Four of Swords

Four of Swords description

A golden knight lays on a tomb, his hands in prayer. Three swords are secured to the wall behind him, pointing to his heart, throat, and third eye chakras. One sword rests below him, a point of focus, a path that has stopped still. The stained glass window in the background indicates that this is a religious location, like a Church. It displays a mother and a child. The window is how we look out and perceive the world. The tomb is the change that needs to comb about during a time of rest.

Upright meaning

The Four of Swords can be associated with a solemn occasion, like a funeral. The card is associated with a time of rest and focus on one situation in particular, the sword on the tomb. There is nothing you can do now to wield this sword. It’s time to stop and pause. Recharge your batteries, because there is more work to be done, more progress to be made. Spend time in meditation. Clear your mind of any clutter or stress. Reground yourself and check in. It might be helpful to do some energy work on your upper chakras, or work with corresponding crystals such as green aventurine, chrysocolla, amethyst or tourmaline.

Reversed meaning

In reverse, the Four of Cups can still represent a funeral or a stoic occasion. It’s associated with a period of forced or unexpected rest. You might be forced to slow down. Have faith that everything will work out in time. Use this change of pace to the best of your advantage. Take the rest that you need. In relationships, you may need to take a break and come back when the energy is flowing better. Be careful not to lay in stagnant water. Are you being too passive? Perhaps you avoided conflict in the past and now you’re faced with the consequences. Time to meet things head on.

Four of Swords quote

“In the middle of winter I at last discovered that there was in me an invincible summer.” Albert Camus