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 Timing

If you are asking about timing and you pull the Five of Swords, it means that the event may be delayed due to conflict, tension, or unresolved disputes. 

The Five of Swords represents arguments, power struggles, or hollow victories, suggesting that timing is connected to overcoming conflict or clearing up miscommunication. 

This card indicates that the event will happen after the tension has been resolved, or when one or more parties have walked away from a situation that no longer serves them. 

Timing with the Five of Swords often points to a need to step back and reassess before moving forward. 

The event will be delayed until the conflict is either confronted or abandoned, allowing room for clarity and progress.

Astrologically, the Five of Swords is associated with January 20-29 and Aquarius season.

Seasonally, the Five of Swords is associated with autumn.

The suit of Swords is associated with a timeframe of weeks. 

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Reversed Five of Swords as Timing

If you are asking about timing and you pull the Five of Swords reversed, it means that the event will happen soon, as this card suggests that the conflict or tension is easing, and resolution is in sight. 

The Five of Swords reversed indicates that timing is aligning because you or someone involved is ready to forgive, let go, or make amends. 

This card points to the end of a stressful period and the beginning of a more peaceful, cooperative time. Expect the event to unfold after apologies are made, misunderstandings are cleared, or tensions subside. 

Timing will move forward once the focus shifts from conflict to reconciliation, allowing progress to occur more smoothly.

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Conclusion

Timing in tarot can be a bit tricky, but with practice, it becomes easier to trust the flow of the cards. I recommend using a narrative approach, letting the story of the spread guide you, rather than relying strictly on rigid definitions. Ultimately, trust your own intuition—it will lead you to the answers you’re meant to find.

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.