Four of Swords as a Person (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Four of Swords is the card of rest, relaxation, self-protection, peace, and rejuvenation. This card shows a knight lying down horizontally on a tomb. He is resting with his eyes closed. His hands are held in a prayer position, and he lies underneath a stained glass window, likely in a church. This indicates that he is thinking deeply about spiritual matters.

The Four of Swords reminds us that while there are times where we need to go, go, go, there are also times where we need to press the pause button. Relaxation and self-care are important factors for any successful relationship. The Four of Swords reminds us to take care of ourselves. We can’t give to others what we don’t have.

Upright Four of Swords as a Person

If the Four of Swords appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person is introverted and a homebody. This person is usually self-aware and very fair in their dealings and worldview. They carry a serene healing energy with them. It is astrologically associated with Jupiter in Libra. Because both Jupiter and Libra carry masculine energies, this card carries an active, assertive passive energy. We all have a little bit of both energies expressed in a balanced way, regardless of which gender we identify as.

For physical characteristics, the Four of Swords as a person represents someone who prioritizes comfort over style. Although this is normally considered a card of healing, when drawn in a reading inquiring about a person’s traits, it may indicate chronic illness or some sort of health condition. Meditation and yoga will usually be a part of this person’s wellness routine. They also prioritize getting a good night’s sleep. This person may also believe in slow eating. They make time for self care. 

For emotional characteristics, the Four of Swords as a person represents someone who exudes calmness. They take their time to contemplate whenever they have to make a decision. This may frustrate their friends and family at times. They are very fair individuals. Even though the world’s injustices will bother them enough to compel them to help, they’re unlikely to do it in a performative manner. This is the type of person who will donate anonymously. They don’t care about getting credit, only about supporting a worthy cause. 

For careers, the Four of Swords can represent someone who prefers to work in quiet surroundings. They may work in the library or they may be somebody who works from home. This person may also perform best when they’re allowed to work alone, rather than as a part of a team, although that’s not to say that they can’t be a team player. As this card is astrologically associated with Jupiter in Libra, they tend to avoid confrontation. If they work in an office or a business, they will usually be a “back office” employee, such as an accountant at a bank rather than an investment banker. If they work in the legal field, which is very likely due to Libra’s influence, they will usually be a corporate lawyer rather than a litigation attorney.

The Four of Swords as a person represents someone who makes you feel Zen. This person just has a calming aura about them. This is the type of person you want in an emergency situation, because they will usually remain level-headed enough to make good decisions. What is astrological association with Libra, they can also be that friend who will give you their honest, impartial opinion. Their advice is also usually well thought out. They are a great friend to relax with and have a spa day with. If you’re romantically involved with this person, the relationship will likely be very easy going and peaceful.

Reversed Four of Swords as a Person

If the Four of Swords reversed appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person is unhealed in some way. They may project a facade of being peaceful and “drama free”, but they’re anything but. Because this is a Minor Arcana card, some of these traits will not be inherent aspects of their identity. If they are behaving unfavorably, they might just be going through a temporary phase. It may be a behavioral pattern that they can still unlearn, if they choose to. Good or bad, nobody is perfect, and people can use their free will to change for the better.

For physical characteristics, the Four of Swords reversed as a person represents someone who is restless. You might notice that they’re fidgety, or always on edge. This person may wear leisure wear or athleisure during inappropriate times and events. Or on the other end of the spectrum, they may always dress to the nines when the dress code is casual. They may be insomniacs. This person may also live an unhealthy sedentary lifestyle.

For emotional characteristics, the Four of Swords reversed as a person represents someone who is not at peace, and projects that lack of inner peace outward. This person doesn’t know how to chill. They’re always nervous about something, even when there’s nothing to be nervous about. The Number 4 in numerology represents a stable foundation, which indicates that this person lacks stability. They are extremely anxious. If you’re romantically involved with this person, they may not have fully healed from a previous relationship. Don’t rush into a relationship with this person. 

For careers, the Four of Swords reversed can represent someone who is unhappy about not getting enough recognition or attention at the workplace. Considering that this is also a “work from home” card, they may be a content creator on social media whose accounts haven’t taken off. This person may feel strong resentment for what they perceive to be an injustice at the workplace. Because this card is drawn in the reverse, this may not even be the case. Perhaps the other person got the promotion because they actually deserved it.

The Four of Swords reversed as a person represents someone who makes you feel as if you need to get out more, or you can’t wait to get out of this person’s home. When drawn in the  reverse, this card may indicate discomfort. Visiting this person may be awkward for some reason. Maybe they make a point of making you feel unwelcome. This person might even guilt you or shame you for your self care routine. This person also has an inability to listen to their intuition and their higher self, so they might constantly bombard you with requests for advice. 

Conclusion

For love readings, the Four of Swords represents rest and relaxation. Sometimes, things can get intense, and we need a timeout. Relaxation and self-care are important to any successful relationship. Take care of yourself, and make sure that you are giving to yourself. We can’t give to others what we don’t have ourselves. 

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.