At first glance, two of swords may seem like a sad, ominous card pointing at one’s emotional failures, bad choices, or options in life. After all, who would like to shield itself with two diagonal swords, wear a blindfold and a gray dress, and sit alone like that? But the truth is, two of swords meaning is one of the clearest, strongest, and most meaningful cards in the 78-card Tarot deck.
The Two of Swords in Tarot stands for blocked avoidance, emotions, and stalemate. The tarot card 2 of swords meaning in a Tarot reading is one of balancing hard choices and making difficult decisions. The card symbolizes the woman’s struggle to keep her feelings within herself and fending off outside approaches.
In a perfect world, each of the 78 cards in a traditional tarot deck would have a single meaning, making them simple to decipher by tarot readers. In reality, each tarot card has dozens (if not hundreds) of different meanings. And that is without even taking the meaning of reversed tarot cards into consideration.
With these in mind, we are taking a deeper dive into one of the most popular and often most misunderstood card in a tarot deck spread.
Two of Swords Tarot Card Meaning: Minor Arcana, Swords II Description
The meaning of two of swords in the tarot represents thoughts and the mind. The woman in the card, carrying two swords in opposing directions over her chest, has conflicting thoughts about a situation. She wants to listen to her mind, and not her heart, hence her arms are crossed, silencing her chest and heart area. She is blindfolded and doesn’t see what she needs to see.
Her reality is not what she thinks it is. The sea behind her only has tiny ripples. There are no big waves, and it is a beautiful blue. The sky above her is also serene, without a single cloud. There is a waxing moon above her, signaling positive change, growth of wanted things, and a good phase in life.
Given the dress and the hair, we’re assuming it’s a she. Females in Tarot point at one’s subconscious, deep side. They symbolize one’s true, inner self (and males symbolize one’s social, outer self). We see that the woman in the card is sitting upright, in a confident manner. This tells us that one’s inner self is confident, and knows that all is well.
When a querent gets this card in a Tarot reading, the message is clear: stop listening to your confused mind. Your thoughts are in conflict with one another, and this is not helping you. Your heart knows all is well. It’s time to move on from what is making you suffer, and if you can trust your heart, you will move on to a much better, and healthy situation right away. The moon is with you. The sky, the sea, and your heart are all with you. Listen to your feelings – that’s how you’ll get rid of the blindfold your soul has been wearing.
The Two of Swords Tarot Guide – Upright and Reversed Interpretation
Two of Swords Upright Meaning
When the Two of Swords is upright in a Tarot reading, it can mean you are not willing to accept some truths about yourself or a situation you may be involved in. It tells you that you have put up barriers between you and others and within yourself.
While they may be appearing to try to communicate, opposite sides are missing each other. In the best case, a frank discussion would clear the air and serve both sides, but one cannot expect that in every instance where this card appears.
This is the time to stop avoiding the truth and pretending that all is well. It is time to stop blocking off your internal emotions and refusing to feel them. And the time to stop thinking in one direction and feeling in another.
When you draw this card during a reading, stop to think about what you really are feeling. Are you resisting because you think you may get hurt? Are you furious internally even though you are outwardly smiling?
Putting up barriers is not the solution. The solution comes once you face the truth or even just acknowledge that trouble exists.
Upright 2 of Swords – Meaning in Love & Relationships
In a love Tarot reading, if you are in a relationship, the two of swords meaning can indicate a stalemate or a relationship at a crossroads. It may be that you and your partner have been arguing lately or cannot agree on an important decision and have called a temporary truce. You may simply need a bit of time and space to consider the pros and cons of the matter and how you can come to an agreement.
You may be reluctant to make a decision on this matter as you risk being vulnerable. However, it can also indicate that a painful choice needs to be well made in the future of the relationship. But you are both sitting on the fence because of the pain the decision will bring.
This Minor Arcana card can also signify being torn between two relationships. Whatever the case, you need to face your fears and make a decision. So that everyone concerned can move forward in their lives either together or separately.
If you’re single, you may find it difficult to move ahead in your love life. The two of swords as feelings in tarot love meaning suggests being stuck between decisions.
Are you attempting to choose between two lovers? Or love and other aspects of your life? It seems like your options are equally appealing. Instead of being an active participant in your life choices, you may be attempting to avoid a choice altogether.
Be careful that the world doesn’t make your choice for you. Alternatively, it can mean that you are avoiding letting someone know you are well interested in fear of rejection.
Upright 2 of Swords – Meaning in Career
In a career Tarot reading, the Two of Swords indicates that you may be caught in the middle of a conflict at work. You maybe asked to choose between two colleagues with opposing views. This will be difficult and stressful for you as all you want to do is remain impartial. Choosing one person over the other can create tension and rifts, and you may get worried about damaging your relationships with them.
Sometimes, the card can mean you are trying to choose between two jobs or career paths. This Minor Arcana card can also indicate that you are in denial or unable to see the entire truth of the situation. The two of swords meaning can sometimes also suggest that you don’t have all the information you need to make your choice yet.
If you still have time, use it to research and get the answers you need. If you are struggling to figure out your next right move. Try to get more facts and weigh up the pros and cons of each option.
Upright 2 of Swords – Meaning in Money & Finances
Are you avoiding something when it comes to money right now? In a financial context, the Two of Swords represents difficult or stressful choices. And an inability or unwillingness to see the truth. This card suggests you may be in denial about your financial situation, and you may find it easier to avoid looking at your finances completely.
If you are having financial problems at the moment, you cannot allow yourself to be in denial about them. If you take the effort to look clear into it, you may find that you’ll have to make some tough choices. May be you wanted that new designer dress, as well as a new laptop, but a clearer view of your bank account can show that you can only afford one right now.
Whatever the situation is, make sure you view it clearly and rationally. Get professional financial advice if you are unsure of your options.
Upright 2 of Swords – Meaning in Health
In a health context, the Two of Swords indicates that blocked unexpressed emotions may be at the center of any health issues. Or physical discomfort you are experiencing.
Holding on to anxiety or resentment can block the chakras (energy centers in the body). This leads to physical manifestations in the form of illnesses and injuries.
If you are experiencing physical issues. You should consider what steps you can take to release the emotions blocking that area.
Upright 2 of Swords – Meaning in Spirituality
In the spiritual context, the Two of Swords indicates that your spiritual path is not clear to you at the moment. Finding the balance within you is the key here.
When you find your own balance, you learn to tune out all the outside interference and tune into your own wisdom. If you can do this, your correct path will become clear to you.
Two of Swords Reversed Meaning
Are you feeling stuck in an abusive or toxic friendship/relationship? Have you been sitting on your hands, afraid to make a decision? This card appears in a reading to reassure you that the end is near. You will be able to see this person’s true colors and finally move on to a healthier relationship in the future.
If you’re wondering what does the two of swords mean upside down, then, in a nutshell, you are basically stuck at a crossroads. You have a huge decision to make and it’s not an easy one either. This decision indirectly affects the other areas of your life since you are so caught up on this hard decision-making task.
When the Two of Swords is in reversed (i.e. upside-down) in a Tarot reading, it can mean you are being indecisive. It suggests creative disagreements that can lead to the realization that two heads are better than one.
There might be fear and confusion. It might leave you inert and unable to act. It can also mean that you’re finally seeing something for what it is.
You have the capacity to create synergy or at least provide common ground where argument once prevailed. It is the exact moment when you think that you are right and that you need the views of others the most. Rather than think you have all the answers, gather input and feedback.
Reversed 2 of Swords – Meaning in Love & Relationships
In love and relationships, the two of swords card indicates either having to choose between two potential partners. Or having to decide on ending your current relationship or not. Again, this decision may be hard since there are so many opinions. And likely falsified, biased information from outside sources.
You have to trust your gut and let your inner voice decide what’s right for you. It’s also always good to ask your tarot reader for advice.
The Two of Swords reversed also indicates that you may be experiencing emotional turmoil about a decision you need to make. Anxiety or fear may be overwhelming you. To the point that you are emotionally detaching from your partner rather than dealing with the issues at hand.
Alternatively, it can also represent finally seeing the truth of a situation after a period of being unable to move forward. If that is the case, you can now take steps in a positive direction but do so gentle at a pace that is comfortable for you and your partner, don’t force it.
If you are single, the Two of Swords reversed can indicate that you may be experiencing overwhelming anxiety regarding dating. Perhaps you haven’t dated in a while and feel like you are out of practice. Or you might be holding onto some resentment and aren’t quite ready to move forward yet. Don’t avoid the situation but be gentle with yourself.
Get out and meet people without putting too much pressure on yourself to start something if you are not ready yet. Be patient and ease yourself into it. For instance, you could have casual low-key dates until you feel more comfortable.
Reversed 2 of Swords – Meaning in Career
In a career Tarot reading, the Two of Swords reversed indicates that a conflict at work may be giving you stress or anxiety. It can show delays or postponements of projects or promotions. The 2 of swords can also mean that you may need to choose what position to take or even choose whether to move on from your current job.
Alternatively, it can indicate that you are able to see a work problem clearly where you were blind to it before. You will be able to take positive steps to resolve it.
This Minor Arcana reversed can indicate the truth being well exposed. Dodgy deals or corrupt practices may come to light that you were not aware of before. Be careful in this situation and make sure you don’t get dragged into the mud along with the culprits.
If you’re a student that needs to decide on what degree to take, then this major decision can also be confusing. Again, following your gut and listening to your intuition is vital when it comes to making big decisions.
Reversed 2 of Swords – Meaning in Money & Finances
If you’ve been struggling financially, the Two of Swords reversed indicates you may be starting to realize the truth of your situation. You’re finally learning to look your finances in the face, no matter how stressful the situation is. Once you recognize the reality, it becomes easier to make the right decisions.
Alternatively, this card can signal that you’re not fully absorbing any financial information you’re trying to learn. You need to be practical and balanced in your approach. Learn a little at a time, and focus on one thing each week. Look at where you can save money or cut costs and do it. You’ll get it in no time.
Reversed 2 of Swords – Meaning in Health
Two of Swords reversed in a health context indicates that you may be struggling with finding a healthy balance. A balance between your emotions and your mind.
This difficulty may be the root of any health issues. Overwhelming anxiety, worry, or stress could be leading to a collection of physical symptoms. Or just generally not feeling your best.
Reversed 2 of Swords – Meaning in Spirituality
In a spiritual context, 2 of swords tells you that there’s such thing as information overload! Don’t make your spiritual path a pure academic exercise by reading every book there is to read on every spiritual practice ever conceived. Know that you have so much wisdom inside yourself.
Final Thoughts on Two of Swords: Yes or No… Maybe?
This card symbolizes a stalemate or divided loyalty. However, it also encourages seeking mental peace by resolving conflicts. This is through the consideration of each side of the matter in question.
For these reasons, the Two of Swords is no definitive yes or no answer. You can consider the return to be “maybe.”
Anyway, that’s all for the Two of Swords tarot meaning. If this Swords card showed up in your reading did our interpretations resonate with you?
Is there an internal or external battle in your life? Do you experience an unwillingness to see the truth of a situation or difficulty choosing a side in an argument?
If so, remember that the Two of Swords is not representative of negativity in your life, but instead serves as a warning.