Four of Swords Tarot Card Meaning (2024)

Four of Swords Tarot Card Meaning (1)

Upright Meaning Guide

Four of Swords Upright Tarot Card Key Meanings:

Fear, anxiety, stress, feeling overwhelmed, mental overload, needing solitude, relaxation, rest, peace and quiet, sanctuary, meditation, regrouping, recuperation, hospitalisation, introspection, planning for the future, contemplation, self-protection, spiritual counselling or support, having faith

General Meaning and Interpretation(Upright)

In a general context, the Four of Swords represents fear, anxiety and stress. You will be feeling overwhelmed and mentally overloaded when it appears. This Minor Arcana tells you that the issues you are facing are actually not as bad as you believe them to be and there are solutions available. However, it suggest that you are allowing negativity to set in and becoming so overwhelmed that you cannot see the woods for the trees. This card is more to do with your mental state than any problems you are facing. Relax, regroup and contemplate your situation in a calm rational way. If you leave aside your fears and logically plan for the future, you will find a way forward. The Four of Swords Tarot card also indicates that you are in need of peace and quiet, introspection, rest, relaxation and sanctuary. It is a card of recuperation and hospitalisation. And it signifies having faith or receiving spiritual counselling or support.

Love & Relationships (Upright)

In a love Tarot spread, if you are in a relationship the Four of Swords can indicate that you and your partner are taking time out to rest, regroup and reconnect in your relationship. Fear, anxiety and stress have left you and your partner feeling in need of some peace and quiet. One of both of you may have disconnected from the relationship or is seeking solitude as a reaction to the overwhelming pressure you are feeling at the moment. Some quality time away from the stress is needed to help you both to reconnect, remember why you are together and plan how you are going to deal with stress in the future. If you are single, the Four of Swords can signify that you need some introspection and solitude in order to contemplate what you really want in a partner. Do not allow fear about being single overwhelm you. If you jump into a relationship solely out of fear of being single, it will not work out well for you! The right person will often come into our lives when we’re not looking for them.

Money & Career(Upright)

In a career Tarot reading, the Four of Swords indicates that you are really feeling the pressure in work! Stress and worries are overwhelming you and leading to mental overload. This Minor Arcana card indicates that you are finding it hard to cope and need some rest and relaxation so you can regroup and get yourself back on track. In a financial Tarot spread, the Four of Swords signifies that you have been under financial pressure for quite some time and it’s now at the point where you are so overwhelmed with the pressure that you don’t believe things can change. That is, however, only your perception. It’s not as bad as you think it is! There is always a solution. You need to try and relax and gather your thoughts. Don’t allow negativity to cloud your thoughts.

Health (Upright)

In a health Tarot reading, the Four of Swords can indicate that you need rest or recuperation as such it can be indicative of being hospitalised. This card can indicate that anxiety related illnesses may be exasperated at this time, try to take some time out to relax and reboot.

Spirituality(Upright)

In a spiritual context, the Four of Swords can indicate that you may be in need of solitude or sanctuary. You need to slow down and listen to your inner wisdom. Meditation would be good for you at this time. You may receive spiritual counselling and support at this time. If you have been going through a tough time, this card tells you to have faith as you will come through this.

Four of Swords Tarot Card Meaning (2)

Reversed Meaning Guide

Four of Swords Reversed Tarot Card Key Meanings:

Finding mental strength, awakening, re-joining the world, coming out of isolation, recovering slowly, healing, mental breakdown/ collapse, burn-out, restlessness, not taking care of yourself, lack of self-protection, not accepting counselling or support, losing faith

General meaning and interpretation(Reversed)

In a general context, the Four of Swords reversed represents awakening and finding mental strength. You will be coming out of isolation after a period of solitude or mental overload and re-joining the world. This Minor Arcana tells you that you are slowly recovering and that healing is possible. Alternatively, the Four of Swords Tarot card reversed can indicate that your stress or anxiety levels have reached such a point that burn-out or mental breakdown or collapse is imminently possible if you don’t start taking care of yourself. You will be experiencing extreme levels of anxiety and a sense of restlessness when it appears.

Love & Relationships(Reversed)

In a love Tarot spread, if you are in a relationship the Four of Swords reversed can indicate that your relationship is slowly recovering after a difficult period. Alternatively, it can indicate that the stress and anxiety you and your partner are experiencing has spiralled and is pushing your relationship to breaking point. Look to supporting card to confirm this. If you are single, the Four of Sword reversed can indicate a period of recovery and healing after releasing yourself from a bad relationship or the end of the mourning period after bereavement. You are slowly getting ready to come out of isolation and re-join the world. Alternatively, it can indicate that your fears and anxieties have gotten to you so much that you have completely lost faith that you will ever have a happy relationship. You may need to accept counselling or support, even though you do not believe it will do any good, it may help you get some perspective and positivity back so you can move forward.

Money & Career(Reversed)

In a career Tarot reading, the Four of Swords reversed can indicate that you may be going back to work after a break, illness or other period of time off. You may have needed to take this time off to get your stress levels under control and now you feel able to manage your work and work environment. Make sure you have strategies for coping with stress. Alternatively, this Minor Arcana card can indicate that your levels of stress or anxiety in your career have reached boiling point and it may be time to start consider looking for a new job. Ask yourself if any job is worth it if it makes you this unhappy? Perhaps you are meant to do something else. In a financial Tarot spread, the Four of Swords reversed signifies that your finances are recovering after a period of difficulty. You should be feeling relieved of the pressure. Alternatively, the Four of Swords reversed can indicate that you are completely overwhelmed with financial pressures and heading for burn-out. However, it suggests that you are not accepting the help and support that is available to you. If you are struggling with debt there are organisations that can assist you, you just have to accept the help!

Health (Reversed)

In a health Tarot reading, the Four of Swords reversed can either indicate healing and recovery after a period of poor mental or physical health or it can indicate pushing yourself so far or not taking care of yourself to the point that you burn out! It can also indicate a mental or nervous breakdown.

Spirituality (Reversed)

In a spiritual context, the Four of Swords reversed can indicate that you have lost your faith or are experiencing some sort of spiritual crisis brought about by fear and anxiety. You may have been offered spiritual counselling or support but have rejected it when this card appears in your Tarot spread. Rest, meditation and grounding are even more important at this time as this card indicates that you need to protect and take care of yourself.

Want to keep learning the meaning of the Tarot cards with The Tarot Guide? Continue to the next card…

Or check out the rest of the Minor Arcanaor the Major Arcana in The Tarot Guide for free tarot meanings online!

Four of Swords Tarot Card Meaning (2024)

FAQs

Four of Swords Tarot Card Meaning? ›

The Emperor Keywords. UPRIGHT: Authority, establishment, structure, a father figure. REVERSED: Domination, excessive control, lack of discipline, inflexibility.

What does the 4 mean in Tarot cards? ›

The Emperor Keywords. UPRIGHT: Authority, establishment, structure, a father figure. REVERSED: Domination, excessive control, lack of discipline, inflexibility.

What do the Swords represent in Tarot? ›

The swords symbolize the intellect, and the heart, the emotions which always suffer under this treatment. The Four of Swords symbolizes avoidance. Setting problems to the side, (the swords on the wall), while one prays for deliverance. This card can also represent surrender, or in some cases, pacifism.

What is the meaning of the Four of Wands Tarot card? ›

This card is generally considered positive. It is said to reflect harmony and positive feelings, hard work with good results. According to Waite, it is country life, haven of refuge, a species of domestic harvest-home, repose, concord, harmony, prosperity, peace, and the perfected work of these.

What is the timing of the Four of Swords Tarot card? ›

The Four of Swords would imply that whatever you desire or wonder about will manifest, but it will take time as an Air element indicates movement, and a swift one, in an inquiry regarding the timing of an event. The 4th, 13th, 22nd, or 31st of a month, or around those dates, would also be counted.

What does 4 of swords mean in tarot? ›

The Four of Swords is a card in the Tarot deck that represents rest, relaxation, and recuperation. It is often depicted as a knight lying horizontally on a tomb, with one sword beneath him and three swords hanging above him. This card signifies a moment of respite after a period of turmoil and challenges.

What are the 4 symbols in tarot cards? ›

In some decks, such as the Waite, the wheel is also inscribed with additional alchemical symbols representing the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water (which are also said to be represented throughout the tarot by the four "suits" of Pentacles or Discs, Swords, Wands, and Cups respectively.

What is the power of the swords? ›

The power of the sword relates to military might or violent action (think declaring war or sending in a peace-keeping force). The power of the purse relates to money or economic might (think instituting trade limits/sanctions).

What is the spiritual symbol of a sword? ›

The sword symbolizes power, protection, authority, strength, and courage; metaphysically, it represents discrimination and the penetrating power of the intellect.

What do the swords mean in tarot yes or no? ›

YES OR NO TAROT - SWORDS

ACE OF SWORDS Answer: Yes, if it concerns the approval of the official authorities, a breakthrough in a situation, or release from it. A map of sharpness, tremendous power will accompany your question.

Which tarot card represents twin flame? ›

The Lovers: The Lovers is the ultimate “twin flame” card. It's often that twin flame relationships are full of fire and intensity—but are not always meant to last.

What does four of cups mean in a Tarot reading? ›

In its upright position, the Four of Cups represents feelings of discouragement, apathy, and a lack of motivation. You may find yourself in a state of discontent and indifference, unable to find joy or passion in your current situation. The world around you seems stagnant, and you struggle to see a way forward.

What is the 4th tarot? ›

It's the fourth card in the Major Arcana, a set of important cards in tarot readings. The Emperor often represents a mature figure seated on a throne or a soldier holding a shield and sword. This card signifies responsibility, courage, and intelligence.

What happens in Four Swords? ›

Zelda's childhood friend, a young boy named Link, claimed the strange power of the Four Sword and fought Vaati fiercely. In the end, he succeeded in sealing Vaati away once again. And so, peace was restored to Hyrule once again.

Is the 4 of swords a yes or no card? ›

Four of Swords – “Yes or No” Card

The position of the “Four of swords' ' according to tarot readers in Yes or No, is mostly neutral, because “four of Swords” points to stress or feeling of being overwhelmed in your life.

What is the 4 of Swords Mythic tarot card? ›

In Four of Swords it is important for us to wait for a better time to act. Areas of particular relevance: Sickness, retreat, isolation, thinking in-depth about the situation, need for a respite from difficult reality, seeing a psychologist.

What are the 4 signs in tarot cards? ›

According to astrological tradition the Lion is Leo—a fire sign, the Bull or calf is Taurus—an earth sign, the Man is Aquarius—an air sign, and the Eagle is Scorpio—a water sign. These signs are the four fixed signs and represent the classical four elements. In some decks the wreath is an ouroboros biting its own tail.

What are the 4 suits of tarot cards? ›

Cartomantic Tarot cards derived from Latin-suited packs typically have a Minor Arcana of 56 cards, with 14 cards in each suit: Wands (alternately batons, clubs, staffs, or staves), Cups (chalices, goblets, or vessels), Swords (or blades), and Pentacles (coins, disks, or rings).

What is numerology number 4 tarot card? ›

4: The Emperor

You require boundaries, structure, and control in your life in order to thrive and to be successful in work or school.

Is the 4 of pentacles a yes or no? ›

The Four of Pentacles leans toward being a yes, so long as a yes involves keeping in this card's spirit of proceeding conservatively and with frugality in mind. This card is about stability, not risk taking, so take that message to heart.

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