Ten of Swords as Obstacle or Challenge (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 an Obstacle or Challenge

If you are asking about an obstacle or challenge, and you draw the Ten of Swords, it means that a painful ending or betrayal may be at hand, signaling a need for acceptance and healing. The appearance of this card suggests that you may be facing a difficult situation that requires you to acknowledge the pain and start the healing process. Although challenging, this could also be an opportunity for personal growth and the beginning of a new chapter.

The Ten of Swords as an obstacle or challenge can represent the difficulty of facing a difficult conclusion, but also the potential for growth and transformation through adversity. This card signifies that while you may currently be in a tough situation, there is an opportunity to learn and grow from these experiences. It may be a difficult process, but one that can lead to personal transformation and a stronger sense of self.

If you are asking about a potential relationship, the Ten of Swords as an obstacle or challenge means that unresolved pain or betrayal from past relationships may need to be addressed in order to create a healthy, trusting connection. This suggests that it may be necessary to confront and heal from past emotional wounds before a new relationship can flourish. By doing so, you can foster a stronger bond built on trust and understanding.

If you are asking about an existing relationship, the Ten of Swords as an obstacle or challenge means that a painful event or betrayal may test the relationship’s strength and resilience. This card indicates that the relationship may be going through a challenging time, possibly marked by disappointment or betrayal. However, this period can also be a test of the partnership’s resilience and ability to navigate through tough times together.

If you are asking about an ex, the Ten of Swords as an obstacle or challenge means that processing and healing from past betrayals or painful endings can provide valuable insight for future relationships. This suggests that reflecting on the lessons learned from the past relationship can provide valuable insights for your future relationships. By understanding and healing from these experiences, you can move forward with greater wisdom and emotional strength.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Ten of Swords as an obstacle or challenge means that a significant setback or betrayal may occur, necessitating resilience and adaptability in order to recover and move forward. This card suggests that you might face challenges in your career or financial life, possibly due to unexpected setbacks or even betrayals. However, the Ten of Swords also serves as a reminder that with resilience and adaptability, you can overcome these challenges and emerge stronger.

Reversed Ten of Swords as an Obstacle or Challenge

If you are asking about an obstacle or challenge, and you draw the Ten of Swords reversed, it means that a difficult situation may be starting to improve, or that recovery and healing are on the horizon. This card’s appearance suggests that the worst may be over, and a period of healing and improvement may be commencing. It’s a reminder that even the most challenging situations can transform into opportunities for recovery and personal growth.

The Ten of Swords reversed as an obstacle or challenge can represent the process of learning from past pain and finding the strength to move forward in a positive direction. This card can signify that while you’ve been through a challenging time, you’ve gained valuable insights that can guide your future actions. It’s about harnessing the power of past experiences and using them to fuel positive change and growth.

If you are asking about a potential relationship, the Ten of Swords reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that healing from past betrayals or disappointments is necessary before entering into a new, healthy partnership. This implies that before a new relationship can fully bloom, it’s important to address and heal from past emotional wounds. By doing so, you can foster a new relationship built on trust, understanding, and emotional maturity.

If you are asking about an existing relationship, the Ten of Swords reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that overcoming past difficulties and rebuilding trust can lead to a stronger and more resilient bond between partners. This suggests that the relationship may have experienced trials, but working through these issues can strengthen the bond and deepen trust. Together, you can overcome adversities and build a resilient, enduring partnership.

If you are asking about an ex, the Ten of Swords reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that finding closure and healing from past pain can help you grow and learn valuable lessons for future relationships. This card indicates that reflecting on past experiences, acknowledging the pain, and finding closure can provide you with important lessons that can shape your future relationships. By doing so, you are paving the way for healthier and more fulfilling relationships in the future.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Ten of Swords reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that recovering from setbacks or disappointments can provide an opportunity for growth and renewed determination. This suggests that while you may have experienced professional or financial difficulties, these setbacks can be used as stepping stones towards greater success. By learning from these experiences and using them to fuel your determination, you can pave the way for growth and success in your career and financial life.

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.