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The Four of Swords Tarot card presents us with a lesson in passivity. It speaks of the power of being able to wait, the ability to take time before acting, and the power of thought and planning. Some say it is related to the need to rest and replenish energy after a great effort. Others point out that sometimes we let ourselves be consumed by routine and forget the essentials: the search for spiritual growth.
Four of Swords Tarot Card Meanings:
Reflecting, practicing meditation, and taking things slowly are some of the central messages of The Four of Swords Tarot card. It announces a time in which the querant needs space to reflect and to really think things through. It is time for him to recover from the hectic days that he has experienced recently.
The Four of Swords Tarot Card in the Upright Position:
When the Four of Swords Tarot card appears Upright, it is an indication that we must rest and distance ourselves from our problems in order to rebuild our lives. It is a call to recovery on an emotional and spiritual level. Breaking with bad habits, learning to lead a healthier lifestyle, focusing on ourselves, changing perspective, and resting are all important messages from the Four of Swords Tarot card.
One of the primary recommendations of the Four of Swords Tarot card is to work on emotional control. Withdraw when necessary and take a break. Sometimes we act impulsively, but not all of our problems can be solved with actions. Some problems need time to solve, and some get solved without us having to do anything.
Not everything depends on our actions especially when it comes to human relationships. Sometimes we have to give time to the other people involved so that they can reflect and change direction. Sometimes we have to rethink our goals, our positions, and even apologize when we have made a mistake. To do so, you need some space. You need a moment of solitude.
If you feel the need for an answer, look for it within yourself. Listening to your inner voice, getting away from distractions, and learning to meditate are excellent alternatives to cope with the anxiety. There are occasions in which we even have to get away from our families to reconnect with ourselves and come back full of patience, wisdom, and love.
The meaning of the Upright Four of Swords Tarot card when it comes to:
Love
It might be helpful to take some time out in order to calm things down or put everything in perspective. Take things slowly and wait for the storm to pass. For singles, it’s time to learn how to enjoy solitude.
Health
This is a time of convalescence or of a minor illness. You must take time to recharge your batteries and rest. Consider taking a short vacation, or better yet, going on a spiritual retreat. You may be having trouble sleeping, in which case you may have change beds or to consult with a specialist.
Work
Business hasn’t been as productive as it used to be. It is essential to reflect and make changes in your goals and plans to get your project back on track. Change your strategy by keeping a neutral attitude towards the conflicts that are currently taking place in the office. Taking a well-deserved vacation can help you avoid the dreaded “Burnout Syndrome.”
Money
Learn to analyze and weigh your investments. It is better to avoid splurging in order to prepare yourself for times of crisis. Avoid signing agreements, buying real estate, and establishing partnerships. Think twice (at least) about everything. Take your time.
The Four of Swords Tarot Card in the Reversed Position:
When the Four of Swords Tarot card appears reversed, we find that the direction of the message changes. It indicates that the break is over and we can put our projects back on track.
Alternatively, it could indicate that you haven’t taken the necessary time to rethink your goals or to recover from an illness. You have an accelerated pace of life, and you don’t allow yourself to take the pauses that your body and mind need to recover.
Still another possibility is that the Four of Swords Tarot card reversed indicates that the querant has taken an escapist’s attitude, fleeing from their problems and responsibilities. Perhaps the querant feels that their projects are moving slowly, or that they haven’t achieved the goals that they set in the past. To overcome this rough patch, the querant must face the problems and make the difficult decisions that will help them to overcome the obstacles that are in front of them.
The meaning of the Reversed Four of Swords Tarot card when it comes to:
Love
There could be stagnation and coldness in the relationship. You both feel that you have reached a dead end with only two options: commit or break up. In the case of singles who are looking for that special someone, it is advisable to change routines and to dare to date new prospects. A new lover will hardly come knocking on your door. You must risk leaving your comfort zone.
Health
All the ailments and symptoms that you have been experiencing will fade away if you take immediate action. Visit a specialist, go to the beach, get some healthy eating, get 8 hours of sleep. Regain your vital energy with alternative practices, including massages, meditation, and relaxation techniques.
Work
if you are looking for a job, you need to take more action. The reason that things haven’t gone well is that you have taken a very passive approach when looking for a job. Though you have to pursue your passion tirelessly, that doesn’t mean you should jeopardize your health in that pursuit. Learn to say no. Don’t sell yourself cheap.
Money
Avoid taking risks. This is not the time to make hasty decisions. New investments could bring you significant losses. It is not time to start new ventures. Instead, it is time to save.
The Four of Swords In A Yes Or No Question:
We have reached the lesson of the Four of Swords Tarot card. Numerically speaking, the number 4 is associated with order, reason, and logical thinking. The number 4 is also related to The Emperor Major Trump, a father figure that comes to build and impose order in the chaos that precedes the creation.
Therefore, all of the cards with the number 4 refer to a time of thinking, reflecting, and calm meditation. This influence is intensified in the Suit of Swords because it is connected with the energy, imagination, communication, and reasoning of Air. It brings with it healing energy of revitalization and fullness. Although this card indicates that it is time to take a pause, when it comes to a yes or no question, the answer of the Four of Swords is an unequivocal: Yes.
Four of Swords Tarot card Keywords:
Upright: Delay, healing, rest, illness, withdrawal, meditation, introspection, contemplation, reflection, soul searching, analysis, order, stability, renewal of energy, vacations, convalescence, hiding.
Reversed: Loneliness, confinement, isolation, imprisonment, medical rest, recklessness, lack of rest, physical exhaustion, disorder, lack of planning.
Four of Swords Imagery and Symbolism:
In The Four of Swords Tarot card, we find a soldier who seems to rest on what appears to be a coffin. He rests in a place that appears to be a church or a palace. In the background, there is a stained glass window that shows a woman and a child. Next to it, there are three swords placed on a stone wall. Lying on the floor by his side, there’s a sword ready to be used if necessary.
Looking almost like a statue, this gentleman surrounded by swords seems to have fought a great battle. Now that he has been victorious over his opponents, he can lay down his sword and take a well-deserved rest.
It is a scene that transmits calm, but also rigidity and severity. It even leads us to think of a funeral ceremony in which we can contemplate the grave of someone who has given everything and is now enjoying eternal rest.
The stained glass also makes us think that the reason that the knight is lying down in a church is that he is trying to take a more spiritual path. The woman and the child represent the man’s familiar-worldly aspects. Everything in his life is now put on hold until he has had the chance to rethink his future.
Important Card Combinations:
It is well known that each Tarot card is filled with meaning and represents a significant life lesson. However, in every spread, all the cards that appear complement each other, giving a more specific message to the reader. Therefore, we will analyze the main messages and most valuable combinations of the Four of Swords Tarot Card that may appear in a spread.
Four of Swords combined with Judgement:
Redefine your perspectives, change your paradigms, and avoid making impulsive decisions.
Learn more about the Judgement Tarot card.
Four of Swords combined with The Magician:
You are experiencing an energy rush and the reactivation of a plan. The cosmos is conspiring in your favor. You will have all the tools you need to make the right decision.
Learn more about The Magician Tarot card.
Four of Swords combined with The Hermit:
This is a time of meditation and deep reflection. You could be facing isolation and extreme solitude.
Learn more about The Hermit Tarot card.
Four of Swords combined with the Nine of Swords:
Fears, complexes, and anguish do not let you think clearly, and they are complicating your decision-making process.
Four of Swords with Death:
You will have to be mentally prepared for a significant change to come. Decisive moments are coming that will require a lot of concentration and intelligence if you are to obtain good results.
Learn more about The Death card.
Rider-Waite images used with permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT c. 1971 by U.S. Games Systems.