Ten of Swords as Intentions (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 Intentions

If you are asking about someone’s intentions towards you, and you draw the Ten of Swords, that means this person intends to approach the end of the relationship. They know the end is coming. The Ten of Swords represents the end times, and this stands true for relationships. Although extremely painful, they intend to move on from the relationship. An end brings a new beginning, and they intend to seek this new beginning.

The Ten of Swords as intentions means that they intend to end communication with you. This could be temporary or permanent. They are in too much pain to speak or work things out. They intend to take time away from the relationship for themselves. Their life feels as if it is in the midst of a crisis. Everything is crashing down around them. Intend to give them as much space as they need at this moment, or your situation could become much worse.

For singles and those embarking on new relationships, the Ten of Swords is a sign of them intending to shy away from a new relationship. Their intentions are strengthened by their self doubt and lack of confidence. They believe they are unworthy of a meaningful, intimate relationship. They intend to reject any connection because they feel love will be unbalanced. The upright Ten of Swords is a bad sign for new relationships, but there is still hope if you have the dedication for this person.

For existing relationships, the Ten of Swords represents an intention to give up. The feeling of failure completely controls their intentions. They cannot get over something that eats at them everyday. This could be their past, or current problems in the relationship. They intend to give up on the relationship because they cannot see themselves moving forward with their current life. In order to positively improve their intentions, they must rethink their past and offer themselves reassurance rather than blame.

If you are asking about an ex’s intentions, the Ten of Swords shows that they intend to grieve about the end of the relationship. They experience overwhelming pain each day and cannot think of anything else. They are stuck. They do not intend on getting back together until they have turned a new page in their life.

In the context of whether or not a relationship is headed for commitment, engagement, or marriage, the Ten of Swords means that this person’s intentions are to disagree. You do not share each other’s opinions on this topic. This could lead to harmful intentions as well as separation. Communication as an intention is critical to figuring out these disagreements. If left unnoticed, the relationship could end, and marriage would be impossible.

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Reversed Ten of Swords as Intentions

If you are asking about someone’s intentions towards you, and you draw the Ten of Swords reversed, that means this person intends to do the opposite of withdrawing themselves. They are ready and intend to open up and accept closure. They intend to heal and accept the loss that tormented them. Crisis mode has concluded. They intend to let go of the pain of the past. This is a positive sign for potential or existing relationships with this person.

The Ten of Swords reversed as intentions means that they no longer intend to hold grudges. The anger, despair, and fear that upset them in the past does not bother them anymore. They have reached a new level of understanding. They accept what has happened, and they intend to forgive you for whatever pain you directly or indirectly caused.

For singles and those embarking on new relationships, the Ten of Swords reversed is a sign of them intending to look forward to a new relationship. Their focus has moved on from past companions and the hardships that came with them. They intend to begin a new, passionate relationship. If you are single or looking for something romantic with this person, the reversed Ten of Swords indicates that you have a great chance.

For existing relationships, the Ten of Swords reversed represents an intention for absolution. Forgiveness and moving forward is their number one intention. Disagreements, arguments, and hurt feelings will be left in the past. They intend to explore what is next for the two of you. They are excited and filled with positivity, and their coming intentions will reflect this.

If you are asking about an ex’s intentions, the Ten of Swords reversed shows that they intend to move on, and they want to help you move on as well. The most beneficial intention for both parties is to move on. This will alleviate every ounce of pain and improve both of your lives. Their intentions are what’s best for you, so your intentions must match.

In the context of whether or not a relationship is headed for commitment, engagement, or marriage, the Ten of Swords reversed means that this person’s intentions are to confirm their relationship status. This means that they either intend to move on from you and find someone new, or become serious and fully commit to your love. It depends on other cards in your reading, and your perception of the relationship. Overall, the reversed Ten of Swords means that things will change very rapidly in the coming weeks and time will no longer be wasted. 

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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.