five of swords reversed vs upright - how different is your interpretation?
ok so Ive been reading for about a year now and I feel like I have a decent grasp on most cards but the five of swords still trips me up
upright I get - conflict, winning at all costs, that hollow victory feeling. but reversed?? some sources say its about reconciliation and moving past conflict but others say its even MORE toxic, like the conflict is going underground or becoming passive aggressive
how do you all read the difference? do you lean more towards the 'things are getting better' interpretation or the 'things are getting worse but hidden' one?
3 Replies
This is actually one of the most debated reversals in the tarot community, and there's good reason for that ambiguity.
Historically speaking, the Five of Swords upright represents a pyrrhic victory - you won, but at what cost? The reversal doesn't necessarily flip this to 'loss' or 'peace.' From a symbolic perspective, I read it as the AFTERMATH of that conflict.
So: Are things healing? Or is resentment festering? Context becomes everything here. Look at the surrounding cards and the querent's situation. If there are Cups nearby, reconciliation is more likely. Swords or reversed Wands? The conflict may be going underground.
The card itself holds both possibilities - thats what makes it such a rich reversal to work with.
for me reversed five of swords is almost always about someone finally walking away from drama they didnt need to be in
like upright is 'I MUST win this' and reversed is 'wait... why am I even fighting about this'
honestly I always ask myself 'is this person the type to let things go or hold grudges' and that usually tells me which way to read it lol
the card can mean both and the querent's personality is what tips the scale imo
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