Four of Swords as Hopes and Fears (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 Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Four of Swords, it means that you are seeking a period of rest, recovery, and contemplation to regain your strength and clarity. This card emphasizes the importance of taking a pause from the daily hustle to reflect on your journey, decisions, and the path forward. It suggests that this time of stillness is not only beneficial but necessary for your mental and emotional well-being, allowing you to emerge refreshed and more focused.

The Four of Swords as fears can represent the fear of being forced into inactivity or isolation, or of not taking action when it is needed. This anxiety stems from the worry that too much introspection or downtime might lead to missed opportunities or a sense of being left behind. It underscores a natural concern for balance between rest and action, highlighting the challenge of knowing when to pause and when to push forward.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Four of Swords in the hopes and fears position means you are hoping for a peaceful break to reflect and heal, but fear this pause may lead to distance or disconnection. This card reflects a desire for space to individually process emotions and thoughts, with the understanding that it can strengthen the relationship. However, it also acknowledges the worry that too much space might create feelings of emotional separation that could be difficult to bridge.

If you are asking about an ex, the Four of Swords in the hopes and fears position means you are seeking solitude to heal from the breakup, yet you might fear that this period of reflection could bring unresolved feelings to the surface. This indicates a need for personal time to deal with the aftermath of the relationship, recognizing that healing often involves facing painful emotions or memories. It highlights the apprehension about what this introspection might reveal about the relationship and yourself, and whether it will lead to true closure or more questions.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Four of Swords in the hopes and fears position means you wish for a time of peace and quiet away from conflicts, fearing that this distance might create a permanent rift. This card signifies a need for a break from ongoing tensions to gain perspective and calm, with the hope that it will lead to healthier interactions. Yet, there’s a concern that taking this step back could be misinterpreted as withdrawal or lack of care, potentially complicating the relationship further.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Four of Swords in the hopes and fears position means you desire a break from work-related stress, though you worry that stepping back might affect your career progression or financial stability. This reflects a yearning for a period of respite to recharge and reassess your goals and strategies, understanding that mental health is crucial for sustained success. However, it also captures the fear that time away could be seen as a lack of ambition or commitment, possibly impacting your professional standing or opportunities.

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Reversed Four of Swords as Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Four of Swords reversed, it means that you are ready to end a period of rest and reflection, feeling an urgency to reengage with your life and activities. This shift indicates a renewed sense of purpose and determination to move forward, suggesting that the time spent in contemplation has provided you with the clarity and strength needed to face upcoming challenges. It signifies a transition from introspection to action, emphasizing the importance of applying the insights gained during your period of withdrawal to your daily life.

The Four of Swords reversed as fears can represent the fear of reentering the fray unprepared or too quickly, risking burnout or relapse into old patterns. This concern arises from the worry that the desire to make up for lost time might lead to overexertion or the neglect of the lessons learned during the period of rest. It underscores the need for balance between restorative rest and active engagement, cautioning against the temptation to rush back into situations without ensuring readiness and sustainability.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Four of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are eager to address issues and rekindle the connection, but worry that things might not have fully healed. This positioning reflects a desire to move past difficulties and strengthen the bond, yet there’s an underlying concern that rushing the healing process could overlook deeper issues. It highlights the importance of pacing the reconciliation process, ensuring that both partners have genuinely processed their emotions and are ready to rebuild on a solid foundation.

If you are asking about an ex, the Four of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are considering reopening communication or revisiting the relationship, despite fears of unresolved issues. This suggests a willingness to explore the possibility of closure or a new beginning, driven by a belief in the potential for change. However, it also indicates apprehension about facing the same problems that led to the breakup, emphasizing the need for clear, honest dialogue and mutual understanding before taking any steps forward.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Four of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are ready to reconnect and resolve past conflicts, though apprehensive about the potential for misunderstanding. This readiness to engage signifies a commitment to healing and improving the relationship, recognizing the value of addressing and moving beyond previous disagreements. Yet, there’s a cautionary note about ensuring that both parties have truly moved past the issues at hand, to avoid reigniting old tensions.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Four of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are motivated to dive back into your work with renewed energy, but fear that the underlying issues have not been adequately addressed. This reflects a drive to progress and achieve, fueled by a period of rest and reassessment. However, it also conveys a concern that without resolving the root causes of previous stress or dissatisfaction, there’s a risk of falling back into unproductive patterns, highlighting the importance of implementing meaningful changes to support sustained engagement and satisfaction in your professional life.

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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.