Five of Swords as Past (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 Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Five of Swords, it means that there was a situation marked by conflict and perhaps victory at a high cost, where relationships might have been strained due to selfish behaviors or harsh competition. During this time, you or others around you might have pursued personal goals without considering the impact on the collective or the relationships involved. It was a period characterized by tension and perhaps instances where people chose to win arguments rather than maintain harmony, fostering an environment of unease and resentment.

The Five of Swords as the past can represent a time where disagreements, ego clashes, and contentious situations were prevalent, possibly leading to a difficult period of betrayals and loss of trust. You might recall instances where open communication broke down, replaced by a struggle to come out on top at any cost. This was a challenging period marked with power struggles and conflicts, a time where finding common ground was difficult, leading to strained relationships and a sense of isolation.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Five of Swords in the past position means there might have been arguments, conflicts, and a sense of one person dominating the other, possibly leading to a breakdown in communication and understanding. This period might have felt like a battlefield, with both parties harboring deep wounds from the verbal and emotional clashes that took place. It was a time where love took a back seat to winning, fostering resentment and creating barriers that hindered emotional connection and understanding.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Swords in the past position means the relationship might have suffered due to severe misunderstandings, verbal conflicts, or even betrayal, marking a period of turmoil and strife. This phase might have felt like walking on eggshells, where every small disagreement had the potential to turn into a significant conflict. It was a time where trust was hard to come by, and the joy and harmony that once were, became overshadowed by constant battles and a pervasive feeling of unrest.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Five of Swords in the past position means there was a time of conflict, possibly characterized by miscommunications, hurt feelings, and perhaps a win-at-all-costs mentality that strained the relationship. This period could have witnessed a breakdown in the normal camaraderie, replaced with a sense of competition and rivalry. It was a challenging time, where the joy of togetherness was marred by individualistic behaviors and an inability to see eye to eye, leading to an environment of stress and discomfort.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Swords in the past position means there might have been hostile competition, betrayals, or backstabbing at the workplace, where you possibly felt defeated or trapped in conflicting situations. It was a phase where alliances could quickly turn into rivalries, with a high-pressure environment that demanded constant vigilance. This was a period marked with challenges that tested your resilience and ability to maintain your ground amidst a landscape of shifting alliances and potential betrayals.

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Reversed Five of Swords as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Five of Swords reversed, it means that there was a period of letting go of conflicts, moving past ego struggles, and perhaps a realization that winning at all costs is not worth the price paid. This might have been a time of inner growth and maturity, where you recognized the value of harmony over victory. It was a period marked by a conscious effort to avoid disputes and foster a more understanding and compassionate environment, focusing on the bigger picture rather than individual gains.

The Five of Swords reversed as the past can represent a time of walking away from conflicts and releasing the need to always be right, indicating a transition towards a more peaceful period after leaving behind turmoil and disputes. This transition might have felt liberating, allowing for a breath of fresh air in a previously tense atmosphere. It was a journey towards healing, where you embraced peace over conflict, and understanding over arguments, promoting a period of calm and tranquility in your life.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Five of Swords reversed in the past position means there might have been a time when both parties decided to let go of conflicts and ego struggles, working towards reconciliation and mutual understanding. This phase would have encouraged open and honest communication, helping to heal old wounds and foster a deeper connection. It was a time when both individuals took a step back to view the relationship from a place of love and understanding, nurturing the bond and working together to create a harmonious environment.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Swords reversed in the past position means the relationship might have seen a time of releasing grudges, possibly attempting to find a middle ground after a period of conflict and strife. This period might have included open dialogues where both parties expressed their feelings and grievances with a desire to understand and forgive. It marked a time of healing, where space was created for empathy and possibly forging a new beginning or at least ending on a note of mutual respect and understanding.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Five of Swords reversed in the past position means there was a period of de-escalation of conflicts, a time when both parties worked to mend the relationship and move past disagreements. This phase could have seen you both becoming more understanding and forgiving, embracing the differences rather than letting them be a source of conflict. It was a time when love and kinship took the center stage, helping to mend fences and build a stronger and more loving relationship grounded in mutual respect.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Swords reversed in the past position means there might have been a period of recovery from conflicts, where you tried to rebuild and forge new paths after walking away from unfavorable circumstances. This period would have brought fresh opportunities and new beginnings, allowing you to establish yourself in a more positive and collaborative environment. It was a time for learning and growth, where you focused on building rather than battling, forging alliances that helped you move forward in your career with renewed optimism.

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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.