does the reversed Five of Swords tarot card mean?

The Five of Swords reversed tarot card often represents reconciliation, compromise, or the release of conflict. Upright, this card is about tension, betrayal, and winning at all costs. Reversed, it suggests either making peace and moving on, or holding onto grudges that prevent true resolution.

In tarot readings, the reversed Five of Swords may appear when conflicts are ending, apologies are exchanged, or lessons from past disputes are finally learned. Alternatively, it can point to lingering resentment and the need to let go.

When this tarot card is reversed, it asks: Am I ready to release the battle, or am I still carrying the weight of old conflicts?

Symbolism and Imagery of the Reversed Five of Swords Tarot Card

The imagery of the Five of Swords is loaded with meaning:

• The Smirking Figure with Swords: Upright, he symbolizes hollow victory. Reversed, it can suggest letting go of ego or realizing the cost of conflict.
• The Two Figures Walking Away: Represent loss, defeat, or retreat. Reversed, they can symbolize reconciliation or lingering resentment.
• The Gray Sky: Symbolizes tension and uncertainty. Reversed, it suggests the storm is clearing—or that emotions remain unsettled.

Symbolically, the reversed Five of Swords represents the choice between healing after conflict or clinging to bitterness.

How does the reversed Five of Swords tarot card relate to love?

In love readings, the Five of Swords reversed often suggests reconciliation, healing, or the release of arguments.

• Singles: You may finally be letting go of bitterness from past relationships, freeing yourself to move forward.
• Couples: It can represent forgiveness, compromise, or rebuilding after conflict. However, if unresolved, it may signal lingering grudges that keep resurfacing.

The message: healing is possible, but only if both partners let go of ego.

How does the reversed Five of Swords tarot card affect career and work?

In career readings, the reversed Five of Swords points to conflict resolution and restored cooperation.

• Past disputes, competition, or office politics may be settling down.
• Apologies, compromises, or new agreements may restore harmony.
• Alternatively, it can warn of a toxic environment where grudges are not truly resolved.

The guidance: choose peace and collaboration over pride and competition.

What does the reversed Five of Swords tarot card mean in finances?

Financially, the reversed Five of Swords suggests relief after financial disputes or losses.

• You may recover from a financial mistake or settle a money-related conflict.
• Sometimes, it warns of lingering guilt or regret over past financial decisions.

The advice: release what cannot be changed and focus on rebuilding with clarity.

What does the reversed Five of Swords tarot card mean in health?

In health readings, this card reversed often points to stress relief and emotional healing.

• Recovery may come after a period of tension, burnout, or mental strain.
• At times, it warns of clinging to guilt or stress that continues to harm health.

The message: let go of mental battles and focus on peace of mind to aid recovery.

What does the reversed Five of Swords tarot card mean spiritually?

Spiritually, the reversed Five of Swords suggests growth through forgiveness and humility.

• You may be learning to release ego battles or spiritual pride.
• Sometimes, it shows the need to forgive yourself for past mistakes.
• It may also indicate the integration of painful lessons into wisdom.

The lesson: peace is not weakness—it is strength born of wisdom.

Astrology and Elemental Associations of the Reversed Five of Swords

The Five of Swords belongs to the element of Air, representing thought, communication, and conflict.

Astrologically, it corresponds to Venus in Aquarius, highlighting themes of conflict in relationships and the need for balance between independence and harmony.

Numerologically, the number five represents conflict, change, and challenge. Reversed, it suggests growth through resolution and compromise.

Card Combinations with the Reversed Five of Swords

• Reversed Five of Swords + The Lovers: Reconciliation in a relationship after conflict.
• Reversed Five of Swords + Justice: Fair resolution to disputes, legal or personal.
• Reversed Five of Swords + The Star: Hope and renewal after arguments or betrayal.
• Reversed Five of Swords + Ten of Cups: Family reconciliation and peace restored.

Advanced Interpretations and the Shadow Side

At its shadow level, the reversed Five of Swords may represent:

• Reconciliation – learning from past conflicts and letting go.
• Forgiveness – finding peace through humility.
• Lingering Resentment – holding onto grudges that prevent healing.
• False Peace – pretending everything is resolved when bitterness remains.

The transformation comes from genuine forgiveness and the willingness to move forward without carrying old battles.

Story Example: A Real-Life Tarot Reading

A querent asks if they should reconnect with a former friend after a falling-out. They draw the Five of Swords reversed. The card suggests reconciliation is possible, but only if both parties truly release past resentment. Superficial peace won’t last unless forgiveness is sincere.

Is the reversed Five of Swords tarot card a yes or no card?

As a yes or no card, the Five of Swords reversed generally leans toward “yes”—but with caution.

It suggests peace or reconciliation is possible, but only if pride and grudges are released. Without that, the answer shifts to “not yet.”

Frequently Asked Questions about the Reversed Five of Swords Tarot Card

1. Does the reversed Five of Swords always mean reconciliation? Often, but not always. It can also mean false peace or grudges still lingering.

2. Can the reversed Five of Swords represent a person? Yes. It may describe someone learning humility, seeking forgiveness, or clinging to old conflicts.

3. What does this card mean in love readings? It signals forgiveness, reconciliation, or the release of arguments—but warns against false peace.

4. Is the reversed Five of Swords positive? It can be hopeful, as it often points to healing, but it depends on whether forgiveness is genuine.

5. What zodiac energy is tied to the Five of Swords? Venus in Aquarius, which when reversed suggests finding peace after conflict in relationships.

Final Thoughts on the Reversed Five of Swords Tarot Card

The Five of Swords reversed tarot card represents the opportunity to heal, forgive, and move past old conflicts. Upright, it shows the sting of betrayal and ego battles. Reversed, it invites reconciliation, compromise, and the release of bitterness.

In love, career, finances, and spirituality, this card asks whether you’re ready to let go of old wounds—or if you’re still holding onto grudges that block true peace.