Tarot Tutorial: Four of Swords

When the Four of Swords turns up in a reading, you might be overdue for a good rest. Human beings aren’t meant to be all go, go, go 24 -7. It’s not good for your mind. It’s definitely not good for your spirit. And it’s not even a good idea for your productivity in the long run! Regular breaks are good for you, period. If you’re one of those people who finds it hard to slow down, you still need to make time for them. Because if you don’t schedule your break, sooner or later your body will schedule one for you.

What is the Meaning of the Four of Swords in a Love Reading?

While this isn’t the death knell for a relationship, the Four of Swords isn’t the greatest card to see in a love reading.  There’s a good chance you and your partner are in different headspaces about the relationship. One person might be picking out names for future babies while the other might be wondering if it’s a good idea to leave a toothbrush at the other person’s place. You both need to take a minute to step back and to understand where the other person is coming from. There’s a decent chance that the relationship will be much healthier in the long run going slowly than jumping into things no one is ready for.

If the Four of Swords came up in a position representing you, you need to take a moment to assess your expectations for this relationship. Also, you may have been so wrapped up in being part of a couple that you haven’t noticed some of the things you let fall by the wayside. Taking some time away from your partner might help put stuff in perspective for you. If you aren’t in a relationship, this card could be signaling that it’s for the best right now (especially if you’ve been hyper focused on finding a partner). Take the time to know yourself first so you’ll be ready when the right person comes along.

When the Four of Swords turns up reversed in a love reading, it can mean it’s time to put yourself back out there in the dating pool. You’re ready—not desperate—for love and will know how to tell a good potential partner from a not so great one. If you are already in a relationship, it might be a nudge that you’ve been a little emotionally distant from your partner and it’s time you start connecting again.

What is the Meaning of the Four of Swords in a Future Reading?

Things will start to slow down around you when you see the Four of Swords in a future reading. If you’ve been dealing with one crisis after another, a slow down is a great thing! If you’ve been waiting for business to pick up, not so much. How positive or negative this card is really depends on the specifics of the question and the surrounding card. But either way, make plans to deal with a slow down of some situation facing you right now.

Remember in the beginning where we said you need to pick a time for a break or your body will pick one for you? When the Four of Swords comes up in a future reading representing you, you need to schedule some down time, stat. Take a mini-vacation. Try out some self-care tips that have been calling to you. Your brain and/or body need a refresh or you could end up getting sick down the road. This card could also signal getting over an illness, but only if you take it seriously and give yourself the TLC you deserve. It's also not a bad time to try a social media detox. 

When the Four of Swords turns up reversed in a future reading, it could indicate an upturn for your health or energy. Start getting going on those dreams of yours. You’ve done enough thinking and now it’s time to act. Alternatively, this card could signal a relapse to less than stellar health or that you’re self-sabotaging your chances for getting better. If you’ve been cutting corners on things like drinking enough water, healthy eating or getting enough sleep, it’s time to stop kidding yourself that you can do this indefinitely. Schedule a sleep-in day, take time to hydrate properly, and make sure you get some veggies in. 

What is the Meaning of the Four of Swords in a Career Reading?

When the Four of Swords comes up in a career reading, expect a slow down in the workplace. That’s not typically great news to hear business-wise, but if things have been feeling hectic or out of control, a little slow down might be nice. A hint to how long it will last might be in the surrounding cards. Look for hints there too, to see if the slowdown will be helpful or hurtful for the company’s health in the long run.

If the Four of Swords comes up in a position representing you in a career reading, schedule a mental health day for yourself. You might not feel like you are on the edge of a burnout, but right now the best thing you can do to address a work issue is to take a few steps back and breathe. You’ll be much sharper after the break too.  

If the Four of Swords comes up in a reversed position, a slowdown in business might give way to actual layoffs. Be realistic with yourself about the long-term health of your workplace and plan accordingly. It may also indicate a nasty cold or some other sickness that might keep you sidelined from action. If it feels like you’re about to come down with something, don’t try to push through it. Give yourself time to really rest up. Alternatively, you might be coming to the end of an illness which allows you to go full throttle with your career.

Still wondering what parts of your life need to be slowed down? We gotchu! Our tarot experts have got the skills to go deep when you need answers about love, career, or any thing else that’s been weighing on your mind. See how their insight can have you moving in the right direction to manifest the life of your dreams.