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Four of Swords Tarot Card
Belonging to the Suit of Swords of the Minor Arcana, the Four of Swords tarot card represents rest, introspection, and withdrawal.
In the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith deck, the Four of Swords features a figure lying down on a tomb, with three swords hanging on the wall above and one sword resting on the ground. The figure appears to be in a state of rest or meditation, with their hands clasped together in front of their chest.
The figure represents someone who has been through a period of intense mental or physical activity and is now taking a much-needed break to recover and rejuvenate. The swords on the wall suggest that this person has been involved in conflict or struggle, while the sword on the ground may symbolize a temporary cessation of that conflict.
Esoterically, the idea of the tomb is a symbol of transformation and renewal. The figure lying down may represent the death of the ego or the surrender of the conscious mind to the subconscious. The three swords hanging on the wall may represent the three aspects of the mind (the conscious, subconscious, and superconscious), while the sword on the ground may represent the unification of those aspects.
The Four of Swords encourages rest, reflection, and self-care. It suggests that taking time to recharge and process your experiences can be beneficial for your mental and emotional health, and it can also help you prepare for future challenges.
Some questions the Four of Swords invites you to ponder…
- When was the last time you took a break from your regular routine and gave yourself time to rest and recharge? What did you do during this time? How did it make you feel?
- Think about a recent conflict or struggle that you experienced. How did you handle it? Did you take time to reflect on your feelings and reactions afterward? If not, how might taking the time to process your experience help you in the future?
- What do you think the figure on the tomb in the Four of Swords card is meditating on? Is there a particular issue or concern in your life that you could benefit from reflecting on in a similar way?
- The Four of Swords can also represent a need for boundaries and self-care. What are some boundaries you need to set in your life in order to take care of yourself? How can you communicate those boundaries to others?
- In esoteric interpretations of the Four of Swords, the figure on the tomb represents the death of the ego and the surrender of the conscious mind to the subconscious. What does this idea mean to you? Is there a part of yourself that you could benefit from surrendering control over? How might this help you in your personal growth and development?
In this post, we’ll be going over the Four of Swords’ Upright and Reversed meanings, as well as the Four of Swords as a person (or significator), the Four of Swords as feelings, and the Four of Swords as a yes or no. Whether you are a seasoned tarot reader or just beginning to explore the world of divination, the Four of Swords offers valuable insights and guidance for navigating life’s challenges with wisdom, discernment, and inner peace.
Four of Swords Keywords
| Upright: | rest, recuperation, solitude, contemplation, meditation, reflection, recovery, retreat, recuperation, renewal, healing, rejuvenation |
| Reversed: | restlessness, burnout, exhaustion, stress, insomnia, agitation, resistance, avoidance, impatience, disruption, unrest, imbalance |
| Elemental: | Air |
| Zodiac: | Libra |
| Number: | 4 (stability, foundation, structure) |
| Yes or No | Maybe |
Don’t have time to read? Check out this helpful video for key meanings of the Four of Swords Tarot card!
Four of Swords (Upright)
When the Four of Swords appears upright in a tarot reading, it generally indicates a need for rest, recovery, and self-care.
The Four of Swords may reveal a need for introspection and reflection. You may be going through a period of transition or transformation, and taking time to meditate, journal, or simply be alone with your thoughts can help you process your feelings and gain clarity on your next steps.
This card can also indicate the need to set boundaries in order to protect your own well-being; it may be time to say no to certain commitments or relationships in order to prioritize your own needs.
FOUR OF SWORDS ADVICE
The Four of Swords advises you to take a break from the chaos and busyness of life. Rest, recuperate, and give yourself permission to slow down.
This card urges you to prioritize rest and relaxation, whether that means taking a nap, going to bed early, or engaging in any activity that helps you recharge. Prioritize your own well-being, whether that means taking care of your physical, emotional, or spiritual health. Make self-care a priority.
Also, keep your own counsel. Use this time of introspection to listen to your own thoughts and feelings. Don’t be swayed by the opinions of others – trust your own intuition and wisdom.
Wait for the answer, don’t chase the answer. The Four of Swords is a sign to be patient and let the answers come to you naturally. Don’t rush into any decisions or actions before you’re ready.
You might process possible actions by doing something not associated with the subject or situation. Sometimes, the best way to gain clarity is to step away from the subject entirely. Engage in an activity that brings you joy or peace, and allow your mind to wander – the answers may come to you when you least expect them.
Four of Swords (Reversed)
When the Four of Swords appears reversed in a tarot reading, it can suggest that you are unsettled and unable to relax, even though you may be in need of rest and recovery. You may be experiencing anxiety or stress that is preventing you from slowing down and taking time for yourself.
The Four of Swords reversed can also be a sign that you may be avoiding introspection and reflection – you could be afraid to confront difficult emotions or experiences, and as a result, you might be filling your time with distractions or busyness in order to avoid facing your inner world.
This card can also show a lack of boundaries or self-care. You may be giving too much of yourself to others or taking on too many commitments, leaving little time or energy for your own needs.
FOUR OF SWORDS REVERSED ADVICE
If you pull the Four of Swords reversed in a tarot reading, the advice it offers is to take a break and prioritize your self-care.
This card can sometimes be a sign of restlessness, anxiety, or being overwhelmed, and it’s important to find ways to slow down and recharge. This may involve setting boundaries with others, taking time for relaxation and rest, or seeking support from a therapist or loved one.
Additionally, the Four of Swords reversed advises that you confront any avoidance or denial that may be preventing you from facing difficult emotions or experiences. It might be uncomfortable to confront these issues, but doing so can ultimately lead to greater healing and growth. By taking the time to care for yourself and confront your inner world, you can gain a deeper understanding of your needs and desires, and find greater peace and balance in your life.
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Four of Swords as a Person
When the Four of Swords appears as a person in a tarot reading, they are likely someone who values solitude and introspection.
At times, the person represented by the Four of Swords may appear withdrawn or detached from others, preferring to spend time alone in reflection or meditation. They may be deeply introspective, naturally introverted or reserved, and may have a spiritual or philosophical bent that guides their thinking and decision-making.
Four of Swords (Reversed) as a Person
As a person, the Four of Swords reversed shows someone who is struggling to recover or rest, and may have difficulty slowing down or setting boundaries. This person may have a sense of urgency to stay busy or productive, even if it comes at the expense of their own well-being.
The Four of Swords reversed person may also struggle with avoidance or denial. They may be afraid to confront difficult emotions or experiences, and may fill their time with distractions or busyness in order to avoid facing their inner world. As a result, they may feel disconnected within and may also have difficulty connecting with others on a deeper level.
Four of Swords as Feelings
When the Four of Swords appears in a tarot reading as feelings, it suggests a need for withdrawal.
Someone may be on the brink of feeling mentally or physically exhausted, or burnt out, and there might be a strong desire for personal space, quiet, and peace. This card signals the need to take time to reflect and gain clarity on one’s emotions and desires, or that space is required in order to heal from past hurts.
In a love reading, the Four of Swords as feelings may reveal that the partner in question is feeling a need for space and independence in their relationship. They may need time to focus on their own needs and desires, and could be seeking a partner who can respect and support their need for rest and recovery.
Alternatively, the Four of Swords may denote that one is feeling disconnected or detached from their partner and needs time to reflect on their feelings and desires in order to re-engage with the relationship in a more meaningful way.
If you receive the Four of Swords as how someone feels about you, it shows that they may see you as someone who values your alone time and introspection; they appreciate your ability to prioritize self-care and may respect your need for boundaries and space.
Four of Swords (Reversed) as Feelings
When the Four of Swords appears reversed in a tarot reading as feelings, it can point to a sense of anxiousness and tension.
Even more so than the upright Four of Swords, with this card in reverse, someone may be experiencing a great amount of stress, overwhelm, or emotional exhaustion, as well as an inability to slow down or catch a break. They may feel a sense of urgency to stay busy or productive, even if it comes at the expense of their own well-being.
In a romantic context, the Four of Swords reversed may indicate that someone is feeling a sense of restlessness or unease in their relationship. They may feel as though they are unable to take the time to wind down and connect with their partner, or may feel overwhelmed by the demands of the relationship.
On the other hand, this card may indicate that the person is feeling a need to confront difficult emotions or experiences in their relationship, but is struggling to do so. They may feel disconnected from their own emotions and might need support from their partner in order to process and integrate their feelings.
Four of Swords: Yes or No
In a yes or no reading, the Four of Swords is a “no” or “maybe” answer.
This card emphasizes the need for solitude and introspection, and may suggest that now is not the right time to take action or make big decisions. Instead, it might be a time to take a break or focus on self-care.
While this card does not necessarily indicate a negative outcome, it does suggest that the answer may be unclear or that more time may be needed before moving forward.
Four of Swords (Reversed): Yes or No
In a yes or no reading, the Four of Swords reversed is a “no” answer.
This card reversed often speaks of anxiety, restlessness, and a need for self-reflection and healing before making any decisions. The reversed Four of Swords can also suggest a lack of clarity or focus, which might make it difficult to make a clear decision.
In general, this reversal usually implies that it may be best to hold off on taking action or making a decision at this time.
Key Takeaway
In conclusion, the Four of Swords is a powerful and important card in the tarot deck. It emphasizes the need for rest, recovery, and introspection. Non-action is just as important as taking action.
Overall, the Four of Swords teaches us the importance of taking care of ourselves in order to be able to handle the challenges of life. It reminds us that sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is to slow down and rest in order to gain the clarity and strength we need to move forward.
And that concludes our exploration of the Four of Swords tarot card! To learn more about the Tarot, check out our Tarot Guide for Beginners, or explore the meanings of the rest of the cards!
DISCLAIMER:
Sage & Moon is a participant in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to purchase through these links. Any product we choose is based on personal recommendations that we love and trust you will too. By using these links you are directly supporting us to keep writing + creating. Thank you!
