Ten of Swords: modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
‘The 10 of Swords’, Rider Waite Smith tarot deck
Upright Ten of Swords Meanings
Keywords
Painful Endings, Rock Bottom, Betrayal, Ruin, Finality, Collapse
Generally
The Ten of Swords is a card of absolute endings, finality, and hitting rock bottom. It depicts a figure lying face down with ten swords in their back, representing a complete and utter defeat. This is not a subtle card; it signifies a dramatic, painful conclusion. It can point to a situation of betrayal, ruin, or the collapse of an old structure.
In a Love Context
In a love reading, this card signifies a painful and definitive end to a relationship. It often points to a major betrayal or a situation that has become so toxic it cannot be salvaged. There is no ambiguity here; the connection is over. While devastating, this finality allows the healing process to begin, as there is no hope of reconciliation to cling to.
In a Money/Career Context
This card can signify a dramatic and unwelcome end to a job, such as being fired or made redundant. It can also represent the complete failure of a business or a project. You may feel betrayed by colleagues or the system. It represents hitting a wall in your career, but also indicates that you are now free from a situation that was likely untenable, clearing the path for something new.
In a Spiritual Context
Spiritually, the Ten of Swords represents the complete destruction of a belief system or a profound "dark night of the soul." It is the painful shattering of an old identity or worldview that is necessary for a spiritual rebirth. You have been brought to your knees, and in that surrender, you can finally let go and allow a new spiritual understanding to emerge from the ruins.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Accept that this situation is over. Do not fight the ending. Surrender to the reality of the situation, as it is only from this point of rock bottom that you can begin to rebuild.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A painful but necessary ending. A complete collapse of the current situation, which will ultimately clear the way for a new beginning.
As Obstacles
A refusal to let go is the primary obstacle. You are clinging to a situation that is already over, prolonging the pain. Fear of the end.
As Hidden Energy
A situation is much closer to its breaking point than anyone realizes. A final, dramatic ending is brewing beneath the surface.
As Resources/Alliances
The clarity that comes from hitting rock bottom. The knowledge that since the worst has happened, you have nothing left to fear.
‘The Ten of Swords’ Reversed
Keywords
Recovery, Healing, Survival, Resisting the End, Releasing Pain
Generally
Reversed, the Ten of Swords signifies recovery, healing, and survival. You have hit rock bottom and are now beginning the slow process of pulling the swords out of your back. This card represents moving on from a painful ending, releasing old wounds, and finding the strength to start over. It can also, however, signify resisting a necessary ending, thereby prolonging the pain and refusing to let a situation die a natural death.
In a Love Context
In a love reading, this card reversed indicates the beginning of recovery after a devastating breakup. You are starting to heal the wounds, forgive, and let go of the pain. Alternatively, it can warn that you are refusing to accept that a relationship is over, clinging to the hope of revival and preventing yourself from truly moving on.
In a Money/Career Context
This can signify picking yourself up after a job loss or a major career failure. You are learning from the experience and beginning to look for new opportunities. It represents the first green shoots of recovery after a professional disaster. It can also be a warning that you are staying in a soul-destroying job long after you should have left.
In a Spiritual Context
Spiritually, this card reversed is about healing from a spiritual crisis. You are slowly rebuilding your faith and finding new meaning after your old beliefs were shattered. It is a card of spiritual resilience, representing the process of finding your way out of the darkness and back into the light.
In Common Spread positions
As Advice
Focus on healing. Let go of the past and the pain associated with it. Allow yourself to recover, one day at a time.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A slow but steady recovery from a painful event. You will survive this and eventually heal.
As Obstacles
You are clinging to old wounds and a victim narrative, which is preventing you from healing. A refusal to accept an ending.
As Hidden Energy
A deep, subconscious will to survive and heal is beginning to stir, even if on the surface you still feel defeated.
As Resources/Alliances
Your own resilience and inner strength. The support of others who have been through similar painful experiences.
Additional Notes on The RWS ‘Ten of Swords’
Waite’s Divinatory Meanings of The Ten of Swords
"Whatsoever is intimated by the design; also pain, affliction, tears, sadness, desolation. Reversed: Advantage, profit, success, favour, but none of these are permanent; also power and authority." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911)
RWS Ten of Swords Symbolism
A.E. Waite’s Ten of Swords is one of the most stark cards in the deck. It shows a figure prostrate on the ground with ten swords piercing their back. A red cloak is draped over them, symbolizing worldly suffering. The sky above is black and ominous, representing despair, but on the horizon, the golden light of dawn is breaking. The water in the distance is calm, suggesting that the emotional storm has passed with this final, dramatic end. The card is a powerful allegory for hitting rock bottom, but with the built-in promise that the darkest hour is just before the dawn.
Meditations On The Ten of Swords
What in my life needs to finally and completely end?
How can I respond wisely to devestating circumstances?
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