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Tarot Card Meanings:
Ten of Swords

Ten of Swords: Overview and Symbols

The Ten of Swords symbolizes complete endings, betrayal, and the culmination of a difficult situation. It depicts a figure lying face down with ten swords piercing their back, representing a profound sense of loss, defeat, and the need to let go and move forward.

Some Specific Symbols and Their Meanings in the Rider Waite Smith Tarot:

  • Figure lying face down: Symbolizes defeat, betrayal, and finality.
  • Ten swords piercing the back: Represents overwhelming pain, loss, and the culmination of suffering.
  • Dark sky: Indicates the severity and darkness of the situation.
  • Rising sun on the horizon: Suggests the end of a cycle and the potential for a new beginning.
  • Calm water in the background: Implies eventual peace and emotional resolution after turmoil.
ten of swords from the rider waite smith tarot
Ten of Swords as depicted in the Rider-Waite Smith Tarot by A.E. White, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith

Ten of Swords: Tarot Card Meanings

Keywords/Phrases: Endings, betrayal, defeat, loss, finality, pain, culmination, closure, new beginnings.

The Ten of Swords signifies a profound and often painful ending. It represents feelings of betrayal, defeat, and overwhelming loss, suggesting that a chapter in life has reached its unavoidable conclusion. Despite the intense pain and finality associated with this card, it also hints at the possibility of new beginnings and the potential for renewal.

Ten of Swords: Reversed Tarot Card Meanings

Keywords/Phrases: Recovery, resilience, survival, healing, release, overcoming adversity, new hope, end of suffering.

When the Ten of Swords appears reversed in a tarot reading, it signifies the beginning of recovery and the process of healing after a period of intense pain and suffering. This card indicates resilience and the ability to survive and overcome adversity, suggesting that the worst is over and the process of moving forward can begin. It highlights the release of past burdens and the end of prolonged hardship, opening the way for new hope and renewal. 

Gallery: Ten of Swords in Various Decks

Coming soon!