Five of Swords as a Woman (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Five of Swords is the card of conflicts, arguments, disputes, fights, and stress. The card shows a man picking up three swords from the ground. Behind him, two men are walking away from their swords. A battle has been fought and lost. There is conflict and strife. Even though the fighting has stopped for the time being, the air has not been cleared. 

The Five of Swords reminds us that conflict is a part of every relationship. Wherever there are people, conflict will always exist. Conflict can even be beneficial to a relationship, as it establishes boundaries and tells us when our needs are not being met. However, it is how we respond to conflict that matters. Conflicts can explode into strife, but they can also be worked through amicably. 

Upright Five of Swords as a Woman

If the Five of Swords appears in a Tarot spread as a woman, that means that this person is often engaging in conflict, possibly at the expense of relationships or ethics. She might appear confrontational or overly aggressive, always looking for an argument or a way to assert her dominance. It often seems as if she cares more about winning or gaining the upper hand than about the emotional or ethical implications of her actions.

For physical characteristics, the Five of Swords as a woman represents someone who is sharp-eyed, with a cutting voice, hands that grip tightly, and a scent that pierces the air like cold steel. Her eyes are penetrating, as if sizing up a situation or opponent, making you feel like she’s already plotting her next move. Her voice can be biting or sarcastic, making even casual conversations feel like thinly veiled battles. Her hands are often clenched or gripping objects tightly, reflecting her inner tension. Her scent could be reminiscent of cold steel or even a stringent perfume—something that announces her presence assertively.

For emotional characteristics, the Five of Swords as a woman represents someone who is competitive, possibly to the point of ruthlessness. Her ambition and drive can be off-putting, especially when she exhibits a win-at-all-costs attitude. Whether it’s in relationships or her career, her intense competitiveness can make her emotionally distant and difficult to connect with.

Astrologically, the Five of Swords as a woman represents someone who is likely to have strong placements in Mars-ruled signs like Aries or Scorpio. Her birth chart might reveal Mars in a dominant position or in challenging aspects with other planets, amplifying her confrontational nature. This planetary influence often translates to a combative approach to life, whether that’s in her relationships, her career, or her personal ambitions.

For careers, the Five of Swords can represent a woman who works as a litigation attorney, a high-stakes poker player, or a corporate raider. These professions allow her to channel her competitive and confrontational energy into arenas where such traits are not only accepted but often rewarded. Her job frequently puts her in high-pressure situations that match her intense personality, and she’s more than willing to make tough, even ruthless, decisions to come out on top.

The Five of Swords as a woman represents someone who makes you feel on edge, defensive, or like you’re in a zero-sum game. The energy around her is often tense, and interactions with her tend to be competitive, leaving you feeling as though you must guard yourself. Whether it’s a business negotiation or a personal relationship, you often walk away from encounters with her questioning whether you’ve gained or lost—and whether the “win” was worth the cost.

Reversed Five of Swords as a Woman

If the Five of Swords reversed appears in a Tarot spread as a woman, that means that this person is reevaluating the cost of their battles, possibly seeking reconciliation or a change of tactics. She may appear more contemplative than combative, as if she’s weighing the consequences of past actions. The urgency to “win” seems to have subsided, replaced by a newfound appreciation for the complexities of relationships and ethical choices.

For physical characteristics, the Five of Swords reversed as a woman represents someone who is softening in demeanor, eyes less piercing, and hands more relaxed. The intensity once visible in her gaze seems to have diminished, replaced by a look of introspection or even regret. Her hands, once tightly clenched, may now be found more often open or gently folded, signaling a reduced state of internal conflict. Her scent, once sharp and piercing, might have transitioned into something lighter, more like fresh linen or soft floral undertones, indicating a change in her emotional atmosphere.

For emotional characteristics, the Five of Swords reversed as a woman represents someone who is beginning to acknowledge the emotional toll of their actions. She’s shifting from being outwardly confrontational to becoming more inwardly reflective, questioning whether her previous approach was worth the emotional expenditure. This realization often makes her more open to dialogue and potentially even to compromise or reconciliation.

Astrologically, the Five of Swords reversed as a woman represents someone who is working through difficult aspects or transits to Mars, aiming for a more balanced expression of aggression or ambition. Her natal chart might indicate challenging Mars aspects that she is actively working to mitigate through self-awareness or astrological remedies. She could be experiencing a transit that urges her to transform her Mars-like qualities into a more balanced, harmonious energy—perhaps through aspects to Venus or Jupiter that encourage growth and peace.

For careers, the Five of Swords reversed can represent a woman who works as an ethics consultant, a peace negotiator, or a relationship counselor. In these roles, she’s able to apply her deep understanding of conflict and its costs, both ethical and emotional, in a constructive way. These professions allow her to channel her intensity into creating resolution and understanding, rather than perpetuating cycles of conflict.

The Five of Swords reversed as a woman represents someone who makes you feel cautious but hopeful for change. Her energy invites you to approach interactions with her carefully, sensing that she’s on a path of self-discovery and change. Although the history of conflict might keep you guarded, her current demeanor suggests that transformation, although gradual, is indeed possible.

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, the Five of Swords represents conflict. Conflict will always exist, wherever people exist. Conflict is important, because it tells us when something is not right. It’s how we deal with conflict in relationships that matters. The choice is on us, whether we want to take it as an opportunity to explode or see it as potential to grow. 

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.