The 4 Of Swords Tarot Card represent rest, taking a breather, and restoration. Your mind and body have been running on overdrive while you pursue your goals, but it's impossible to burn the candle at both ends forever. The swords suit in tarot is associated with the element of air, and is recognized as 'spades' in traditional playing card decks. Swords are just one of the 4 suits featured in the Minor Arcana, and this suit represents logic, rational thinking, and intellect. The suit of swords in a reading is analytical, precise, sharp, and quick witted. The 4 Of Swords reflect giving your mind a rest from the stress of strenuous mental activity.
4 Of Swords Description
The 4 Of Swords depict a sculpture of a knight, resting peacefully with his hands pressed together above his chest in prayer. He lays atop a tomb in a church and 3 swords hang above his head and body on the wall behind him. Beneath the knight is the 4th Sword etched into the tomb he lays upon. The expression on the knights face looks serene, relaxed, content and at ease. The 3 swords that hang above him represent the previous battles that have been fought, and the toll it takes on our body and mind to come out victorious. On the side of the tomb, the 4th sword etched into the tomb horizontally extends from his head clear down his legs. This last sword suggests that the knight can finally breath easy, not having to constantly be on guard and alert for nearby enemies and threats.
The setting of the 4 Of Swords take place in a church or temple, representing peace and comfort. The background show a beautiful glass mosaic of a woman and child, which is a sign of security, familiarity and safety. Inside the church the knight knows he's in a safe place, like a child in the arms of her mother. By laying in solitude, with his eyes closed and hands together in prayer, the knight is 'recharging' his mental batteries so to speak. The 4 Of Swords may seem like a lonely or distant card, but it's meaning is rooted in self care and taking time out for yourself and your needs.
4 Of Swords Keywords
Upright:
Self Care
Relaxation
Rest
Peace
Replenished
Recuperation
Serenity
Rejuvenation
Mental Health
Stoicism
Reversed:
Burn out
Mental Fatigue
Stress
Anxiety
Overstimulation
Exhaustion
End Of Your Rope
Running On Empty
Overworked
Restlessness
4 Of Swords Upright
The 4 Of Swords Upright suggest it's time to put on the brakes and step back from the daily grind we get so caught up in. Everywhere we look we're being bombarded with messages that we aren't doing enough, or we could be doing more. "FOMO" (Fear Of Missing Out) leads to this 'work harder, faster, longer' mentality. Taking on more work, more responsibility, and being busy just to be busy can lead to severe wear and tear on both the body and the mind. I've experienced this first hand, going through the day at 100mph, coming home to sleep, and then waking up to do it all over again. Every time I over extend myself, it leads to a major meltdown and 2 steps backward.
Being focused and driven are both excellent qualities, but remember to keep everything in moderation. The quality of your work suffers when you're overworked, and you eventually spend more time fixing mistakes than you would have spent if you took time to recuperate and refresh. Work smarter, not harder! By giving yourself time to recharge, you have an opportunity to reevaluate your situation, and determine if it's really working.
Mental health has become a serious topic of conversation now, and plenty of celebrities/athletes have started bringing mainstream attention to it. Ryan Reynolds, Leonardo Di Caprio, Selena Gomez, and Beyoncé have all spoken about their own issues with mental health. Nothing is wrong with expressing that you need a break. The 4 Of Swords Upright can signify going on a vacation, or even just taking a 'personal day' to realign yourself. This is a serious issue, and if it isn't addressed it can lead to much bigger problems down the road. Don't be afraid to look after yourself, and prioritize the health of your body and mind.
4 Of Swords Reversed
Drawing the 4 Of Swords Reversed indicates that you're being pulled in different directions, and spread far too thin. There is so much on your plate that you're feeling completely overwhelmed while you attempt to handle it all. You know in your heart that you need to rest, but your thoughts and mind keep urging you to press on. You may feel tired and exhausted, but you refuse to sit still and give yourself rest. Short bursts of intensity and giving your all are O.K., and can be necessary in some circumstances, but it's unsustainable long term. The 4 Of Swords Reversed can feel like there isn't enough time in the day, and if you slow down you won't be able to start back up. This couldn't be farther from the truth!
Stress and anxiety are a common theme for the 4 of Swords Reversed, to the point that it can make you physically ill. The 4 Of Swords Reversed suggest an introspective period, and reconnecting with your spiritual side. Now is the time to put your phone down, quit checking emails, and 'unplug' from electronics. Take a 'digital fast' so to speak, and reconnect with your inner self. This media break will give you an opportunity to realign with your spiritual side. Imagine this like finding an oasis in the desert. A needed reprieve from the daily demands we impose on ourselves.
4 Of Swords Love
The 4 Of Swords Love tarot meaning suggests there may be stress in the relationship. You and your partner both might needs some 'alone time'. This doesn't mean the relationship is ending, just that you both need a minute or two to breathe. Spend some time collecting your thoughts in solitude, this can refresh you and the relationship. The 4 Of Swords Love card can also indicate that you've been bending over backwards for your partner, running around like a chicken with their head cut off trying to please them. This is mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting, and you just need a little 'you time'.
Communication with your partner is key when you decide you need time for yourself. They can interpret your need for time alone as you pulling away or becoming distant. Express your needs, and your partner will surely provide the space you desire. Be sure to do the same for them if they're at the end of their rope too.
Being single and receiving the 4 Of Swords Love card can mean that you're overworking yourself to find a partner. Maybe you're going out every night to social spots searching for a lover, coming home late, and tiring yourself out. Take time to yourself and think about what you really want in a partner. Don't make the mistake of settling for the first person who shows interest for the sake of not being single. This will hurt both of you in the long run, and lead to bruised egos and wasted time.
The other way to look at the 4 Of Swords Love reading is over exertion chasing after someone who may not be right for you. Desperately searching for a suitable relationship won't work, and will set you further back. When I'm single and decide I'm going to love myself, everyone starts throwing themselves at me....it never fails.
4 Of Swords Career/Finance
When receiving the 4 Of Swords Tarot Card for Career/Finance it represents more overload and stress at work. You're biting off more than you can chew, backing yourself into a corner with an unmanageable workload. Stop saying 'yes' to every request or task that presents itself. Having a good work ethic and going above and beyond is a commendable trait, but not at the expense of your own well being.
The 4 Of Swords Career card should be a reminder that you don't need to do it all, and it's alright to have someone else shoulder some responsibility. The expectations you've set for yourself can be a source of stress, anxiety and burn out. Take a nap on your lunch break, or meditate to give your mind a reprieve from the chaos at work. Your productivity will increase if you just take the necessary time to relax and decompress.
The 4 Of Swords Finance interpretation shows that you worry and stew about problems that aren't really there. When you expect bills everyday, and lack of money in the bank, it leads to distress and worry. Financial stress effects 7 out of 10 people, and can lead to serious physical problems. Don't bury your head in the sand and ignore your finances, but take a step back and calmly assess the situation. Do things to relax your mind so that you can properly come up with solutions. Constantly worrying about money and financial obligations will only lead to further money problems. The 4 Of Swords direct you to keep calm, cool, and collected while you figure out the best course of action.
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What have you been working on that's zapped the life out of you? Are you taking enough 'you time' and giving your mind a break? What ways do you relax and unwind when you feel drained and exhausted? I would love to hear what you think of the 4 Of Swords!
I felt like I need this. Haha! The interpretation of four swords of Finance suits my situation now. I'm somewhat stressed of my budget and the condition of my savings. Lol. I think I'm stressed already