Ten of Swords as Past (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 Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Ten of Swords, it means that there was a situation that felt like a significant ending or a low point, perhaps marked by betrayal or deep sadness, indicating a challenging time. This period might have felt overwhelming, with a series of events that led to a considerable amount of grief and a feeling of loss. However, within this difficult time, there could have been lessons learned and inner strengths discovered that you weren’t aware of before, setting a foundation for a resilient future.

The Ten of Swords as the past can represent a period of substantial hardship, perhaps feeling like you’ve reached rock bottom in a situation, but also indicating that this end brought a new beginning. It was a time characterized by endings — closing chapters that were painful yet also opened up new paths and potentials that you might not have foreseen initially. While it was a difficult journey, it signaled the end of a particular hardship, laying a ground for new opportunities to emerge, fostered from the wisdom gained through these experiences.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Ten of Swords in the past position means there was a very challenging moment that felt like an ending, which could have been emotionally draining and marked by betrayal or disappointment. It speaks to a moment where hearts were heavy and the future seemed uncertain, with pains that were deep and poignant. Yet, it could also represent a period of introspection and personal growth, where you found the strength to navigate the emotional turmoil, perhaps emerging with a clearer understanding of what you truly desire and deserve in a relationship.

If you are asking about an ex, the Ten of Swords in the past position means the relationship may have ended on a very painful note, potentially involving betrayal or feeling deeply hurt. This card portrays a moment of hardship where you or both parties felt backstabbed, with emotions running high and feeling somewhat unbearable. The situation urged a kind of forced maturity, where you had to muster immense strength to move forward, slowly learning to heal and build yourself up from the distressing experience.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Ten of Swords in the past position means there might have been a deeply hurtful event or series of events that caused a lot of pain and possibly led to a breakdown in the relationship. It was a time of vulnerability and hurt, where trust might have been broken and hearts saddened. Yet, this card can also signify the depth of reflection that such painful experiences can provoke, leading to a richer understanding of each other if there was a path to resolution, or of oneself and one’s boundaries, if the relationship ended.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Ten of Swords in the past position means there was a significant setback or an end of a career path, potentially feeling betrayed or let down in a professional setting. This period may have shaken your trust and belief in your professional journey, marked by frustration and disappointment. However, this time also ushered in an era of reflection, urging you to re-evaluate your path and perhaps discover new avenues and strategies to forge a more fulfilling and successful career path, built on the lessons learned from this setback.

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Reversed Ten of Swords as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Ten of Swords reversed, it means that there was a period of recovery and healing after a tough time, perhaps showing resilience and the beginning of a healing process after a hard blow. During this period, you could have found strength within yourself, starting to lift yourself up from the difficulties you faced. It’s a testament to your inner resilience and the capacity to start anew, bearing witness to the first rays of hope piercing through a previously clouded sky.

The Ten of Swords reversed as the past can represent a time of slowly rising from a very low point, beginning to see the possibility of recovery and healing after a period of great difficulty. It embodies a phase of awakening to new opportunities and a renewed sense of hope, with an understanding that the worst is behind you. It speaks to the beginning of a journey towards healing, where you started to see glimpses of light and hope, steering away from the painful past and forging a path toward renewal.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Ten of Swords reversed in the past position means there was a rebound or a healing period after facing a significant hardship, potentially rekindling hope and building resilience. This phase marked the cultivation of trust and mutual understanding, taking steps toward a more stable and nurturing environment. It symbolizes the ability to find hope and rejuvenation, possibly giving way to a deeper and more loving relationship built on the pillars of understanding and resilience.

If you are asking about an ex, the Ten of Swords reversed in the past position means that after a painful breakup or a period of hardship, there was a gradual process of healing, learning, and personal growth. This card signifies the slow yet steady journey toward self-rediscovery, where you began to learn vital lessons from the experiences garnered during the relationship. It stands for a period of reflection and understanding, growing wiser and more attuned to your needs and desires as you worked through the healing process.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Ten of Swords reversed in the past position means that there might have been a reconciliation or a period of healing after a serious fallout, starting to rebuild the relationship from a more understanding and forgiving place. This could indicate a time where both parties came to a mutual understanding, finding common ground to nurture and rebuild the bond that was once broken. It showcases a willingness to work through past hurts, to understand and to be understood, fostering a renewed relationship grounded in empathy and mutual respect.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Ten of Swords reversed in the past position means there was a recovery from a serious setback, perhaps finding new opportunities and beginning to rebuild with a lesson learned and a more optimistic outlook on the future. This time might have brought unexpected opportunities your way, encouraging a more hopeful and optimistic perspective on your career path. It symbolizes a period where you started to regain your footing, slowly rebuilding your career with newfound knowledge and a vision anchored in hope and prospective growth.

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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.