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The Ten Of Swords Tarot Card
King Of Swords
Temperance tarot card

Card reading

The Ten of Swords

 
 
 

The Ten Of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The Suit of Swords, as in all suits, is a story of progression.

There are different levels of growth, opportunities for change that are presented to get you through the story from the beginning, middle and then to the end. The Ten of Swords is a culmination of all of the negative aspects of the Suit of Swords. Either you are just going through a cycle of having to survive through desolation or you have actively chosen to refrain from following the advice of those who know you in your life or even the advice presented in the cards or through higher source energy. Whatever the case may be, you are experiencing a really challenging cycle where you feel as though you have been utterly destroyed.

This card is symbolic of despair, of lack, a metaphorical death of an aspect of your life. This is usually the card that presents itself when you have been participating in something like a relationship that makes you feel victimized and instead of looking at the signs to get out of it when you had the time, you let it destroy you. Now you must figure out how to get out of this mess so that you can start anew in the form of the Page of Swords immediately following this card. Try not to be too discouraged: No matter how far we have fallen, there is always room to get up, brush yourself off and try again.

The image that is shown on the card is that of a person who has actually been pierced by ten swords. Up until this point, the swords were always present in the background or surrounding the individuals in the card, however these cards have actually thrust themselves through flesh to symbolize how deeply and integrally you are feeling this pain and this hurt. The sky above this seemingly dead person is black. This card symbolizes the defeat found in war, a disruption of home life as well as the ruin of plans or projects. Despite the violent imagery in this card, this is not a card of violent death. This is simply a card depicting the absolute end of something. Often times when the Ten of Swords is in your life, you feel as though you have been horribly and miserably abused, the end of this cycle is hard for you so the pain of the swords is how you feel.

One way to push through this time of your life is to spend a whole bunch of time giving. This may sound almost obscene given your current circumstances. But there is a need to rebuild in your life, and to do so you need to have a new perspective. You need to see that others may either also have it bad or maybe even worse then you. When you give over of your nurturing and compassionate self, not only does healing come faster for you, but you will be genuinely bettering the circumstances of those around you. This kind of fellowship and brotherhood, caring for your fellow man is going to help pick you up off of that metaphorical floor.

Remember that tomorrow always is capable of bringing new hope. You literally cannot fall any lower then you have fallen, and, in a sense, there is hope to be found there. Let go of the fears that have led you to this negative thinking, the ones that helped to create your conscious choice that things would not work out. Consider what the active role you played in this situation was and then seek to not repeat the same thought processes again. Allow yourself the freedom to learn from this lesson and to not get stuck in the same bad situation over and over again. Fighting pointless battles will never get you anywhere, so stop trying.

The lessons that you are learning at this time are going to move you closer to harmony, a balance between the material and spiritual things of the mind. Through living through this devastating experience to its unfortunate conclusion, you have been released and are allowed to start over, free of the old Karma. The old self is actually, metaphorically dead. You were killed as a result of your own thoughts. Consider the role of your creative mind and do what you can not to allow yourself to get stuck again. You have matured in multiple levels and from this point on will find that decision making that brings you toward ultimate emotional health will be easier to make than ever before.

The Ten of Swords in Love

The Ten of Swords only presents itself in a love reading when you have been completely obliterated by a love situation. You will get no more from this relationship, and you must start over. This is often a card that appears after a bad break up. You were so attached to the unhealthiness of your relationship that you had become accustomed to it, and you structured your whole life around it. It wasn’t a happy life, but it was a living situation that you perpetuated daily and so it became routine. The Universe knows that you simply cannot stay unhappy and unhealthy and it presents ways for you to get out of it, the Ten of Swords is this way. You would not listen to reason, so, the Universe had to pull the rug out from under you causing you to fall flat on your face to shake you out of your addiction to bad and unhealthy relationship pursuit. Now you must be grateful, allow for the change, and be alone for a little while to get yourself back on track.

The Ten of Swords in Health

When the Ten of Swords shows up in a reading about health, the news is not generally good. This often comes up as a result of accidents that have caused broken bones or other random injuries that make you feel as though you are completely inept and broken, as well as destitute. If you are not injured at this time, consider this a healthy warning to keep track of your thoughts so that you do not accidentally create room in your life to become injured. Take time to slow down, to relax, and to ponder your next move before making it. Do not get caught up in busy-ness and if there is anything that is making you feel victimized or frustrated on a consistent basis then you must treat this as a potential disease or injury, you must eliminate it from your life right away before you create something that you can’t get out of.

The Ten of Swords in Work and Wealth

The Ten of Swords in Work and Wealth is referring to a time in which you allowed yourself to mess around with your finances, jumping through financial hoops or making poor judgments or investments and now you are feeling the repercussions of this. You must start over again. You will find that your finances will not get better until you learn how to handle your money. Many of us gamble away our finances every month by using more credit than we could ever pay back and we find that every month we are doing a balancing act. And many of us can keep this up, however your balancing act is no longer working for you. This card cautions you to not make any more random purchases until you can feasibly put aside some money for emergency purposes and can afford comfortably with no guilt, to buy something else. Break the cycle and gain financial freedom.

The 10 of swords Reversed

Ten Of Swords In Reversed position

When you have received the Ten of Swords in the reversed position then you are going to be experiencing a time of overthrowing of evil forces. The devastation of the Ten of Swords is a passing phase and is cycling out of your experience. Now you are moving on to acquire some success and profit. You have begun to rebuild and have found the courage to start over again.

Upright Ten of Swords Meanings in Keywords

  • Low point in life
  • Preparing for happiness
  • Hitting rock bottom
  • Accepting darkness
  • Better days coming
  • Feeling numb to pain
  • Fresh start

Reversed Ten of Swords Meanings in Keywords

  • Sacrifice for a greater good
  • Neglecting yourself
  • Putting other's needs first
  • Lack of motivation for success
  • A puppet on strings
  • Hidden potential
  • Accepting your 'fate'

The King of Swords

 
 
 

The King Of Swords Tarot Card Reading

The King of Swords is not one to be trifled with as he shows great energy around you at this time.

When this card comes up you are on top of your game mentally speaking and it’s a great card revealing high intellect, focus, and determination on one or more aspects of your life. When you feel his energy around you it is an excellent time to puff out your chest just a little bit and be proud of the accomplishments that you have made.

The King of Swords is a master of clarity and vision. Like the King, you are in a place in your life in which you have a laser sight of focus on your path and you know what you want. More importantly, you know HOW to get what you want. This card showing up in your reading indicates that there is a definite possibility for expansion in your life and all you have to do articulate your desires to have them come to fruition.

The King of Swords is a highly intelligent figure and while it doesn’t indicate that you are a rocket scientist just because you have the card, it does show that you have information, knowledge, and know-how to bring to the table. It can be a grand card regarding finance or aspects of your life where information is important. The challenge of the card is coming off in a way in which people can relate to you. You have information that you want to share and ideas that are bubbling to the surface. The solutions that you are finding that are coming to you right now are excellent ones and you need to trust in your own insight. However, when conveying information to others you want to be sure that you are not coming off in a way that will turn them off.

If you find that you are having difficulties in communications at this time then you may want to ponder ways in which you are overanalyzing or making your life too complicated. The King of Swords is quick and precise. You need to use this energy to your advantage in order to cut to the root of your problems and then apply your magnificent problem-solving skills.

The King of Swords in Love

The King of Swords can definitely represent a man in your life either currently (as in a relationship) or someone that is coming your way. With the King of Swords, this individual will be older than you either in actual age or worldly experience. He often is one with lighter features such as blue or green eyes and blonde or whitish hair. This isn’t always the case, but it can be a strong indicator. When representing a person specifically it will show someone whom you share ideas and thoughts with, someone whom you are challenged intellectually, and someone that is quick-witted. He is a very intriguing person indeed!

The card does not always reflect a man specifically and this is important to remember. The card, when more focused on you in the relationship will indicate that you are connected in your relationship both intellectually and spiritually. Your relationship is one that broadens your spiritual horizons and makes you think. It’s a healthy and ever-changing relationship… or at least it should be.

If you find that you are in a poor relationship and there is stagnation, the King of Swords asks you in what ways are you allowing your boundaries to be encroached upon in the relationship. Sometimes this card will come up as a warning as a man that is overbearing (be it your partner if you are female, or yourself if you are male) and that can be too analytical for a relationship. The behaviors that are negative in love associated with this card are ones that can be worked on through honest communication and avoiding being too emotional.

The King of Swords in Health

The King of Swords in Health is an excellent card indicating overall physical well-being – however, it can be a difficult card in the mental health department. Consider ways in which you are too anxious and be honest with the true feelings that you are feeling now. Often when the King of Swords is present anxiety, racing thoughts, or issues of worry in excess is a problem. This card acts as a reminder to not forget your mental health when you are thinking about your wellness in life. Take time to relax and to focus on your problems. Avoid stressful situations that are causing you undue stress or strife at this time. The card can also indicate a need to practice ways to slow your mind down such as in meditation or medication.

The King of Swords in Work and Wealth

The King of Swords can often be a person who is too nit-picky, especially in the workplace. Think of an overbearing boss or a person (man or woman for that matter) that are causing problems and making your life difficult. Sometimes it’s just a person doing their job, but often it’s deeper than that. There is a challenge represented by this persona with work issues that can be difficult to deal with. Unfortunately, when the King of Swords is present you usually don’t have a choice. It’s okay to voice your concerns, however, avoid doing so forcefully and remember to apply the appropriate tact for the workplace. Going over this person’s head is likely to backfire on you.

In finances, the King of Swords can indicate an educated person with their moment or one that needs to be educated about their money. It is very dependent on what cards are also in the reading and it is best to seek them as an additional resource as to what representation the King of Swords holds for you. No matter, it is still a positive card for growth and expansion endeavors such as a large purchase or single investment.

The King of Swords in Business

The king of swords for wealth indicates you need to be logical. If you are wondering about your income in the future pulling him in a reading can mean you want to plan. This card can indicate you need to work through intellect and this is the path to riches. I also believe that in business he is cold it can mean letting employees go, or cutting things out in order to save finances.

The Kind of Swords in the Reversed Position

The Fool Reversed

Reversed Meaning - King Of Swords

At best, the reversed King of Swords card represents a person out of control in their thoughts… but at worst the card can indicate some serious mental health problems. The reversed position of this card can be a dangerous one indeed and when it is seen in a reading it is always best to ask for further clarification of the card. If the card is focused on you then it is a good time and probably a requirement for your own sanity to focus on you right now. Usually it comes up when problems are swirling out of control and you are or are dealing with a person that is losing touch with reality. This can be due to issues or stress or simply from intellectual creativity. No matter what the reason you want to be careful of this person because they can be unaware of consequences of their actions. Often the card is associated with increased manic states, flakiness, and instability in multiple aspects of life such as in the case where a person is so preoccupied that they allow necessary aspects of their life fail like work, relationships, or basic needs. The person affected by this card often needs to seek professional help by a counselor, spiritual guide, or close friend/relative to get perspective and get their life back on track.

Upright King of Swords Meanings in Keywords

  • Man over age of 40 
  • Dark hair and eyes
  • Cold-hearted
  • Sharp intellectual mind
  • Analytical
  • Leadership
  • Acknowledging effort

Reversed King of Swords Meanings in Keywords

  • Exercising verbal skills
  • Exploring creativity
  • Winning arguments
  • Winning debates
  • Working in a team
  • Being a team player
  • Making progress

Temperance

 

 
 

The Temperance Tarot Card Meaning

Out of the whole deck this one is always the one that causes the most confusion on the meaning. 

You know what most people think when they pull this card... they think boring. They think what the hell does this mean. They think some women standing there pouring water between two cups like she's got nothing better to do on a Tuesday. Wrong. So wrong. The good news for you...this is about... finally getting your head screwed on after weeks (maybe months) of shit and stress. It's the moment you stop pouring water on the fire and start actually dealing with the mess. If you asked a yes or no question then this is a yes.

The Temperance card often comes up in a reading when you need to learn or understand the concept of all things in moderation. It is a card of joining forces, working together, uniting opposites, and spiritual balance with the end result being a harmonious mix of all things. It begs the question: In what ways are you over-extending yourself or being too rigid? Like most cards, this card is rich in symbolism. Temperance by its very meaning is a bending of one's will to the direction of the almighty. The card depicts this through multiple layers of symbolism. Usually noticed first is how the card shows an archangel (often said to be Michael) mixing water between two chalices as a representation of balance between the elements and the dissolution of the liquids between each other. Both he and the mountains in the background are touched with a halo of gold, radiating understanding that comes with age and time. A commonly missed symbolism is the feet of the angel, one in the water and one upon the land which reinforces the concept of balance and of both body and mind.

Many people on my socials will be reactive to this card, because often it is shining light on a flaw within them or within a relationship that they are seeking to develop. Temperance is saying to question your true priorities in life and requires that you be sure that you are not the one blocking your own success by stretching yourself too thin. Try hard to see things from the universe’s perspective and understand that the tarot is not pointing a finger at you directly, but merely trying to guide you to lessen your load. Taking on too much or too little can be detrimental to your purpose at this time.

Temperance in Love

When seeking advice from the tarot about love and relationships, the Temperance card indicates a need for balance in either the relationship your relationship. If you are currently single then the card is more direct and states that there is likely something blocking you from love in your life and usually represents the fact that you are giving too much in another area. For example, you are looking for love but are you really ready for it? Are there other commitments in your life such as work or family that are holding you back and taking too many resources and creating a situation where you are unlikely to be successful?

Temperance As Feelings

In a relationship reading for feelings, the temperance card will show a need for balance between both individuals. This card is drawn when compromise and compassion are needed between two people. It can represent fighting and strife. Remember that you are in the relationship with your partner for a reason and when this card comes up it is apparent that there is a true emotional connection. It is a positive card that tells you that this relationship is worth the extra effort at this time.

The Temperance tarot card can also signal a delicate balance between fire and water. It reflects that we all have the power to control our emotions, even when things around us seem chaotic. It speaks of suppressed feelings and holding back on expressing people in order to maintain peace.

The card often represents the need for patience and understanding as it relates to our feelings –--- the idea of controlling ourselves rather than letting others control us. We tend to mirror others' behavior, which can lead to feeling like we are walking on eggshells when those around us are unpredictable or volatile.

Temperance also speaks about reality versus fakery, sometimes being too trusting or naive that literally leads us into a web of lies, where everything is surface level with no depth at all. It’s important to stay balanced and grounded while still experiencing life’s joyous moments, feeling secure enough in ourselves that we don't have anything to hide or prove from anyone else's perspective.

This tarot card contains a message about trust – with yourself as well as with those who mean something special in your life -and how allowing yourself the freedom of expression within these relationships can bring harmony into every aspect of your life.

Temperance in Health

In regards to health and wellness, the Temperance card is an omen that you need to either take it back or turn it up a notch. Both ends of the spectrum can be bad for one’s health – being slothful or being too lax with your health can be just as bad as overexerting yourself or doing too much. We usually see this card when health issues are on the rise and it is likely that you have already noticed deterioration in your wellness in some way. The positive news is that it is not too late to do something positive and see improvement. Think of this as a warning to take a keen look at your own mind and body and see where additional care needs to be taken. The answer will be quite obvious as rarely ever does someone in peak physical condition pull this card. If you feel however that physical health is not a problem, it is also indicative of mental health and can do not ignore signs or symptoms of anxiety, depression, or overindulgent behavior.

Temperance in Work and Wealth

Right now you need to take your money and put it under your mattress and be careful of taking risks. While the card itself means balance, more often than not when it comes to money and career it is a sign to take a step back and be more conservative with your income. It’s a touchy time for you to be taking huge risks in either avenue of your life. You need to be very careful with actions you take and possibilities that seem to arise at this time are not as good as they seem. Often this card will show that it is a good time to wait on an opportunity that arises, stating that with patience you will see a better one down the road that will pan out more fruitfully for you. A rule of thumb with the Temperance card and financial aspects be it money or work is: If it’s too good to be true… it probably is.

 

Temperance reversed tarot card

Reversed Temperance in a reading

In the reversed position indicates a personal balance is needed and the card is usually more internal than external. Rather than looking around and pointing fingers at others, now is an excellent time to see where you personally can scale back, create harmony in a rough situation, or literally suck it up. With the reversal of Temperance we see an even wider swing of negativity around as well. Health problems you have require more attentive care, financial problems need to be curbed immediately, and in relationships you need to seek the truth of the matter before making a decision. Often this card is drawn when a person is in a downward spiral situation and is unable to see the rational side of the problem. You need to stop and ask yourself where you could use assistance in your life to get back on track and possibly consider seeking advice from others to turn your perspective to a more productive and healthy outlook.