Four of Swords as External Influences (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Four of Swords is the card of rest, relaxation, self-protection, peace, and rejuvenation. This card shows a knight lying down horizontally on a tomb. He is resting with his eyes closed. His hands are held in a prayer position, and he lies underneath a stained glass window, likely in a church. This indicates that he is thinking deeply about spiritual matters.

The Four of Swords reminds us that while there are times where we need to go, go, go, there are also times where we need to press the pause button. Relaxation and self-care are important factors for any successful relationship. The Four of Swords reminds us to take care of ourselves. We can’t give to others what we don’t have.

Upright Four of Swords as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Four of Swords, it means that a period of rest, contemplation, or recuperation is necessary and is influencing the pace or direction of your current path. This could be a signal from your body or mind that slowing down is essential to avoid burnout or stress-related issues. It might also indicate a time where external circumstances, such as the need to care for someone else or a natural pause in activities, offer an opportunity to reflect and regroup before moving forward.

The Four of Swords as external influences can represent people such as mentors or healthcare professionals who advise taking a break or recommend a period of rest for recovery. This guidance might come from a therapist who recognizes the signs of mental fatigue and suggests strategies for self-care, or from a spiritual advisor who encourages meditation and reflection as tools for inner peace. Their influence emphasizes the importance of listening to and honoring your own needs for rest and recuperation.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Four of Swords as external influences means that taking time apart to reflect or focusing on personal well-being is beneficial for the health of the relationship. This pause can provide the space needed for both partners to assess their feelings and the dynamics of the relationship without the pressure of immediate reactions or decisions. It’s a period where individual growth and healing can take place, which ultimately strengthens the foundation of the relationship when you come back together.

If you are asking about an ex, the Four of Swords in the external influences position means that a pause from communication or interactions is providing necessary space for healing and clarity. This break allows both individuals to process the end of the relationship and to understand their own needs and desires more clearly, free from the immediate emotional responses that can cloud judgment. It’s a time for self-reflection that can lead to a more profound sense of closure or, in some cases, a realization of what steps to take next.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Four of Swords in the external influences position means that they may be in need of a break or time alone, which is affecting your interactions with them. Their withdrawal is not necessarily a reflection of your relationship but a necessary step in their own process of healing or dealing with personal issues. Respecting their need for space and offering support when they’re ready to reconnect can help maintain and even deepen your bond during this period.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Four of Swords in the external influences position means that stepping back to reassess goals or taking a break from relentless work is crucial for long-term success and well-being. This could manifest as a sabbatical, a temporary reduction in work hours, or simply setting firmer boundaries around work and rest time. Such a pause allows for a reevaluation of priorities, preventing burnout and ensuring that when you do focus on your career or financial goals, your actions are aligned with your true values and objectives.

Reversed Four of Swords as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Four of Swords reversed, it means that the time for rest is coming to an end, and it’s becoming necessary to reengage with the world and address pending issues. This shift might be prompted by an internal feeling of readiness to move on from a period of introspection or by external circumstances that require your attention and action. It’s a sign that you’ve gathered the strength and clarity needed during your retreat and are now prepared to face the challenges and decisions that lie ahead with a renewed sense of purpose.

The Four of Swords reversed as external influences can represent people such as those who encourage you to end your period of isolation or who signal that it’s time to take action and move forward. These individuals might be friends or mentors who recognize your potential and urge you to step back into the arena of your life. Their encouragement or demands can serve as a catalyst for change, pushing you to leave behind the safety of withdrawal and reassert yourself in pursuit of your goals and relationships.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Four of Swords reversed as external influences means that it is time to address unresolved issues and rekindle the connection with renewed energy. The push towards resolution might come from your partner’s initiative to discuss matters that have been left hanging or from relationship counseling that provides the tools needed to communicate more effectively. This period signifies a transition from stagnation to growth, where both partners are called upon to actively work on strengthening their bond and resolving any lingering conflicts.

If you are asking about an ex, the Four of Swords reversed in the external influences position means that the period of reflection is over, and it’s time to make a decision about where you stand or to finally move on. This realization may be spurred by an encounter with your ex that brings closure or by personal growth that allows you to see the past relationship in a new light. It’s a moment of turning the page, where you can choose to seek a new beginning, either with this person under different terms or by leaving the past behind to embrace future opportunities.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Four of Swords reversed in the external influences position means that reestablishing communication or revitalizing your relationship after a period of distance is important. The motivation to bridge the gap might come from an event or conversation that highlights the value of your connection, prompting both parties to overcome previous misunderstandings or disagreements. It’s a time for rebuilding trust and intimacy, acknowledging the lessons learned during the time apart, and moving forward with a stronger, more open relationship.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Four of Swords reversed in the external influences position means that after a period of pause or contemplation, it’s time to actively pursue your goals and address any pending tasks with renewed focus. This could be driven by a shift in the market that opens up new opportunities, or by personal ambition that no longer allows you to remain on the sidelines. The call to action involves reevaluating your strategies, setting clear objectives, and applying the insights gained during your reflective period to navigate your career or financial landscape with confidence and determination.

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, the Four of Swords represents rest and relaxation. Sometimes, things can get intense, and we need a timeout. Relaxation and self-care are important to any successful relationship. Take care of yourself, and make sure that you are giving to yourself. We can’t give to others what we don’t have ourselves. 

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.