Ten of Swords

The Ten of Swords in Tarot is one of those cards about which it is difficult to assign a positive meaning. However, even such a tragic card as the Ten of Swords depicting a murder or suicide scene may give hope for a better tomorrow. In this card, we see a man lying on the ground with his back turned up. He is covered with a red cloth and nailed with ten swords, which have obviously done him harm. Despite this, we see no blood on the Ten of Swords, and the background is a completely calm sea. All this suggests that his suffering, but also his sensations, may be realized on a psychic level. Still, there are black clouds billowing in the sky above the pain-stricken figure, indicating that the problems are not yet over. The hope, however, is the exposed yellow sky in the distance on the Ten of Swords. The Ten of Swords is unfortunately one of the worst Tarot cards for any question, as it is full of pain and often portends disaster in life. The Ten of Swords always indicates difficult moments in life that can completely knock us down. So it often foretells sudden misfortune, health or financial problems.

The Ten of Swords in an upright position is an omen for an accident, theft, or any other situation where your life or health may be in danger. It is also very often associated with suicidal thoughts and moments in your life when you feel that things can't get any worse. The upright Ten of Swords will also be a negative sign in questions regarding material or emotional matters as it will indicate a break up, loss of cash, or other great loss. The Ten of Swords in an upright position is very often associated with sudden events in life that may thwart our plans and make us lose our strength and will to continue fighting. Like the Ten of Wands, it may indicate that you are overwhelmed by current problems, but in this case it will be much more difficult to keep your distance from them. The upright Ten of Swords is symbolic of doubt after a severe experience of defeat, which can sometimes even lead to complete destruction and rebuilding of our lives. Although the upright Ten of Swords, like the Death card, heralds the coming end, in this case the release will be accompanied by great pain and suffering.

The Ten of Swords reversed may indicate the end of a difficult or problematic situation in your life and carries a positive message especially if you are currently experiencing painful or even tragic events. The Ten of Swords in the reversed position is the moment when the swords that have been stuck so far slowly begin to fall down and free you from the ongoing suffering. However, this does not mean that the Ten of Swords reversed will be a pleasant experience for you. Keep in mind that the Ten of Swords reversed is a card of loss, but also a fight for survival that you must undertake. Because of this, the reversed Ten of Swords portends an impending end and great emotions that will accompany you during this time. However, there is a chance that you will come to terms with the loss much more easily and thus shorten the time of your suffering. In certain situations the Ten of Swords reversed may also portend the avoidance of danger. However, this will require patience and careful action. The card may also symbolize a near death experience, and in certain situations it may also indicate the return of past problems.

The Ten of Swords in an upright position in relationship questions is very often the harbinger of separation or even divorce. Such events are always associated with great distress and suffering, which is symbolized by the Ten of Swords in the upright position. This is also a sign of a sudden break up, although it is very likely that the relationship has been on a downward spiral for some time. The upright Ten of Swords, then, in a sense foreshadows an end that we must endure, although we are definitely not mentally ready for it. However, it is important to remember that even such tragic and painful experiences can bring some beneficial changes into your life eventually. The upright Ten of Swords also speaks of a chance to finally release your emotions and build a new relationship in the future. For this reason, it is very common for single people to indicate a time when they still cannot come to terms with the loss they have experienced. The Ten of Swords in the upright position encourages you to accept and face the reality around you. This will help you understand your current experiences, what kind of relationship you need, and what can really give you emotional fulfillment. The upright Ten of Swords may also indicate betrayal, or being a victim of some sort in a relationship.

In relationship questions, the reversed Ten of Swords can speak of rebuilding a relationship and surviving a crisis situation together. However, it still indicates the dangers that exist around you that could bring about your end at any time. In certain situations the Ten of Swords reversed may also indicate a release from close relationships with people who have had a negative or destructive influence on you. Also for single people the reversed Ten of Swords may portend a better period in which you will finally begin to let go of the pain and suffering you have experienced, and reopen to new feelings. In love affairs the Ten of Swords reversed should be understood as a period of healing wounds and significant improvement in these matters. However, you should still remain vigilant because problems may return at any time leading you to even greater despair as you will find it difficult to come to terms with current events. If recent problems in your personal life have led to the end of a relationship then the reversed Ten of Swords indicates that all of this will ultimately prove to be a beneficial experience for you. The effort you put into surviving will pay off by making you stronger and more resilient.