Five of Swords as Hopes and Fears (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 Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Five of Swords, it means that you are facing a situation involving conflict, defeat, or the need to stand your ground, potentially leading to a hollow victory. This card suggests that while you may emerge as the victor in this situation, the win could come at a significant cost, either to yourself or your relationships with others. It encourages careful consideration of what you are fighting for and whether the outcome is worth the sacrifices involved, highlighting the importance of choosing battles wisely to preserve integrity and harmony.

The Five of Swords as fears can represent the fear of conflict leading to irreversible damage or relationships ending in acrimony. This fear stems from recognizing that not all victories are worth the price paid, especially when they result in lasting resentment or loss. It serves as a cautionary reminder that the aftermath of conflicts can be long-lasting and more damaging than the disputes themselves, underscoring the value of seeking resolution and compromise where possible.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Five of Swords in the hopes and fears position means you are aware of potential conflicts and are prepared to address them, but fear the consequences may damage the relationship. This position reflects a readiness to tackle difficult issues head-on, with the understanding that doing so is necessary for the health of the relationship. However, it also acknowledges the delicate nature of such confrontations and the potential for misunderstandings or hurt feelings to cause harm, emphasizing the need for clear communication and empathy.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Swords in the hopes and fears position means you are ready to assert your boundaries and move on, yet fear the fallout might bring more pain or conflict. This indicates a determination to protect your well-being and find closure, even if it means facing uncomfortable truths or interactions. It highlights the challenge of navigating the end of a relationship with grace and strength, while being mindful of the emotional turmoil that can arise when asserting independence and finality.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Five of Swords in the hopes and fears position means you anticipate disagreements that could lead to strain or separation, fearing the loss of a valuable connection. This card points to the difficult balance between standing up for your beliefs and preserving important relationships, suggesting that the fear of alienation can sometimes deter necessary confrontations. It calls for wisdom in choosing which issues are worth addressing and which may be better left alone, aiming to maintain respect and understanding even in disagreement.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Swords in the hopes and fears position means you may need to confront competitive or unethical situations at work, fearing such conflicts could harm your professional reputation or relationships. This reflects concerns about navigating workplace dynamics where not all players adhere to the same ethical standards, and where winning could mean losing in terms of personal integrity or collegial respect. It underscores the importance of maintaining your principles and seeking constructive ways to address and resolve conflicts, prioritizing ethical conduct and mutual respect over short-term gains.

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Reversed Five of Swords as Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Five of Swords reversed, it means that you are seeking resolution and peace after a period of conflict, desiring to move past disputes and misunderstandings. This card indicates a shift towards healing and the willingness to let go of the need to “win” at all costs, focusing instead on mutual understanding and forgiveness. It suggests that you recognize the value of harmony over victory, emphasizing the importance of resolving issues in a way that benefits all parties involved.

The Five of Swords reversed as fears can represent the fear of unresolved conflicts continuing to simmer beneath the surface, potentially erupting again. This concern highlights the anxiety that, despite efforts to find peace, the roots of discord may not be fully addressed, leaving room for future disputes. It underscores the need for a thorough resolution of conflicts, ensuring that all underlying issues are brought to light and dealt with to prevent recurrence.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Five of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are hopeful for reconciliation and a peaceful resolution to past arguments, yet fearful that the underlying issues may not be fully resolved. This reflects a desire to rebuild the relationship on stronger, more understanding grounds, with an awareness that true healing requires confronting and working through the deeper problems that led to conflict. It points to the delicate balance between wanting to move forward together and the necessity of healing past wounds to ensure a stable foundation.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means you wish for a peaceful closure or perhaps a harmonious coexistence, but you are concerned about lingering animosity. This indicates a readiness to put past conflicts to rest and move on from the relationship with a sense of peace, yet there’s apprehension about whether both parties can truly let go of resentment and hurt. It highlights the desire for an end to hostility, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and understanding in achieving closure.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Five of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are looking to mend fences and heal from past conflicts, though you’re wary of the possibility of not fully overcoming the past grievances. This card suggests a commitment to resolving misunderstandings and rebuilding trust, with a cautionary note about the work required to genuinely move beyond old disputes. It emphasizes the value of open communication and empathy in healing relationships, acknowledging the effort needed to ensure past issues do not continue to affect the bond.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are aiming for a resolution to workplace conflicts and a return to a more collaborative environment, but fear the damage may be too deep to fully repair. This perspective indicates a desire to move beyond competitive tensions and work towards a cooperative and supportive atmosphere, recognizing the potential challenges in restoring trust and morale after significant disputes. It calls for leadership and openness in addressing the issues at hand, fostering an inclusive approach to healing and progress within the professional setting.

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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.