5 of swords

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 12 Dec 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

ros	12 Dec 2003
I find this card very cold. If it means a defeat would it be emotional also with the water in the background, or is it water? I just don't get it! Thanks for any replys

Rusty Neon	12 Dec 2003
Depending on the question and the cards in the spread, the victor in the 5 of Swords could represent the querent or the querent's opponent. One possible interpretation for the card is: Victory won through taking advantage of the opponents' weakness. The water in the background is turbulent; emotions (water) have been stirred. The victor should watch his back, as should those who were defeated this time round.

WalesWoman	12 Dec 2003
Have you noticed the sneering, smug expression on the man's face who is picking up the swords? It really is a nasty look, makes me just want to slap it off of him for acting like such a jerk. Sort of like adding injury to insult, or would it be the other way round?

Jewel-ry	13 Dec 2003
Although this card means defeat, I usually take it to mean that humiliation or degradation is involved. A kind of treachery. Its the expression on that persons face that says it all. J :)

TemperanceAngel	13 Dec 2003
I quite often see it as worry or anxiety too, not always a 'defeat' with another or situation, but really with oneself. Worry/anxiety can often lead to lack of understanding, not being able to think clearly, the ability to process the situation etc. XTAX

bunnyhop	17 Dec 2003
this card took on a whole new meaning for me personally just yesterday. getting what you want but at a great cost. i'm gonna go with jewel-ry on this one and say humiliation is a big part of the equation.

lark	17 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by bunnyhop this card took on a whole new meaning for me personally just yesterday. getting what you want but at a great cost. i'm gonna go with jewel-ry on this one and say humiliation is a big part of the equation. And sometimes when you find out the complication, humiliation or cost of it, you decide it isn't worth it, and turn and leave it behind like the two figures walking away.

WalesWoman	04 Jan 2004
Here's another thought, sometimes it's not a nice one either, but taking something at someone else's expense and taking pleasure from their "defeat." I drew this card last week for what to keep in mind for the coming New Year and ended up playing poker on New Years Eve, I had to laugh over finally figuring out how this card would manifest itself. I was both the victor and the loser depending on the hand, but ended up coming out about even by the time we quit and went outside to light off some fireworks. I'd also drawn Temperance, so didn't go crazy on my bets and woke up tired but NOT hungover!

paradoxx	04 Jan 2004
The laying down of arms means that someone else can pick them up and use them against you later. thats an extreme interpretation, but note that three swords are touching the ground (two laying down and one being held) with the two remaining being held over the mans heart. teh figures in teh background seem disconnected from the swords, perhaps where they go they cannot take the weapon with them. Does this mean that the swords on teh ground can not be taken by the man who holds the three swords with two over his heart. what will he do with those 3 (of) swords, perhaps betray someones loyalty or trust like the 3 of swords depicts? will either of the two individuals walking away hold the 2 swords like the blindfolded lady in the 2 of swords, unaware of what is coming to be. Lots of chaos in this card, it seems to add questiosn rather than answers, it focuses on the aborted conflict and its results rather than the one that is being waged. But surrender is not the term i would use, stratigic retreat with its reprecussions. the water in teh background does not seem to bring support to those who are drawn there, rather it adds to teh emotional impact. I have gotten this card with the 10, 7 and 3 of swords which brought betrayal and reconciliation to the forefront of my mind.

ros	04 Jan 2004
Does anyone think then it starts with the 2 swords- not making a decision to the 5 swords of confict to the 8 swords.The 2 & 8 are both in indecision. The 5 swords is the middle card. Never knew this before now either. 2 would be not deciding 5 the chaos 8 having to make a decision. Would this make sense?

WalesWoman	06 Jan 2004
Ooh Ros, I like that idea. It also works the other way too, making a difficult decison , the conflict that comes with it and then making or finding peace once the dust settles.

ros	10 Jan 2004
I found this for the 5 of swords " represents three attitudes of mind" figure in foreground- one who has finished the job figure walking away- laid down a sword, but he is still is not defeated, knows when to fight & when to retreat figure closest to water- defeated & is weeping over this fact We must discriminate in all matters and stand on our convictions. is this not interesting? lol

The 5 of swords thread was originally posted on 12 Dec 2003 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.