Swords – Thoughts
Element – Air
Astrology – Aquarius
We seem to be hovering around a bit of swords energy lately and, like the 7 of Swords, the 5 is another card that can represent a confronting energy.
5’s are often about conflict or loss and in the 5 of Swords we see both. Typically this card can be summed up in two words, win or lose and, generally speaking, when this card shows up in your reading, neither option is overly desirable.
This card suggests there is a conflict between yourself and another person or a situation. And, as swords are all about thoughts, it’s a conflict that involves mental processes such as arguments, disputes and verbal bullying. When you look at the imagery of this card, the question that needs to be ask is – which figure are you? Are you the transgressor or the transgressed.
If you are the victor in the background, this card is challenging you to question whether the win was really worth it. Did you achieve victory at the expense of your integrity, reputation or even a good relationship? What did you sacrifice for the glory of being ‘right’?
When faced with this card in the ‘future’ position you are being asked to think carefully before striving to ‘win at all costs’ because sometimes that cost can be more than your heart is willing to pay.
Sometimes, however, we are the figure in the foreground. We are left defeated, hurt and sometimes confused due to the manipulations, mind games or bullying of another person. If this is the case, you are being reminded to not let this one incident define who you are. Defeat comes to all of us at some point and, sadly, life isn’t always fair. Stand up and walk away. Be resilient. Don’t allow the energy of the situation to overpower you.
Regardless of which figure resonates with you at this time, the take home message of this card is to learn from this experience.
Wins and losses are a part of our journey. How we deal with them are the lessons we are here to learn.
Chris-Anne Donnelly
The Tarot Seeker 