Five of Swords as Love Advice (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 Love Advice

If you are asking about love advice, and you draw the Five of Swords, that means that you are advised to take a step back and reevaluate your feelings. This person has a lot of ongoing internal unresolved conflict. Don’t take what they say to you personally. A lot of tension will be in the air, resulting in more arguments and fights. Make sure this person is willing to work on their issues.

For love, the Five of Swords as advice means that you should shield your heart from potential heartbreak. This person prioritizes their ego more than your feelings. They are incapable of understanding your heart and feel they should win every argument. Unless they are willing to set their pride aside, there is nothing you can do. Although they could use your help, their issues can only be solved by them alone.

For singles, the Five of Swords as love advice means you should rethink your feelings before you give in to this person. They are under a lot of stress and can get easily irritated— even if the situation has nothing to do with you. Despite your efforts at communication, they don’t listen. They like to think they’re right all the time. Ask yourself if this person is still deserving of your time.

For new and potential relationships, the Five of Swords as love advice means you should take extra care of your heart. Your potential partner is not emotionally mature enough to handle their own issues. Although the thrill of a new relationship can be euphoric, the arguments and fights are simply not worth it. Don’t close your eyes when this person shows their true colors. Think of what you deserve and see if this new relationship is worth fighting for. 

For existing relationships, the Five of Swords as advice means that they see you as someone they’re angry and irritated with. This person’s ego is breaking the relationship apart. They think you’re unwilling to understand their sentiments no matter what you do. This can escalate into more and more arguments until one of you eventually gives up. To prevent that, sit down and have a heart-to-heart talk with your partner.

If you are asking about reconciliation with an ex, the Five of Swords as love advice shows that your ex-lover is still angry about your breakup. Just the thought of you makes their blood boil. Their ego makes them believe they made the right decision in ending things with you. If you’re hoping for reconciliation, it can only be done if this person works on their pride.

Reversed Five of Swords as Love Advice

If you are asking about love advice, and you draw the Five of Swords reversed, that means that you are advised to accept that some things aren’t worth fighting for. This person is ready to admit defeat and walk away. After all the fights, they realized this wasn’t what they wanted. Know that this isn’t your fault, and you deserve much better.

For love, the Five of Swords reversed as advice means that you should be ready to let things go. The fight is over. The person you love is laying all their swords down, ready to surrender. They are struggling with deep pain inside that can only be healed alone. Wish each other well and let go.

For singles, the Five of Swords reversed as love advice means you should carefully weigh your choices and realize that you deserve better. This person is not worth all the pain. The red flags you’ve ignored have already turned white, signaling defeat. No matter how hard it is to accept, sometimes all you can do is walk away. Know that there are better relationships out there waiting for you. 

For new and potential relationships, the Five of Swords reversed as love advice means the relationship isn’t working. You and your partner are simply not compatible with each other. Despite your efforts to make things work, something is still not clicking. If things are already this difficult at the start, how much more in the long run? Take this as a sign to walk away while it’s still early.

For existing relationships, the Five of Swords reversed as advice means that they see you as someone they aren’t sure about anymore. This person is on the verge of giving up on your relationship. They’ve already exhausted all of their efforts to make your relationship work but to no avail. Although they are willing to find a compromise, nothing seems to work. Give it time and clear the tension before trying again.

If you are asking about reconciliation with an ex, the Five of Swords reversed as love advice shows that your ex is already moving on. They think the breakup was inevitable. Both of you were just not the perfect fit. After giving their all, they have no regrets. Although letting go is painful, know that someone is out there waiting for you.

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.