Ten of Swords as Hopes and Fears (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Ten of Swords is the card of betrayal, ruin, failure, pain, loss, crisis, and endings. This card shows a man lying face down, apparently dead, with ten swords sticking out of his back. He has been stabbed to death. Though this is a dark scene, the sun is rising above the horizon, indicating that with one ending comes a new beginning.

The Ten of Swords reminds us that endings are natural in life. When one thing ends, it gives space for something else to begin. When one door closes, another opens. The end of one cycle is the beginning of another. The Ten of Swords reminds us that it is okay to release what is no longer serving us. 

Upright Ten of Swords as Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Ten of Swords, it means that you are acknowledging a painful ending or betrayal but are ready to confront this reality and hope to find closure and a new beginning. This card signifies a moment of profound realization, where accepting the harsh truth becomes a stepping stone towards healing. It suggests that, despite the intensity of the situation, there is a resilient hope that from the ashes of despair, new opportunities and paths will emerge, emphasizing the potential for transformation and renewal after a period of suffering.

The Ten of Swords as fears can represent the fear of ultimate betrayal, hitting rock bottom, or the worry that a situation is far worse than imagined, leading to despair and hopelessness. This fear reflects an anxiety about reaching a point of no return, where the pain and betrayal experienced feel insurmountable. It underscores the vulnerability associated with placing trust in others or situations that may not turn out as expected, highlighting a deep-seated concern for self-preservation amidst catastrophic changes.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Ten of Swords in the hopes and fears position means you fear the relationship may be irreparably damaged or ending in betrayal, yet you hope for clarity and the strength to move forward. This duality captures the heartbreak of realizing a relationship may not survive, coupled with a determination to find closure and heal. It reflects a desire to emerge from the pain with a clearer understanding of what went wrong and how to protect oneself from similar situations in the future, indicating a journey towards personal empowerment.

If you are asking about an ex, the Ten of Swords in the hopes and fears position means you are coming to terms with the finality of the breakup, fearing it represents a profound loss but hoping it will lead to personal growth. This perspective recognizes the breakup as a significant emotional blow, yet also as an opportunity for deep self-reflection and development. It suggests that, through processing the pain and loss, there is potential for discovering inner strengths and insights that pave the way for a more fulfilling future.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Ten of Swords in the hopes and fears position means you are concerned about a deep rift or betrayal that feels insurmountable, yet you hope for healing and understanding in time. This card reflects the complexities of close relationships, where conflicts can feel devastating, yet there remains a hope for reconciliation and forgiveness. It underscores the importance of addressing the hurt and working towards resolution, with the understanding that healing deep wounds requires time, patience, and a willingness to understand each other’s perspectives.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Ten of Swords in the hopes and fears position means you fear a significant setback or failure that seems like the end of your ambitions, but you hope to learn from this experience and rebuild. This scenario highlights the fear of a career-ending mistake or a financial disaster that threatens your professional identity and stability. Yet, it also conveys a resilient hope that such challenges will offer valuable lessons and opportunities for growth, suggesting that even in the face of significant professional setbacks, there is always a path towards recovery and success.

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Reversed Ten of Swords as Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Ten of Swords reversed, it means that you are beginning to recover from a difficult situation, seeing the possibility of overcoming betrayal or loss, and finding hope in resilience and renewal. This reversal indicates that the worst is behind you, and while the scars may remain, they serve as a testament to your strength and ability to move forward. It signifies a turning point where you start to see light at the end of the tunnel, marking the beginning of a healing process that promises new opportunities and personal growth.

The Ten of Swords reversed as fears can represent the fear of not fully recovering from a setback, the worry that the damage done is too extensive to overcome, or the anxiety about being vulnerable to future betrayals. This fear is rooted in the concern that the past’s shadows may continue to loom large, potentially impacting your future decisions and relationships. It underscores a natural apprehension about the journey ahead, questioning whether true healing and restoration of trust are possible after such profound hurt.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Ten of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means there is a glimmer of hope for recovery from hurtful experiences, yet there’s a fear that the scars may never fully heal. This position reflects a delicate balance between the desire to mend the relationship and move past pain, against the backdrop of lingering doubts about whether the damage can be completely undone. It highlights the complexity of healing within a partnership, emphasizing the need for patience, understanding, and a shared commitment to rebuilding trust.

If you are asking about an ex, the Ten of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are starting to heal from the pain of the breakup, but fear lingering feelings or unresolved issues may hinder moving on completely. This card suggests a phase of reflection and healing, where you are working through the emotions tied to the end of the relationship. Yet, it also points to the concern that not all wounds have been fully addressed, leaving open the possibility that unresolved feelings could affect future relationships or personal peace.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Ten of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are hopeful about mending the relationship and overcoming past betrayals, but anxious about the possibility of being hurt again. This indicates a willingness to forgive and a desire to restore harmony, tempered by concerns over whether the underlying issues have been sufficiently resolved to prevent future conflicts. It underscores the challenge of rebuilding trust and the fear of repeating past mistakes, highlighting the importance of clear communication and genuine reconciliation efforts.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Ten of Swords reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are slowly recovering from a professional or financial blow, with the hope of turning things around despite fears of future failures. This suggests an emerging optimism and the beginning of a strategy to reclaim control over your career or finances. However, it also reflects a wariness about the stability of this newfound direction, questioning whether the lessons learned from past setbacks have been fully integrated to safeguard against similar challenges in the future.

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Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, the Ten of Swords represents endings. While endings can be sad, they also represent the potential for something new and better to take its place. With an ending comes release. We can start anew. This card is a reminder that it is okay for us to release what is no longer serving us. 

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.