Five of Swords

Your dealings with others today could be tense. The Five of Swords can manifest as a clash of wills or a heated confrontation that seemingly comes from out  of nowhere.

This is one of the most challenging cards in the tarot. It’s called “Defeat” in this deck, referring to the need accept your limitations rather than exacerbating problems by fighting back.

As Fives are all tied to conflict and Swords to communications, it should come as no surprise that your battles won’t be physical ones; they’ll be verbal or written. A negative review at work is one example; a ruling in someone else’s favor is another.

You could be dealing with an unreasonable partner or co-worker — or as is often the case with the Five a Swords — embroiled in legal wranglings or contractual negotiations. Whatever it is, it’s unlikely to be pleasant.

In this version of the card we see that the swords that have been lunged at their target — a stone statue of a snarling beast — have broken on impact. They haven’t even made a dent. The I Ching hexagram (47: K’un) at the bottom of the card refers to exhaustion and oppression.

With Mars conjuncting the North Node today, there are also karmic implications to consider. The North Node refers to karma you’re sewing, while the South Node — which Mars is simultaneously opposing — refers to karma you’re reaping. So be mindful of this no matter which end of the sword you’re handed today. 

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