Four of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

In the Four of Swords, there is a figure lying on a stone tomb. His arms are folded in a contemplative pose, his hands are clasped and raised above his abdominal area.

This could be interpreted as a sign of meditation. On the wall, there are three hanging swords, the fourth sword is attached on the side of the stone foundation.

The stained-glass window is illuminated, with bright colors that show a figure with a child. Interestingly, the image is reminiscent of the Six of Cups. This could be a sign of nostalgia and reminiscing on the past.

Upright Meaning

In upright, the Four of Swords is a sign of recuperating and taking time to be introspective. If you have been pushing yourself, whether it is physically, emotionally or mentally, then this tarot card is calling you to take a step back and recharge.

This is the time to embrace stillness and silence. Go within and allow yourself to create a sacred space for yourself. Consider freeing yourself from the distractions of the outside world. Switch off your phone, go to bed early, regulate your sleep patterns.

Taking time to recharge is not a sign of weakness, too often, we find that many celebrities and so called gurus call on the importance of hard-work, the 80 hour work week is not feasible for the long term. Eventually, it will take a toll on your mental and emotional health.

When you start to prioritize yourself, you will recognize that you are having more insights. It is helping you to organize your thoughts and get back into the flow of things.

Reverse Meaning of Four of Swords 

In reverse, this tarot card means that you are not giving yourself an opportunity to recharge and this could result in burnout. Overworking or not being able to say no to people can be a sign of internal struggles that require your attention.

You are reminded that taking time to recharge is not a privilege, it is a requirement. You cannot maximize your productivity without listening to your body.

In another light, the Four of Swords is a sign of avoidance, you could be facing a situation in your personal life that is preventing you from facing the past. If this is the case, then it is time to face underlying issues.

Four of Swords in Love & Feelings

In love, this tarot card is a sign of taking time off from a relationship. You could have been struggling to see eye-to-eye with your significant other. There could be strains that are emerging from annoyances. Past actions and words could be haunting the connection.

Conflict within the relationship could be beckoning for your attention, however, the situation is compromised as you are right in the center of it. You are called to take a step back in order to see the bigger picture.

If you are single, you could be taking a break from love. It could be stressful to consider jumping into a connection, especially if you are still dealing with emotional factors from a past connection.

Taking time to recover from a breakup and organizing your emotions in a manner that helps you process your feelings can help you heal in a powerful way. Choosing to do so will help you find a better relationship that is right for you.

Four of Swords is a sign that your person needs some time and space away from the relationship. They could be going through a stage of information/emotional overload, and this could be causing a lot of stress on their end. They do not have the ability to handle the situation and require time to think about the relationship.

Four of Swords in Health

In health, as mentioned above, you are advised to rest and relax. Let me reiterate that overworking can exhaust your physical and emotional reserves. Choose to engage in mindful practices. Choose to spend time in nature.

If you are dealing with a health issue, then you are called to be patient and allow your body to heal. Do not rush the process. Remember that healing occurs on micro levels, the power is in your cells. Make sure to eat healthily and get the required nutrition to ensure that your cells have the right elements to help your body heal.

Four of Swords in Wealth

In Wealth, the Four of Swords is a sign of taking a break from your career. Instead of focusing on material wealth, you are starting to recognize the importance of your mental wealth. What is mental wealth? Well, it is your intelligence. The number of books you read, you education, your capacity to learn new concepts determines your mental wealth.

Investing in knowledge is also key to success. Remember when you receive this tarot card, you have a choice. Do you choose to recharge and collect your thoughts? Do you choose to allow new insights into your world?

If you keep jumping onto that hamster wheel, then you are denying yourself an opportunity for alignment, connection to the divine, etc. That is why it is crucial to give yourself time gather knowledge and then sit with it. Allow yourself to marinate that information, it can help you make better decisions for your future.

Four of Swords as Yes or No.

It is a No.

Questions to ask when you receive the Four of Swords in a tarot reading?

  • What areas of my life need a pause right now?
  • How can I best recharge my energy?
  • Is there a situation I should step back from to gain perspective?
  • What can I do to ensure a peaceful environment for myself?
  • How can I foster mental clarity during this period of rest?
  • What unresolved issues can I reflect on during this time of stillness?

Read next: Five of Swords Tarot Card, Six of Swords, Seven of Swords.

Complete List of Tarot Meanings

Isabelle
Isabelle

Isabelle has over 20 years experience in reading tarot and has helped millions of people from around the world live an empowered life. She is the creator of three tarot e-books, a few oracle decks and tarot courses too.