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Four of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The Four of Swords tarot card meaning reflects the energy of anxiety, fear, and stress. You may be experiencing overwhelming feelings and mental overload if this card appears in your reading. 

Moreover, the 4 of Swords tarot card can also be interpreted as a signal from the universe that negative emotions are overpowering you. The negativity makes it difficult for you to find good in your life. Furthermore, spiritual support, counseling, and faith are other Four of Swords tarot card meanings. 

So, what does this card mean in your specific situation, and what message does the divine want to convey? Let us answer this and a lot of other questions in our article. 

The Four of Swords Key Facts 

Below are some important facts and information related to the 4 of Swords tarot card. 

Four of Swords Upright Meaning: Anxiety, fear, overwhelmed feeling, need for solitude, peace, rest, relaxation, exhaustion, worry, fear, meditation, isolation requirements, retreat, hospitalization, future planning, introspection, contemplation, spiritual counseling, faith, and mental overload 

Four of Swords Reversed Meaning: Awakening, the discovery of mental strength, restlessness, burn-out, slowly recovering from an illness, re-entering society, emerging from isolation, losing faith, ignoring one’s own needs, and mental collapse


Yes or No Maybe
Element Air
Numerology 4
Planet Venus
Zodiac Sign Libra
four of swords tarot card

Four of Swords Description 

The 4 of Swords tarot card shows a man lying on top of a tomb. His hands are joined in prayer, and his expression looks serene. Above him, we see three swords hanging, and the fourth dagger is carved in front of his resting bed. 

The background has glass art showing a child and a woman. In the picture, the man represents the need for solitude and retreat to gain clarity. His expressions signify a relaxing time and the wisdom it gives. 

In the background, there is a wall with swords mounted on it. These swords on the wall represent the battles fought by men in the past. The sword lying under him represents the end of these fights. 

Through the Four of Swords tarot card, the divine wants to convey a message that now is the time for you to retire. After a tiring period of suffering, turmoil, and rage, you should give yourself some rest. This card provides you with a break. However, it is not sure whether this pause is due to tiredness or results from a decision to back out. 

The card wants you to take this opportunity to rest and prepare yourself for the next challenge. 

Four of Swords Meaning (Upright)

The 4 of Swords tarot card urges you to rest before an upcoming challenge. It denotes that you have successfully reached the first milestone, and you can now take a break to prepare for the journey ahead. You should take time off from your busy schedule to rejuvenate and heal your mind. It will help you restore your concentration, energy, and focus for the next challenges. 

For those who have experienced a traumatic event recently, such as a breakup, the departure of a loved one, family issues, financial problems, stress or conflict, or health worries, the card suggests taking a step back. You should take some time off from work, spend time with your loved ones, go on a vacation, or recharge yourself the way you want. The universe is telling you not to make decisions at this time. 

The Four of Swords tarot guides you to keep calm, stay inactive, and be silent to free up your mind of accumulated stress or clutter. You should meditate in a peaceful and tranquil place. Now is the time to connect with your soul and regain your strength. 

Another 4 of Swords meaning is seclusion. Solitude is needed to sort out your situation and gather your feelings and thoughts. Spending time alone is essential to re-evaluating life, rejuvenating the spirit, and recharging yourself.

four of swords tarot card upright

It helps you gain confidence and inner strength. Moreover, it drives pain, stress, anxiety, distractions, and conflict away. This card also wants you to evaluate the progress made so far. You can use this time to re-evaluate your priorities. It helps you tackle the challenges better. 

Four of Swords Meaning for Love and Relationships (Upright)

A tranquil and peaceful relationship is the Four of Swords tarot card meaning for those looking for a relationship outcome. Having an astrological association with the planet Jupiter in Libra, the card indicates fairness, peace, and diplomatic behavior. Yours is a healthy relationship with no unwanted drama. Moreover, your partner goes out of their comfort zone to accommodate and support you. 

Furthermore, healing is another meaning of the 4 of Swords love tarot spread. This relationship is helping you recover from the pain of your past relationships. Your partner may be very protective, especially if they know you were the wrong person in your last relationship. Fairness in a relationship matters most to your partner. 

Additionally, the card also shows that you and your partner perfectly balance each other at all levels. Moreover, you may take yoga or meditation sessions together to bring peace to your relationship. However, sometimes material things may overpower your connection. 

For those in a new relationship, the Four of Swords' meaning is rest and preparation for this connection. Moreover, your partner may take you to beautiful and luxurious locations. Furthermore, similar problems of social justice may form the basis of your bond. 

The card depicts being more active for those thinking about a potential relationship. You should be active to let the relationship realize its full potential. Moreover, this connection can make your life more beautiful. 

For those in separation, the Four of Swords tarot card has an energy of isolation. In a long-distance relationship, this card represents your partner’s desire to spend quality time with you and their faithful nature despite the distance between you two. 

If you are looking for reconciliation with your ex-partner, the card shows they are going through a healing process and want to be sure before reconciling with you. However, you should make the first move to reconnect with them. 

If you are single, the 4 of Swords tarot card urges you to spend time with yourself and reflect on what you want in a partner. Kindly do not jump into a relationship merely because being single makes you feel alone. 

Four of Swords Meaning for Career (Upright)

The 4 of Swords meaning indicates frustration in a career reading. Your last job may have been too frustrating or hectic. It may be stressing you out, impacting your mental and physical health negatively. You should rest and take care of yourself. Please understand that you are not a robot who can work continuously. Enough rest is essential for your well-being. Resting clears your mind. 

Moreover, another Four of Swords tarot card meaning is pressure, anxiety, and stress at the workplace. You are experiencing high-stress levels due to work overload. 

Furthermore, the card also indicates the resumption of work after a break or vacation. You may return to work after a period of relaxation and rejuvenation. After recharging your battery, you are all set to face all the challenges at your workplace. Additionally, proper planning will help you navigate through a stressful work environment. 

However, the 4 of Swords tarot card suggests you should never sacrifice your happiness for any job. You should carefully re-evaluate your current job position and decide whether or not it suits your current requirements. 

Four of Swords Meaning for Health (Upright)

An upright 4 of Swords tarot card is an indication from the universe to pay heed to your mental health. You should treat chronic anxiety and stress, as they may seriously impact your life if left unattended. Instead of neglecting these issues, you should find ways to cope with and eliminate them. 

Another of the Four of Swords’ meanings in a health reading is recovery from sickness. The card shows that you have taken all the necessary precautions and followed the doctor’s suggestions to fight the illness. You can now expect the eradication of all spiritual and bodily diseases. Moreover, it signifies the need to rest and relax, hinting toward hospitalization. You should pause for some time to prevent anxiety-related problems from worsening. 

Four of Swords Meaning for Finance (Upright)

Financially, the Four of Swords tarot card in an upright position shows that thinking (perhaps worrying) about your financial situation comes naturally to you. Hence, you should give your mind a well-deserved break. When your mind is going in circles and not coming up with a solution, the best course of action is to wonder about something else. Moreover, you should not let paranoid or negative thoughts control you. 

The 4 of Swords tarot spread in a financial context also signifies a situation of financial pressure and a point where you cannot see any change happening. However, the situation is not as awful as you perceive it. 

For those struggling with debt, tax problems, uninsured losses, unplanned bills, or other financial issues, recovery is on the cards. However, recovery will not be fast or remarkable. Healing comes with time. 

Moreover, this card suggests you should perform an objective and honest evaluation of your financial situation. Furthermore, you should remember that these numbers and facts do not determine your abilities, worth, or value in any way. However, it is good to know them. 

Four of Swords Meaning for Spirituality (Upright)

Spiritually, an upright 4 of Swords meaning is the need for solitude. The universe wants you to pay attention to your inner wisdom and listen to it. Moreover, you can practice meditation and expect spiritual guidance. Those going through a tough phase need to have faith to sail through it. 

Four of Swords Meaning (Reversed)

The 4 of Swords tarot card in its reversed state indicates the need to rest and recharge yourself. You may be working day and night, devoting yourself to those in need, or engaging in extremely demanding or stressful undertakings. Your energy level is low or almost empty. You may reach a burn-out point if you do not pause and rest for some time. 

Moreover, a reversed Four of Swords tarot card wants you to take a step back from the outside world and spend time with yourself. You may cut yourself off from social media or go on a holiday to focus on your inner energy and find peace. Furthermore, meditation can help you stay calm. 

Another reversed 4 of Swords meaning in the reversed state is restlessness and the desire to do all things at once. Even if your body wants to relax and rest, your mind is not allowing you to do so. It pushes you forward to carry out many stressful tasks. Hence, you should ensure that you do not end up hampering your well-being. There is no harm in taking a rest if your body wants it. Even a quick nap or twenty minutes of daily meditation is enough to help restore your energy. 

The 4 of Swords tarot card in its reversed state also indicates stagnation and no action due to increased frustration. 

four of swords tarot card reversed

Four of Swords Meaning for Love and Relationships (Reversed)

The reversed Four of Swords tarot card indicates an evolving relationship for those looking for a relationship outcome. You may expect restored balance in your relationship as this card has astrological connections with the planet Jupiter in Libra, i.e., a balanced zodiac sign. It is particularly true for couples separated due to forces beyond their control, for example, distance. You may finally break out of your shell and be vulnerable enough to make your relationship work. 

In its reversed state, the 4 of Swords tarot card also represents recuperation. Either you and your partner may be isolated or not spending time together. The universe wants you to remember that socializing is essential for humans. If your partner likes to stay indoors and you are an outgoing person, you should communicate it to them. 

Moreover, the reversed 4 of Swords suggests that a heart-to-heart talk can help you and your partner heal. Perhaps it took you a long time to learn that transparency and openness are essential for a relationship. Though you have been together for quite a while, you are learning more about each other. 

Another meaning of a reversed Four of Swords love spread is sociability. You are an extremely social couple. However, you should keep the privacy of your relationship intact and not let outside parties interfere with it. 

For those in a new relationship, the card shows them opening up to each other too early. Though it is not a bad thing, you should keep some boundaries. You should not expect the other person to tell you everything that is happening in their life at an early stage of the relationship, not everyone is comfortable doing it. Getting to know one another gradually builds a healthy relationship. The same is true for individuals thinking about a potential relationship. 

A reversed 4 of Swords tarot card is an excellent omen for those in separation. It indicates the end of the period of isolation. You are no longer separated from your partner and are healing with them. 

Moreover, healing and rebalancing are indicated for those wanting to reconcile with their ex-partner. Your ex has healed or is healing from the breakup. Furthermore, they want to rebalance the connection. However, you should not rush things and let them heal completely. 

Four of Swords Meaning for Career (Reversed)

The reversed Four of Swords tarot card in a career reading shows that you are all set to return to work after a well-deserved break. You have utilized this break to take care of yourself and relax. After rest and relaxation, you are ready to handle the previously uncomfortable and aggravating situations. Now, the universe suggests you keep your stress levels in check.

Occasionally, this card also represents working when you should have taken a rest. If this is what you are experiencing, please understand that sometimes a break is what your body needs. 

Moreover, the reversed 4 of Swords tarot card indicates a career change if things are not working out as desired. 

Four of Swords Meaning for Health (Reversed)

Healthwise, a reversed Four of Swords tarot card has multiple meanings. Firstly, it indicates recuperation and healing during poor physical or mental health. Secondly, it shows that you are pushing yourself too hard, often to the point of exhaustion. On a more serious note, it can also mean a mental or nervous breakdown. Moreover, it denotes that you are no longer sticking to self-limiting thoughts. 

The advice from the universe is to take a day off and rest, even if you cannot afford a break, as it is for your own good. 

Four of Swords Meaning for Finance (Reversed)

Financially, the reversed 4 of Swords tarot card suggests improvement. Your financial situation may be improving gradually. Your expenses may be reduced, bills are getting cleared, or debts have decreased. 

Alternatively, the Four of Swords tarot card in reversed position may mean increased stress and the overloading of bills. Occasionally, it may suggest the availability of financial aid. However, you may not accept financial help from anyone. The universe suggests you accept the aid. 

Four of Swords Meaning for Spirituality (Reversed)

Spiritually, a reversed 4 of Swords tarot card indicates lost faith or a spiritual crisis. It also shows that you rejected the spiritual counsel or support offered to you. Moreover, this card stresses the importance of meditation, rest, and grounding to safeguard yourself from negative energies. 

Four of Swords Tarot Card: Yes or No?

The one-card pull is an effective method to get a concise and to-the-point answer to any specific question. When you are in an emotional dilemma and need a straightforward answer, the expert tarot card readers shuffle the deck and pull out a single card to answer your question. The answer depends on the energy of the person asking the question and the card’s position. The following is the answer to an upright and reversed Four of Swords tarot card. 

Upright: This card represents self-defense, peace, and rest. It denotes that clarity comes after a period of renewal and rest. Thus, an upright card of 4 of Swords answers your question with a "Yes". 

Reversed: A reversed 4 of Swords tarot card suggests difficulty unwinding. This minor arcana card strongly suggests stopping self-criticism and treating yourself as you would treat a friend in a similar situation. Hence, it answers your question with a "No". 

Four of Swords Meaning in Numerology 

The numerical value of this card is 4. It is a number representing the beneficence of the planet Jupiter. Moreover, it relates to the spiritual character of Uranus. When combined, these energies take you on an inner journey during a moment of peace. 

Four of Swords Meaning for Timing 

The 4 of Swords tarot card suggests your desires will manifest, but it will take time. You can expect the desired event to occur sometime within the following hours or days. When calculated in months, it can happen around a month’s 4th, 13th, 22nd, and 31st. 

When calculating the time of the sword suit, you should plan at least a month in advance. For example, if you are making calculations during the winter, the appropriate option would be the following month or around the season of the Aquarius zodiac. 


It's all for our Four of Swords tarot card guide. We hope it helps you understand the card’s meaning and how it relates to your situation. However, you can contact our expert tarot readers anytime if any confusion persists. Our experts are always available and happy to assist you.