

FOUR OF SWORDS
THE FOUR OF SWORDS TAROT CARD DESCRIPTION
The Four of Swords shows a serene stillness. In a church setting, a person is resting on top of a casket, with three swords suspended above and one at his side. Behind the knight, a stained glass window portrays a child and woman. The knight's hands are folded in prayer-like fashion, as if in deep contemplation.
Attributes:
Symbolizes: Time of Rest
Element: Air
Represents: Recuperate and contemplation
Advice: If you need to make a decision, sleep on it, contemplate it.
What you should know: This card is about non-action and planning carefully before making your next move. Rest before the battle. The four of swords is a neutral card.
Yes or No Card: Generally the Four of Swords upright is a maybe. Reversed is a possible yes.
General Four of Swords upright meaning:
It’s time for rest. The Four of Swords is a card that symbolizes the need for rest and contemplation. It’s about taking a break from the chaos and busyness of life in order to recuperate both physically and mentally. Do not rush to judgment, instead withdraw into solitude and gain clarity on the situation.
Upright Love Meaning |
Upright Career Meaning |
Upright Finances Meaning |
Taking a break, withdrawing from love life, putting relationship on hold |
Taking a vacation, time off, self care |
Financial planning, Re-examining finances, not spending money |
Upright Four of Swords Tarot Meaning: Love
This card in a love reading signifies the need to take a break and withdraw from your love life. It may be necessary to put a relationship on hold temporarily in order to gain clarity and perspective on the situation at hand. Alternatively, it may be the relationship was moving too fast and its time to slow it down.
Upright Four of Swords Tarot Meaning: Career
When the Four of Swords appears in a career reading, it indicates that taking a vacation or some time off from work may be beneficial for you. This card encourages you to prioritize self-care and rest in order to recharge your energy and refocus your mind
Upright Four of Swords Meaning : Finances
This card suggests that now is a time for careful financial planning. This card encourages re-examining finances and taking a step back to assess your current situation. It may be advising you to pause before making any major financial decisions or investments.
Reversed General Four of Pentacles Tarot Meaning:
In the reversed Four of Swords tarot card, You’re back in action. The meaning shifts from a period of rest and recuperation to rejuvenated and moving forward. This card suggests that after taking time to heal and recharge, you are now ready to push ahead. Alternatively, this card may indicate restlessness, in some cases insomnia.
Reversed Love Meaning |
Reversed Career Meaning |
Reversed Finances Meaning |
Restored communications, active love life |
Rejuvenated from time off, active at work |
Implementing financial goals, taking financial risks, shopping spree |
Reversed Four of Swords Tarot Meaning: Love
This card indicates restored communications in a relationship and an active love life. There’s clarity now and the energy surrounding this card is one of renewed perspective and excitement. If single, you’re ready to go out and mingle. It could also mean your dating life is active.
Reversed Four of Swords Tarot Meaning: Career
This card signifies that you are feeling rejuvenated from some time off and are ready to jump back into action at work. This card suggests that any rest or relaxation you have recently taken has recharged your batteries and prepared you to tackle any challenges that may come your way in your professional life. Your back! Alternatively, this card could indicate if a project has been delayed or you’ve been waiting on something and it has stalled progress, it has arrived and you can now get busy and move forward.
Reversed Four of Swords Meaning : Finances
This card indicates that you have a fresh outlook on finances and ready to shake things up and try new strategies when it comes to finances. Implementing financial goals and being proactive is the energy surrounding this card. It also could mean a shopping spree. Alternatively, if you you been sitting on a slow investment, it may be profitable now.
Frequently asked questions
In love, the 4 of Swords often indicates a period of pause, distance, or reflection. It can show that one or both partners need space to rest, heal, or think clearly before making decisions about the relationship. This card suggests that patience and calm communication are key while emotions settle and perspective returns.
In love, the 4 of Swords often indicates a period of pause, distance, or reflection. It can show that one or both partners need space to rest, heal, or think clearly before making decisions about the relationship. This card suggests that patience and calm communication are key while emotions settle and perspective returns.
No, not at all. While it can point to temporary withdrawal, the 4 of Swords is more about rest and introspection than permanent separation. It may suggest taking a step back to process feelings, focus on self-care, or recover from emotional stress. Often, this pause strengthens the relationship by allowing both people to return with renewed clarity.
No, not at all. While it can point to temporary withdrawal, the 4 of Swords is more about rest and introspection than permanent separation. It may suggest taking a step back to process feelings, focus on self-care, or recover from emotional stress. Often, this pause strengthens the relationship by allowing both people to return with renewed clarity.
The 4 of Swords is part of a group of cards that emphasize stillness, patience, and mental clarity. Unlike The Hanged Man, which reflects surrender and new perspective, or the Hermit, which highlights introspection and solitude, the 4 of Swords is about deliberate rest and recovery before taking your next step. Comparing it with other “pause” cards helps you see where you are in the bigger picture of a reading — and how close you are to taking action again. For deeper interpretations of related cards, explore the full Tarot Card Meanings library onTarotMasterGuide.com.
The 4 of Swords is part of a group of cards that emphasize stillness, patience, and mental clarity. Unlike The Hanged Man, which reflects surrender and new perspective, or the Hermit, which highlights introspection and solitude, the 4 of Swords is about deliberate rest and recovery before taking your next step. Comparing it with other “pause” cards helps you see where you are in the bigger picture of a reading — and how close you are to taking action again. For deeper interpretations of related cards, explore the full Tarot Card Meanings library onTarotMasterGuide.com.