Ten of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

UPRIGHT

defeat, failure, pain, sadness, tears

REVERSED

courage, positive energy, good health, success, advantage

Visual Description of the Ten of Swords:

A man is lying face down with ten swords sticking out of his back. It is another ominous scene as is usual with the suit of Swords. The sky is dark, but the sun is rising over the horizon, giving a glimmer of hope. As with the Death card there is a hope of new beginnings inherent in this man’s apparent death. A red cloak shows that he has died with dignity. Thus, while this card has a dark atmosphere it is not necessarily one that is a wholly bad omen.

Divinatory Meaning of the Ten of Swords:

Upright Meaning of the Ten of Swords Tarot Card:

The upright interpretation of the Ten of Swords indicates that the querent is facing a trying time during which they will feel defeated. This sense of failure will cause them pain and sadness, but on the bright side they will remain honourable and strong in their convictions.

“You’ve learned the hard way that all good things must come to an end. It’s funny how, even in the face of defeat and in the seat of sadness you can still realize that the sun will come out tomorrow. You have become wise in the ways of the world and you don’t let defeat deter you from pursuing your goals.

Your tenacity and strength allow you to get up and try again. So, while this card shows that you will once again fall, you know that the only way left to go is up. That doesn’t make you immune to the emotional blow you’re taking, but it does help you build your character. Instead of becoming defeatist and playing the victim you have what it takes to rise and shine.”

The querent should respect their emotions at this time. Denying their pain and sadness could lead to emotional problems in the future. There is a fine balance they must maintain between acknowledging their emotions and playing into the pain they are currently feeling.

Reversed Meaning of the Ten of Swords Tarot Card:

Reversed the Ten of Swords is a particularly good omen, especially considering the deck of Swords usually represents many challenges. The querent has overcome the obstacles of mental stamina posed by the suit of Swords and as a result they are exactly the opposite of defeated.

“You are a courageous and determined individual and you exude positivity. You’ve realised that the more positive you are the better your chances of reaching success. You have trained your mind to overcome negative thinking patterns that lead to failure and it really shows. Your health is good, because you understand the correlation between a healthy body and a healthy mind.

In fact you have the advantage in most areas of life and can take any situation and turn it into a positive one. This is a skill that needs to be practiced though, so keep working on it, but you’re on the right track. Congratulations, success is on its way to you.”

The querent may be at the beginning stages of this phase in their development and as a result they will be more susceptible to fluctuations in mood. They just need to push through and build their character strength. The appearance of this card indicates that they will find it easier than most to accomplish this. They have undergone enough trials and tribulations to understand that a positive attitude will take them further than relenting and giving in to the emotions that accompany the normal ebbs and flows of life.