Four of Swords
The four of swords is a sad, thoughtful tarot image. It’s pretty powerful with a lot to say.
The Four of Swords [Upright]
The upright four of swords tarot card suggests a feeling of peace. We see a carved image of a knight, created to decorate his resting place.
Above the figure, three swords hang vertically, while a fourth lies horizontally below him, on the outside of his casket. These weapons represent pain and suffering that has now ended.
Don’t worry that this tarot card suggests you will die. It’s actually about finding peace or coming to terms with things. Any struggles you’ve faced are being taken care of.
Four of Swords Keywords [Upright]
- Defeat
- Conflict
- Peace
- Sanctuary
- Rejuvenation
- Rest
- Self-protection
- Relaxation
- Disagreements
- Meditation
Four of Swords Meaning [Upright]
The journey through the swords tarot suit has been quite stressful, and at this fourth card, we see the figure finding peace. This offers a welcome break from the emotional turmoil that the three of swords represented.
The figure featured on this card may be resting because he has found true peace, or he could simply be taking time out due to exhaustion. The swords hang above him as a clear reminder that pain is no stranger.
The four of swords reminds us to evaluate life while in this safe and restful space. Emerging as the same person will not help you avoid repeating the same mistakes over and over. When you are fully healed, there’s plenty of good stuff out there for you.
Key Points – Love [Upright]
- Single people struggling to find love need to evaluate their approach to romance. The upright four of swords suggests you may be trying too hard. Calm down and take your time.
- Remember, it’s OK to spend some time alone, especially if the alternative is simply making do with someone.
- Couples in an unstable relationship may benefit from some independence. Pursuing a personal interest can bring new life to a struggling romance where both parties feel suffocated.
Key Points – Money [Upright]
- The four of swords often appears upright when you are experiencing financial stress. This can affect people whether they have plenty of cash or are worried about money, but it’s more likely when debts are a stress point.
- You must tackle this overloaded mind issue before worry overtakes your life. Now is the moment to take charge. Face up to your debts, and look for ways to boost your income. That could mean selling unwanted items at car boot sales or getting a second or side job.
- Review your cash flow system. If you are lending cash out, call those repayments in and stop being an informal bank. Things will recover if you get a grip on them now.
Key Points - Career [Upright]
- The upright four of swords shows up in a work reading or question when you need a break. Your physical or emotional health are under strain because you think you really can do it all. Well. You can’t, so stop trying.
- Commit to a few days off to relax your body or refresh your mind. If that makes you feel anxious, look for support, as you are almost out of choices here.
The Four of Swords [Reversed]
Four of Swords Keywords [Reversed]
- Recovery
- Recovery
- Reawakening
- Reconciliation
- Restlessness
- Slow progress
- Exhaustion
Four of Swords Meaning [Reversed]
In reverse position, the four of swords generally suggests restlessness. You may be struggling to find genuine direction or meaning, and even when you work hard, nothing seems to improve.
The solution here is to stop trying. Sometimes it’s important to tread water rather than keep thrashing ahead and getting nowhere. Looking after yourself is essential, and you really can make progress by standing still.
Key Points - Love [Reversed]
- Slowing things down to a near standstill applies to your romantic life too. Someone you’ve recently got close to will appreciate you backing off a little.
- You may be tempted to push for commitment or particular responses because that seems like a good idea, but it will backfire, so don’t do it.
- Meanwhile, couples in established relationships often find that the four of swords heralds fresh excitement and new passions.
Key Points - Money [Reversed]
- The reversed four of swords brings good news on the financial front, especially if things have been rocky lately. Chances are debts are being paid off, and everyday living is getting easier.
- If there are still some sticky spots to deal with, this is the time to seek independent advice.
Key Points - Career [Reversed]
- Work can be physically demanding, emotionally draining, stressful, tedious, and any number of other negative things. If you’ve taken time away to manage these issues, you’ll return to them better able to work.
- However, if things don’t feel right, or you have changed due to dealing with problems, it may be the moment to change direction. You are in charge of your life and the decisions you make.
