Five of Swords as Intentions (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 Intentions

If you are asking about someone’s intentions towards you, and you draw the Five of Swords, that means this person intends on acting upon the tension between you two. However, they know that this isn’t right but they can’t help it. This person is walking around with a negative aura, letting their stress and anger take control. Unresolved tension has built up to the point of potential hostility.

The Five of Swords as intentions means that they will keep riding their high horse. This person is likely someone who loves to be “right”, especially during an argument. They can become easily ensnared in arguments, feeling the pressure of their ego rising as they battle for supremacy rather than finding a resolution that could strengthen relationships instead. They view arguments as opportunities for victory instead of collaboration

For singles and those embarking on new relationships, the Five of Swords is a sign of them intending on taking their anger out on you. With so much tension in the air, it’s easy to get caught up in a heated argument. Keep an eye on how your interactions with this person play out; if the dynamic is consistently strained and they attempt to dominate each conversation by asserting their own opinion as right all of the time, that might be the red flag you need before deciding whether or not this relationship is worth continuing.

For existing relationships, the Five of Swords represents an intention to believe that they’re always right. It appears like a disconnect has been forming in the relationship, which is sure to be causing tension. If each of you feels compelled to always have the last word, it will only make things worse. If you want this to work, you’ll need to sit down with them and have a long, open, and honest conversation about the miscommunication going on.

If you are asking about an ex’s intentions, the Five of Swords shows that they intend on placing the blame on you. Their ego is clouding their judgment and they are shifting all of their anger on you. They believe that the relationship failed because of you, even if that’s not the case. They are in a bad place right now but cannot give up their pride in order to see their issues. 

In the context of whether or not a relationship is headed for commitment, engagement, or marriage, the Five of Swords means that this person’s intentions are to put themselves first. Conflict in any relationship can be tricky to navigate. But when it arises, communication is key! It’s important for each person to express their thoughts fully and really listen with an open mind – not just trying to prove a point or “be right”. Taking this step could make all the difference for your relationship moving forward.

Need more clarity on your relationship?

Ask unlimited questions in a safe space. Get the answers you need. Your situation is unique. Sibyl’s expert psychics are here to help!

Learn More

Reversed Five of Swords as Intentions

If you are asking about someone’s intentions towards you, and you draw the Five of Swords reversed, that means this person intends on walking away. This person knows when to throw in the towel. Even after giving a full-frontal effort, it’s clear that some battles can’t be won — and this individual has wisely come to terms with letting go of a seemingly unwinnable fight. Ultimately, accepting the loss is essential for personal growth and resilience.

The Five of Swords reversed as intentions means that they are also willing to settle for a compromise. They intend on meeting in the middle. Despite their wounded pride and the emotional pain from the battles fought before them, there’s value in looking for compromise now instead of letting things get worse later down the line. They just want to let things go so that they can finally begin their healing. 

For singles and those embarking on new relationships, the Five of Swords reversed is a sign of them intending to call things off while they’re ahead. Despite their best efforts, this relationship isn’t providing the connection they had hoped for. It can be tough to come to terms with the fact that what you thought was meant-to-be isn’t quite working out. But sometimes, it’s healthy and necessary for our own happiness and growth.

For existing relationships, the Five of Swords reversed represents an intention to give up. They feel like they’ve consistently been putting their best foot forward trying to make this relationship work, but something’s just not right. Communication has been bumpy and that’s only getting tougher if tensions remain unresolved. It’s important to clear things up between yourselves — taking time out for a proper discussion means any resentments won’t simmer beneath the surface. 

If you are asking about an ex’s intentions, the Five of Swords reversed shows that they intend on moving on. They feel as though your relationship has run its course, and that there is nothing that can salvage it. They don’t regret anything though because they did try their best to make things work, but it just never did. The only thing you can do now is let them go.

In the context of whether or not a relationship is headed for commitment, engagement, or marriage, the Five of Swords reversed means that this person’s intentions are to walk away from your relationship before things go further. They feel that your relationship is nearing its end. They’ve realized through their time with you that you two just aren’t compatible. You want different things out of life and they cannot give that to you. 

Real psychics. No scams.

Need intuitive advice but wary of getting scammed? Get honest answers, with no hidden fees. No “spell removal” upsells, we promise.

Learn More

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.