Five of Swords as External Influences (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 External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Five of Swords, it means that conflict, deceit, or the pursuit of victory at all costs by others is affecting your situation. This card may indicate a situation where individuals are not acting in your best interest, leading to a challenging environment that requires careful navigation. The presence of this card suggests the need for awareness and strategy to deal with these external pressures effectively, ensuring that your actions align with your highest values and integrity.

The Five of Swords as external influences can represent people such as competitors or adversaries who are willing to win regardless of the consequences, impacting your environment negatively. These individuals might use underhanded tactics to undermine you, creating a sense of isolation and betrayal. It’s crucial to stay true to yourself and seek support from those who genuinely have your best interests at heart, as navigating through these challenges can test your resilience and personal ethics.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Five of Swords as external influences means that external conflicts or the influence of manipulative individuals are creating tension and mistrust within the relationship. These influences could stem from friends or family members who disapprove of the relationship, or from ex-partners who are attempting to sow discord. Maintaining open communication with your partner and addressing these challenges together can help strengthen your bond and overcome the negativity brought by these external forces.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Swords in the external influences position means that lingering animosity or the desire to “win” the breakup is causing ongoing disputes and bitterness. This could be exacerbated by mutual friends who may consciously or unconsciously fuel the conflict, or by personal grievances that haven’t been fully addressed. Finding closure and focusing on personal growth can help mitigate these influences, allowing for healing and moving forward.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Five of Swords in the external influences position means that selfish actions or conflicts of interest are straining the relationship, leading to discord and separation. This strain may be due to external pressures such as financial difficulties or the influence of other individuals who are driving a wedge between you. Prioritizing honest dialogue and empathy can help navigate these troubled waters, fostering understanding and reconciliation.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Swords in the external influences position means that unethical competition or cutthroat tactics in the workplace or business are creating a hostile environment and ethical dilemmas. This could be a result of colleagues who are willing to compromise moral standards for personal gain, or from an industry culture that rewards aggressive competitiveness over collaboration and ethical practices. Staying true to your ethical principles and finding allies who share your values can provide a path through this challenging landscape, allowing you to advance without compromising your integrity.

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Reversed Five of Swords as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Five of Swords reversed, it means that a resolution to ongoing conflicts or the realization that winning at all costs is not fulfilling is beginning to influence the situation. This shift indicates a collective awareness within your environment that harmony is more beneficial than discord. It suggests a turning point where individuals involved are more open to dialogue and reconciliation, moving away from previous conflicts towards mutual understanding and respect.

The Five of Swords reversed as external influences can represent people such as those who are seeking to make amends after a period of conflict or who are recognizing the value of peace over victory. These individuals might be colleagues who previously engaged in competitive behavior or friends who were part of misunderstandings, now showing a willingness to repair relationships and foster a more supportive atmosphere. This change in attitude can significantly impact the dynamics of any group, leading to more collaborative and less adversarial interactions.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Five of Swords reversed as external influences means that the couple is moving towards resolving past conflicts and learning to communicate more effectively to avoid misunderstandings. This card’s appearance could indicate that external pressures, such as family disputes or social circle tensions, are diminishing, allowing the couple to focus on strengthening their bond. It signals a period of healing where both partners are committed to understanding each other’s perspectives and needs, laying a foundation for a more stable and loving relationship.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Swords reversed in the external influences position means that there is a mutual desire to move past bitterness and find a sense of closure or forgiveness. This may be facilitated by mutual friends or circumstances that encourage both parties to reflect on the relationship’s end more objectively. Such a shift towards forgiveness and understanding can help both individuals find peace and closure, allowing them to move forward with their lives without the weight of past resentments.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Five of Swords reversed in the external influences position means that efforts are being made to heal rifts and restore harmony within the relationship. This healing process might be influenced by other family members who encourage reconciliation or by life events that highlight the importance of unity and support. The focus is on mending fences and rebuilding trust, emphasizing the value of the relationship over past disagreements or misunderstandings.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Swords reversed in the external influences position means that a shift towards more ethical practices or resolving workplace conflicts is fostering a more cooperative environment. This could be the result of leadership changes, policy revisions, or a collective decision to prioritize teamwork and ethical behavior. Such a transformation in the workplace not only improves morale but also enhances productivity and creativity, proving that cooperation can be more beneficial than competition in achieving success and fulfillment.

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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.