Two of Swords

This is a card with an emphasis on brainpower. It’s deep; it’s philosophical. It’s complex.

Two of Swords [Upright]

The two of swords is a dramatic card featuring a blindfolded woman keeling on the ground. She shines brightly in a white dress and initially looks like someone about to be executed. This woman holds two swords, one in either of her hands that are crossed on her chest.

Behind her is a pool of water, with plenty of rocks and reefs to cause calamity. Water tends to represent emotions.

The blindfold represents her difficulties, her inability to make sense of her problems or the solutions. She’s confused, overwhelmed with choices. Perhaps some critical details needed are as yet unknown.

Two swords represent two choices. These often represent a stalemate situation.

Notice the crescent moon on the right side. Does this shine a light on the need for clarity? Balanced swords remind us that being fair is important for a good decision. The woman must use both her head and heart to weigh her options.

Ace of Swords Keywords [Upright]

  • Difficult decisions
  • Consider options
  • Head in the sand
  • Information overload
  • Confusion
  • Reached an impasse
  • Indecision
  • Anxiety
  • Stuck in the middle
  • Denial

Two of Swords Meaning [Upright]

The upright two of swords often represents a situation that is stuck; perhaps a bit of a stalemate situation has developed. Two forces are competing, and both are strong and determined, so this situation could remain suspended in conflict without some kind of action.

Yes, a decision is needed. It’s inevitable, but who wants to make the decision required? You may be reluctant, which the blindfold represents. Instead of doing something positive, you are, quite naturally, trying to ignore things. The answer is to move forward, but with caution.

It may be that all options are pretty equal, just different. They all could have attractive points and some negative aspects, which definitely muddies the water. Your task is to be sensible and use both your head [brains] and heart [intuition] to make the best possible choice for your greater good.

Don’t be afraid to search for information and insights to help you reach a decision. Remember, information is power.

Key Points – Love [Upright]

  • Single people might feel rather stuck, with a love life that’s going nowhere fast. There may be a split between two lovers or be a conflict between love and something else.
  • Perhaps you have met a new love but can’t forget an old one, or you feel a sacrifice is needed between your job and a relationship? Not making a choice could mean the outcome is forced on you as the world moves on regardless.

Key Points – Money [Upright]

  • Stop coasting and face your finances. Do you need to tackle debt, budget better, or start saving? The upright two of swords often appears when you are trying to ignore money-related issues.
  • Now could be the time to be more sensible and make realistic compromises rather than keep on struggling with cash flow. Stop spending what you don’t have on items you don’t need.

Key Points - Career [Upright]

  • When the two of swords appears upright in a career reading, it suggests you are caught up in a workplace conflict of some kind. You might be stuck between arguing colleagues or between junior and senior workers. Whatever the situation, you need to tread carefully as everyone feels sensitive. Try not to take sides, or there could be fireworks.
  • If you are considering two career opportunities, find out more before choosing. Knowing all the facts is crucial here.

The Two of Swords [Reversed]

Two of Swords Keywords [Reversed]

  • Indecision
  • Stalemate
  • Revelations
  • Confusion
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Hold-ups
  • Delays
  • Turmoil

Two of Swords Meaning [Reversed]

You’ll notice that this figure’s head is completely submerged but sits completely still way under the waves. The reversed two of swords gives us a clear image of suspended things.

Some aspect of life is on hold or at an impasse. A stalemate has been reached, and neither side has yet moved things on.

Sometimes this tarot card reminds us it’s okay to take some time to think. Not every decision needs to be instant.

Let this image be your voice if the pressure to move on is weighing you down. Speak out, and create your waiting space.

You may be facing two poor choices, so neither is particularly appealing. This can also make you feel trapped. The solution is to be very open to solutions, whether familiar or surprising.

Key Points - Love [Reversed]

  • Romantic relationships are likely to be messy when the reversed two of swords appears. You have choices, but none are great. Remember here that you can only rely on your own feelings and instincts.
  • Act in your own interests at all times. Sure, you might hurt some feelings, but you must put yourself first.

Key Points - Money [Reversed]

  • There’s plenty of financial advice coming your way, which is needed, as the reversed two of swords represents some kind of money stress. The question is, are you ready to actually listen to what you’re being told?
  • Even if you feel pretty overwhelmed, try not to close down. Take charge, make plans to inform yourself, and take things steady. That is the way to succeed.

Key Points - Career [Reversed]

  • The two of swords reversed reminds you to connect to colleagues. Give them the chance to share ideas, even if you think yours are better. Teamwork does have some advantages.

See What Your Other Minor Arcana Crad Have To Say