Four of Swords as Timing (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 Timing

If you are asking about timing and you pull the Four of Swords, it means that the event will occur after a period of rest, contemplation, or recovery. 

The Four of Swords represents a time of retreat, mental clarity, and healing, suggesting that timing is connected to when you’ve had the necessary time to reflect, rest, or recover from recent challenges. 

This card indicates that the event will happen once you’ve taken a break, gathered your thoughts, or healed from any mental or physical exhaustion. 

Timing may require patience, as the Four of Swords asks you to slow down and focus on regaining your energy before moving forward. 

The event will unfold after a restful pause or period of introspection.  

Astrologically, the Four of Swords is associated with October 13-23 and Libra season.

Seasonally, the Four of Swords is associated with autumn.

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

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Reversed Four of Swords as Timing

If you are asking about timing and you pull the Four of Swords reversed, it means that delays are occurring because you’re not giving yourself enough time to rest or reflect, and burnout or stress is holding things back. The Four of Swords reversed suggests that the event is being delayed because you’re either avoiding the necessary break or are too mentally or physically exhausted to make progress. Timing is blocked because you need to recharge, reflect, or take a step back before you can move forward. This card indicates that the event will not happen until you’ve taken the time to rest and regain clarity. Once you give yourself the space to rest and reset, timing will align, and progress will resume.

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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.

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