Tarot Card Symbolism: The Four of Swords Reversed

If you choose to use reversed meanings in your Tarot spreads, the Four of Swords in its reversed position indicates that a struggle is coming. Whether you have to fight to achieve something or your battle is against an illness, it will take time for the matter to be resolved. You'll face a choice, but if you choose to give up, you'll never achieve any sort of victory.

Tarot Card Symbolism: The Four of Swords of the Minor Arcana

The Four of Swords of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the fourth card of the Suit of Swords. It follows the Three of Swords. It is the embodiment of withdrawal and inward focus, often suggesting a time for reflection.

The Symbolism of the Four of Swords Tarot Card

This card is represented by what appears to be a sarcophagus. The man shown on this sarcophagus has an expression of calm serenity upon his face, frozen in time. He holds his hands in a position which seems to indicate prayer or tranquility. There is a stained glass window behind the sarcophagus.

Mounted on the wall behind the sarcophagus are three swords, all with blades pointing downwards. The fourth sword is a part of the sarcophagus itself.

The General Interpretation of the Four of Swords Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies a sense of peace and stillness. This might refer to an actual place, such as a church, temple, or any place where the individual feels at peace. This card may suggest a withdrawal to this place, to focus and gather scattered thoughts.

However, it may also refer to an inner sense of peace. In this case, the Four of Swords represents a time to find that inner sense of peace that can be so often be elusive. It is a card that embraces the idea of inner stillness, and encourages the individual to seek it out, wherever it may be.

The Inner Meaning of the Four of Swords in Tarot

The Four of Swords is the image of inner withdrawal and retreat. This is not negative in any way. Instead, this card represents a time when one must get away from everyday life. It can signal to the individual that the time has come to shift one’s focus, to look inward. This will not last forever, but it is necessary.

After the trauma of the Three of Swords, this card encourages a time to retreat from the world. The purpose here is to recover, to allow a little healing to take place. Healing takes time, and in this case, true healing will only occur when inner peace and stillness have been obtained.

On a more superficial level, it can mean a time to leave a social circle, at least for a time.

The Five of Swords follows this card.

Tarot Card Symbolism: The Three of Swords Reversed

The Three of Swords is almost universally considered a negative omen. However, in its reversed position, this card appearing in a Tarot spread can indicate the light at the end of the tunnel. An end of heartache is in sight and you will come to terms with loss of rejection, learning to accept that which you cannot change. A minor surgical procedure is possible, as is going to a funeral.

Tarot Card Symbolism: The Three of Swords of the Minor Arcana

The Three of Swords of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the third card of the Suit of Swords. It comes after the Two of Swords. It is the embodiment of a sorrow and loss that seems to be without end.

The Symbolism of the Three of Swords Tarot Card

This card is represented by a heart that has been pierced by three swords. There is no landscape present in this card. The background is simply ominous clouds, and it is obvious that the rain is falling heavily.

The General Interpretation of the Three of Swords Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies the purest and deepest of sorrows. What form this takes will differ, but it is usually some form of loss. Everyone experiences loss differently, feeling losses in different areas of their life with differing intensities.

For some, this sorrow will come from the loss of a valued career. For others, it might be the loss of material things that have great sentimental value. It could also represent the dissolution of a marriage or longtime relationship and in some instances, it may even indicate loss relating to death or illness.

The Three of Swords is not a card that should induce panic; it is simply a warning that this situation will occur, and that it must be dealt with, not avoided.

The Inner Meaning of the Three of Swords in Tarot

The Three of Swords is the image of the kind of sorrow that tears at the heart, leaves one vulnerable and feeling as if the world will never be put right. It is a card that indicates that this sorrow will leave one in the pits of despair. It may leave the individual feeling as if there is no way out, no relief from the feelings tearing through the heart. The Three of Swords is generally considered a negative card, with its connection to loss.

However, this card is not without hope. The night is darkest before the dawn, and so this sorrow must be felt and experienced for closure to come. The Three of Swords promises that if this unending sorrow is dealt with, if closure can be found, then relief will come. It will not be immediate, for grieving takes time, but the darkness cannot last forever.

The Four of Swords follows this card.