SELF-INTEREST DISCORD OPEN DISHONOR
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ACTING IN YOUR OWN SELF-INTEREST setting aside the concerns of others looking out for number one thinking of your own needs knowing you must concentrate on yourself encountering selfishness indulging in power plays gloating going for the win-lose result Reversed Early Phase: You may need to put yourself first. Selfishness may become more obvious. Someone may initiate a power play. A dog-eat-dog environment may develop. Late Phase: There's less selfishness now. People are no longer self-absorbed. The blatant power plays are ending. The “me-first” mood is decreasing. |
EXPERIENCING DISCORD being in a hostile environment feeling people are set against each other choosing to battle having an “us-against-them” mentality recognizing ill will experiencing conflict Reversed Early Phase: The fighting may resume. A mood of ill will may develop. The environment could get nasty. A battle may be brewing. You could become angry and out of sorts. People may start to take sides. Late Phase: The conflict is ending. The environment is no longer openly hostile. The ill will is fading. There's less anger and shouting. The biggest battle is behind you. |
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losing your moral compass letting ends justify means sacrificing integrity losing sight of what is right achieving a dubious victory knowing of criminal activity |
Reversed Early Phase: You may begin losing your moral compass. You're thinking of an illegal or unsavory act. Criminal activity may be exposed in the future. A test of integrity may be approaching. You could be tempted to take the low road. Late Phase: A test of your integrity is behind you. Obvious dishonors are decreasing. You're no longer tempted to cheat. Criminal activity is in the past. The unsavory atmosphere is fading. |
Description
The Five of Swords is about self-interest. Society tells us to think of others, yet we resist. How can we ignore our own concerns and still survive? This dilemma comes from our definition of self. If we view our self as our personality/body, our interests become those that relate to that self. Do I have enough to eat? Am I happy? Do I have all I want?
We are connected to everyone in the long run. In truth, our self is the world. What we do to that world, we do to ourselves. This is so basic, but so easy to forget day to day.
In readings, the Five of Swords can mean that you or someone else is forgetting this larger view of self. You are defining your interests too narrowly. Sometimes this card implies a need to put your own interests first. If you are being abused or taken advantage of, you must get free. If you are worn out by demands, take care of yourself. If it is your turn, step forward. Just be aware that if you hurt others in the process, your victory will not feel complete.
The Five of Swords also represents hostility—from a cross word to warfare. When the cords that bind us are broken, we experience dis-cord. This card can signify dishonors that are fairly open. Cheats, lies, tricks, even crimes. You may be on the receiving end or the perpetrator. Either way, hold to a larger view of who you are. Find the solution that is best for everyone.
Some Possible Opposing Cards
Emperor—following the rules, obeying the law
Justice—having integrity, doing what is right
Temperance—working with others, harmony, cooperation
Six of Cups—innocent, well-intentioned, kind
Some Possible Reinforcing Cards
Five of Wands—discord, people set against each other
Seven of Wands—“me-against-them” mentality conflict
Seven of Swords—dishonor, separation from others
