Four of Swords Tarot Card Meaning | Astrostyle (2024)

Tarot, like astrology, has long been one of our favorite divination systems. Interpreting either takes practice. As you learn, we wanted to help you to quickly connect to the cards and use them in ways that are actionable and practical in every area of life. xoxo, Tali & Ophira

Co-authored by James Kerti

What does the Four of Swords tarot card mean?

The Four of Swords tends to come up in a tarot reading when it’s time to take a break and regroup.

There comes a moment when the only thing to do is pause and allow yourself to recover from challenging circ*mstances, especially if emotional turmoil was involved.

If you’re seeing the Four of Swords in a reading, you may be feeling pretty worn out from everything that’s been happening in your life. As much as you’re tempted to keep pushing forward, the Four of Swords is here to let you know that in this case, that’s not the optimal path!

While there are times for perseverance, this minor arcana card instructs you to slow down. Take time for yourself, away from any overstimulation. Rest and refresh yourself!

What is the Four of Swords zodiac sign?

The zodiac sign of the Four of Swords is Libra

Four of Swords Tarot Guide

Keywords for the Four of Swords: Anxiety, stress, solitude, recuperation, regrouping, contemplation, rest, relaxation

Yes or No: It depends

Planet of the Four of Swords: Venus

Element of the Four of Swords: Air

What does the Four of Swords card mean in a love reading?

When the Four of Swords comes up in a love reading for a single, the message is to ease up on yourself. It may be the case that you’ve been dating actively and are feeling burned out from the experience.

Did you break it off with someone? Have you gone through a whirlwind of dates one after another? The Four of Swords tarot card encourages you to take a break to recharge. It’s going to be hard to make the kind of romantic connection you want until you come back to center!

Maybe you take a break from the apps and go mingle with people IRL‚ without any sort of romantic agenda. Who knows? Without all that pressure, you could meet a friend who one day becomes your love.

For those in relationships, it might mean that one or both of you would benefit from some alone time. There’s nothing wrong with needing solitude within a relationship. Sometimes two people can have wildly different needs for connection. The Four of Swords urges you to honor both your individual needs in order to remain meaningfully connected. Autonomy is sexy!

What does the Four of Swords tarot card mean for career, money and finance?

In a career reading, The Four of Swords, can indicate an intense time at work. Perhaps a project is in crunch mode to meet a deadline, and you’re feeling really overextended. The Four of Swords encourages you to take a break, if possible. A vacation would be ideal. But if you can’t get away yet, at least see what you can do to give yourself a bit of a breather. Use one of your personal days or trade shifts with a colleague. Could you outsource an aspect of a project. Blow off steam with short workouts. That under-the-desk treadmill could be a game changer.

In a financial context, the Four of Swords can mean that money is a big source of stress right now. Are you feeling overwhelmed by financial pressure? The Four of Swords suggests that you might be stressing more than necessary. While funds might be tight, you may also be stuck in a scarcity mindset loop. Instead of focusing on lack, start filling yourself up with stories of people who turned their money struggles around. Inspiration may strike while you’re listening to a podcast or watching a talk on consolidating debt.

What does the Four of Swords tarot card mean for health?

The Four of Swords can be closely associated with chronic stress and anxiety when it appears in a health reading. Give your mind and body the rest they need to slow down and recover. The toll on your body can lead to illnesses or injuries.

Should you be finding it difficult to sleep, try things like turning off devices an hour before bed, aromatherapy, eating dinner earlier and moving to a quiet room of your home. Meditation can also do wonders to support peace of mind.

However, this card indicates that may need support from a health professional to ease spinning thoughts and anxiety. Look at everything from stress to hormones. Give yourself all the care and support you require to get yourself centered.

Four of Swords Tarot Card in Reverse Meaning

The Four of Swords still relates to rest here. But its message can be shaped in a couple different ways when the card appears in reverse.

Have you already started taking breaks and giving yourself the rest you need? If so, this card in reverse lets you know that it’s paying off. You’re about to enter a period of restoration and reawakening. The Four of Swords reversed validates the self-care you’re doing.

If you’re still deep in the overwhelm, the reversed Four of Swords highlights your situation’s direness. You need to give yourself a break, preferably: now! You’re at risk of burnout that can have long-term consequences. The Four of Words may be telling you that it’s not worth pushing ahead. Take the time and space to recharge, even if that means delegating or letting go of what you’re carrying.

Is the Four of Swords tarot card a yes or no?

The Four of Swords often doesn’t extend a clear yes or no answer in a yes or no reading. However, if you’re asking about something that involves rest and recovery, or self care in general, this card leans toward yes.

What does the Suit of Swords mean?

Swords are associated with air signs (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius), which get things moving, acting as the winds of change. Air energy is communicative, and people with air signs like to connect and share ideas.

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Feature art by Diana Hlevnja