The Meaning Of The Four of Swords Tarot Card

New to Tarot? Just pulled the Four of Swords? If the restful Four of Swords was pulled out of your deck and you want to know what this means, keep reading!

The Four of Swords could be warning you that you need to get more rest or reduce stress in your life. The Four of Swords lets you know that there’s nothing wrong with taking a break and that you likely need one. 

On the other hand, the Four of Swords can mean that you’ve been resting a little too much or procrastinating your progress. Taking a break is one thing, but when the break starts dragging on and on, it’s time for you to start actually making plans for your return.

Want to know what else this card wants to share with you? Read on!

Key Facts

Upright Meaning of The Four of Swords

The Four of Swords is letting you in on a secret: you need some rest! This card encourages finding a balance between struggling to succeed and rejuvenating your energy. If you’ve been exhausting yourself or spending too much time resting, it’s time for a rebalance!

When the Four of Swords shows up, you might be dealing with themes of rest, clarity, and self-preservation. It’s time to step back from the chaos in your life and make sure that you’re letting go of anxiety when you’re supposed to be relaxing.

Someone might be attempting to push you to work harder or avoid work completely, and their influence needs to be reexamined. You know what your needs and goals are, and if you’ve been ignoring them to cater to someone else, this needs to change. 

This card also lets you know that you might need to spend some time alone, with your thoughts, meditating in solitude. Allowing others to have so much influence in your life may cause you problems and make it difficult to hear your inner voice. 

The upright Four of Swords deeply urges you to listen to yourself now, and while you need to rest, the balance is the most important part. Dreaming and dozing your days away is not going to get you any closer to your goals, so figure out a balance that works for you. 

Love and Relationships – Upright, The Four of Swords

In love readings, the Four of Swords suggests that a restful period is in store for you! If you’re currently in a relationship, it might just be time for you both to take a step back, pause, and figure out the dynamics between you and your partner. Or, it might be time for a vacation!

This card wants you to have open communication in your relationships and make sure that you’re not going to bed angry or stewing about an argument that took place days ago. Don’t leave hard feelings unresolved! Additionally, don’t be afraid to seek support.

For singles, the Four of Swords doesn’t want you rushing into a new relationship. Instead, you should be focused on learning more about yourself while healing from emotional wounds. Taking time for yourself will help you to have clarity in love.

In both cases, this card wants you to know that having healthy boundaries can be the difference between a relationship that lasts and one that doesn’t. Once you can be an individual person and not lose the relationship identity, you’ll be doing things right.

Career and Work – Upright, The Four of Swords

In career readings, the upright Four of Swords is telling you to take the day off! It might not be doing this exactly, but it’s telling you that you need a break, and soon! You may have been pushing yourself too hard or stressed, and you should take a step back and recharge.

This card knows that you’re close to burning yourself out and wants you to avoid this at all costs! It’s time for more self–care, such as a short vacation or staycation!

During this break, use the opportunity to assess your career path and goals. Reflect on your achievements and challenges, and strategize them up. If you’re on it, you might be able to find a way to pivot to the perfect career path. 

Health and Wellness – Upright, The Four of Swords

In a wellness reading, the upright Four of Swords is telling you one thing: you need some rest! If you’ve been straining yourself or burning the candle at both ends, you’re likely to be struggling and ready for a nap right about now.

If you feel fully rested, then congratulations! This upright card indicates that you’ve done what you need to do for your health at this time. Additionally, don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals if you feel you need help sleeping or calming down!

Otherwise, it could be a good idea to work some relaxation techniques into your daily routine, such as meditation, yoga, or maybe some gentle exercises. These practices can help you calm down and chill out!

Spiritual Context – Upright, The Four of Swords

The upright Four of Swords in a spiritual reading brings a period of deep introspection and spiritual renewal. You may be seeking solace and inner peace on your spiritual journey right now, especially after a time of grief or turmoil. 

It’s time for you to step away from the noise and distractions all around you. Try to spend more time in activities that foster peace, such as meditation, prayer, or spending time in nature. Yoga can also be a great way to connect with your spirit in a calming way.

The Four of Swords wants you to reflect on your spiritual beliefs and values. It’s a time for contemplation and gaining clarity about your spiritual path ahead. Trust your intuition and allow your inner wisdom to guide you.

The Four of Swords is restful, peaceful, and relaxed instead of stressed, frenzied, or overworking.

Reversed Meaning of The Four of Swords

When the Four of Swords appears in reverse in a Tarot reading, you better be getting your beauty rest! If you’re ignoring the need for rest and relaxation, then you may be pushing yourself too hard, neglecting self-care, or running away from your problems. 

Unresolved conflicts or communication problems can erupt all around you when the Four of Swords is reversed, or old issues can be dredged up from the past. Address these issues rather than bury them, and put a stop to them before they snowball.

Additionally, you might be doing too much when you need to be doing less. Step back, take another look at what you’re doing, and ask if your over–involvement or over–activity is creating issues. Give it a rest!

Love and Relationships – Reversed, The Four of Swords

In a love reading, the reversed Four of Swords lets you know that tension and unresolved issues are on the horizon. Conflicts or misunderstandings may be looming over you both, but instead of addressing them, there’s a tendency to avoid or suppress them.

For those already loved up and in a relationship, the reversed Four of Swords warns you not to ignore underlying problems. Open up the communication and address any concerns honestly because avoiding difficult conversations can create a rift between you.

For singles, this card might be letting you know that you need to take a break from dating and focus on yourself. If you can heal from past relationship wounds and understand your needs now, it’s going to make it so much easier to find your soulmate.

Career and Work – Reversed, The Four of Swords

In a career reading, the reversed Four of Swords might be letting you know that stagnation or lack of progress is causing you to struggle. Are you avoiding necessary changes or challenges in your professional life? Because you shouldn’t be!

Rather than getting complacent and inactive, you’re meant to assess your career goals and figure out the roots of problems that have been plaguing you in the workplace or even preventing you from getting a job. Make sure that nothing is dragging you backwards.

The reversed Four of Swords may also be pointing to a neon sign at work/life imbalance, feelings of burnout, or being overwhelmed with responsibilities. Ignoring these signs can lead to decreased productivity and job dissatisfaction.

You might feel like throwing in the towel completely but don’t give up just yet. Before you run out the door, seek support from the people who you know are on your side. 

Health and Wellness – Reversed, The Four of Swords

In a health reading, the reversed Four of Swords raises a red flag when it comes to neglecting self-care and avoiding paying attention to your health. Are you pushing aside health concerns or not taking proactive steps to address them? 

Ignoring warning signs from your body and mind can lead to more health issues down the line. You need to reevaluate your lifestyle choices and make healthier decisions now because if you don’t, you’re likely to be way more stressed out later!

It’s easy to want to ignore what your body is saying, especially when you’re doing it for fun or to do what you want, but you have to listen to your body’s needs and seek medical attention when required.

If you’re overworking yourself or neglecting rest and relaxation, you’re likely close to burning yourself out, creating adverse effects on your physical and mental health. Getting regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and relieving stress can help you dodge this bullet!

Spiritual Context – Reversed, The Four of Swords

In spiritual readings, the reversed Four of Swords can show you a disconnection from your inner self and spiritual path. You may be avoiding or neglecting your spiritual routine, and this card wants to help get you back on track.

The reversed Four of Swords serves as a reminder to rekindle your spiritual journey. Once you’re setting aside time for meditation, prayer, or other practices that nourish your soul and foster a deeper divine connection, you’ll likely be seeing improvements. 

This card warns against suppressing spiritual doubts or concerns. Instead, address them with an open mind and seek guidance or support from spiritual mentors or like-minded individuals. You don’t have to go it alone!

Be aware of tendencies to withdraw from spiritual communities or avoid discussions about your beliefs because this is the opposite of what you should be doing right now for your spiritual health. Instead, embrace opportunities for spiritual growth and understanding.

When the Four of Swords is reversed, you’re being asked to take better care of yourself and rest, not just rest on your laurels. Reassess!

The Four of Swords: Yes or No

The Four of Swords is a yes, or wait a while, letting you know that you need to rest up before pursuing anything new.

When exhausting or demanding situations are being asked about, this card is more likely to be a no or wait a while. No burning the candle at both ends, no excuses, and no working through exhaustion!

When you see this card appear in your yes or no reading, it’s important to make sure that you’re not getting too much rest and becoming stagnant. Being self-aware is key to reading the Four of Swords accurately in a yes or no reading.

When the Four of Swords is here, the answer is yes, or wait until you’re rested and ready again.

The Four of Swords and Astrology

In astrology, the restful, balanced Four of Swords is associated with Libra. Ruled by Venus, Libra shares the same balance, patience, and wisdom.

The Four of Swords’s energy will likely feel more natural to you if you’re a Libra, and similarly, if you are an air sign, as Gemini will understand mental rest and self-reflection, while Aquarius will align with going back to the drawing board and planning.

The air signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius will emotionally identify with the Four of Swords!

The Four of Swords and Numerology

In numerology, the Four of Swords is represented by the number 4. 4 represents control, stability, security, and practicality. 

The number 4 knows that hard times come into everyone’s lives, and preparing for those hard times can be the difference between weathering the storm and being blown away. A cautious attitude and resistance to change can be a tried and true way to survive. 

Balance, reliability, and dedication are key themes for the number 4, so make sure you’re giving this the gravity it deserves. 

Number 4 can help us to experience security but cautions against becoming stagnant.

The Four of Swords as a Daily Card

When the Four of Swords shows up as your daily card, it brings a message of recovery and rebalancing. This card wants you to be peaceful and mentally clear when moving through your day-to-day life without getting hung up on overachieving.

It serves as a reminder to rest as long as you need to, but not too long, or you risk missing out on opportunities. Know if you’ve been sleeping a little too late in the morning or if you’re only getting three hours of sleep at night because this will make a difference in the reading! 

This card also encourages you to know your body and what helps you to feel relaxed; otherwise, you’ll just be floating in anxiety and confusion. Being exhausted prevents you from making good decisions, so make sure that you’re aware of your energy levels today!

The Four of Swords wants you to rest, but not too much! Just until you’re ready to get up and go again.

The Four of Swords in Relation to Other Cards

All tarot cards have other cards in the major and minor arcana that back them up by complementing their energy or that challenge them by contrasting their energy. Are you doubling down or finding a balance? Let’s find out!

• Four of Swords’s introspection + The High Priestess’s inner wisdom = A need to self-reflect or meditate
• Four of Swords’s rest + The Chariot’s forward progress = Balancing rest and forward movement
• Four of Swords’s solace + The Tower’s upheaval = A need to find the calm in the storm
• Four of Swords’s self-reflection + The Hermit’s seclusion = Spending time alone to hear your inner voice
• Four of Swords’s rest + The Sun’s joy = Healing your spirit by resting and recovering so that you can be joyful again

Complementary Cards

When the Four of Swords appears in a tarot spread, certain cards complement its message, adding depth to the reading and providing a more nuanced interpretation of the querent’s situation.

These may include the:

1. The High Priestess: The Four of Swords shares the inner wisdom, introspection, and intuition with the High Priestess
2. The Hermit: The Four of Swords has the same need for solitude, reflection and inner guidance as the Hermit
3. The Star: The Four of Swords has a shared healing nature and rejuvenation with the Star
4. Six of Swords: The Four of Swords shares healing, moving on, and stepping away from chaos with the Six of Swords
5. Ten of Swords: The Four of Swords has a similar need to rest, stay still, and heal like the Ten of Swords

Contrasting Cards

When interpreting the Four of Swords in a tarot reading, certain cards contrast its message, providing a different perspective and adding complexity to the overall reading.

These may include the:

1. The Chariot: The Four of Swords isn’t as progressive or on the move as the Chariot, indicating a need for balancing rest and progress
2. The Five of Wands: The Four of Swords isn’t as competitive or aggressive as the Five of Wands, indicating a need to balance assertiveness with peacefulness
3. The Knight of Swords: The Four of Swords isn’t as swift or assertive as the Knight of Swords, indicating a need to be more proactive or less rash
4. The Nine of Cups: The Four of Swords isn’t as satisfied or fulfilled as the Nine of Cups, indicating a need to find satisfaction and embrace moments of joy
5. The Four of Wands: The Four of Swords isn’t as celebratory or successful as the Four of Wands, indicating a need to balance rest and celebration

When the Four of Swords is with a complementary card, it might be telling you to go for it, but in a specific way! If a card in the Four of Swords is with a contrasting card, figure out what needs balancing out.

Conclusion

The Four of Swords wants you to find time to rest and recuperate and to know what your energy level is. If you’re a little low on juice, it might be time to jump in bed and take a snooze! If your idea of resting is more like watching movies or playing games, do that! 

Alternatively, if you‘ve been fully rested but you’re still not moving forward, this card might be your alarm clock to get you up out of bed and into the world. After all, time waits for no one, and you should only rest as long as you need to.

The Four of Swords is waiting to help you find your balance between stop and go, and once you’re there, who knows what you can accomplish!

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