Two of Swords: modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
Upright Two of Swords Meanings
Keywords
Stalemate, Indecision, Truce, Avoidance, Blocked Emotions, A-Crossroads
Generally
The Two of Swords represents a state of indecision or a stalemate. The figure in the card is blindfolded, symbolizing an unwillingness or inability to see the truth of a situation. She holds two swords in a balanced, defensive posture, indicating a truce or a temporary peace that comes from avoiding a difficult choice. This card points to a situation where you are stuck between two options, unable or unwilling to move forward. It's a card of intellectual impasse and blocked emotions, suggesting you are protecting yourself from a painful truth or a difficult decision.
In a Love Context
In a love reading, this card points to a stalemate in a relationship. There may be an issue that both partners are actively avoiding because the decision required is too difficult. It can represent a relationship at a crossroads or a refusal to see the problems in a partnership. For a single person, it can mean being emotionally closed off or being stuck between two potential partners, unable to choose.
In a Money/Career Context
This card can represent being stuck between two career paths, two job offers, or two business strategies. You are at an impasse, and a decision needs to be made, but you are avoiding it. It can also signify a truce in a workplace conflict, where the underlying issues have not been resolved. You are avoiding making a difficult financial or career decision, leading to a period of stagnation.
In a Spiritual Context
Spiritually, the Two of Swords can indicate a refusal to look at your own inner truth. You may be blocking your intuition or avoiding a difficult spiritual question. It represents a disconnect between your mind and your heart, a spiritual stalemate where you are unable to integrate a new understanding because it challenges your existing beliefs.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
You need to remove the blindfold and face the facts. A decision must be made, even if it's difficult. Seek a logical compromise. Create a temporary truce to allow for clear thinking.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A stalemate will continue. A decision will be avoided. The truth will remain unseen.
As Obstacles
Your refusal to make a decision is the main problem. You are avoiding the truth. You are blocking your own emotions and intuition.
As Hidden Energy
A difficult decision is being subconsciously avoided. A deep-seated fear of making the wrong choice.
As Resources/Alliances
The ability to remain impartial and see both sides of an issue. The temporary peace that comes from a truce. Your own logic, when you choose to use it.
‘The Two of Swords’ Reversed
Keywords
Decision Made, Seeing the Truth, Information Overload, Turmoil, Overwhelm
Generally
Reversed, the Two of Swords signifies that the stalemate is breaking. The blindfold is coming off, and you are either being forced to make a decision or you are finally able to see the truth of the situation. This can be a difficult and overwhelming process. You may be flooded with information or emotions that you were previously blocking, leading to a period of turmoil. However, this is a necessary step to move forward. The deadlock is ending, for better or worse.
In a Love Context
In love, this card reversed suggests that the period of avoidance is over. A difficult conversation is finally happening, and truths are being revealed. This can lead to a painful resolution or a necessary breakup, but it ends the stalemate. It can also represent feeling completely overwhelmed by the emotional reality of your relationship that you can no longer ignore.
In a Money/Career Context
The reversed Two of Swords can mean you are finally making a difficult career or financial decision. The period of indecision is over. It can also signify feeling overwhelmed by information or options, leading to analysis paralysis. You may feel stuck and confused, but the pressure to choose is mounting, forcing you out of your previous stagnation.
In a Spiritual Context
Spiritually, this card reversed suggests your intuitive channels are being flooded. You can no longer ignore your inner voice or the spiritual truths you have been avoiding. This can be a confusing and overwhelming experience, but it is ultimately leading to a breakthrough. You are moving out of a state of spiritual denial.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Trust your gut, even if it's overwhelming. Weigh your options carefully, but know that a decision must be made now. Don't let yourself be paralyzed by too much information.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A difficult decision will be made. The stalemate will break, possibly leading to chaos. You will be overwhelmed by the truth.
As Obstacles
Information overload is preventing a clear choice. Emotional turmoil is clouding your judgment. You are stuck in analysis paralysis.
As Hidden Energy
A secret sense of overwhelm. A feeling of being pressured into a choice you're not ready for.
As Resources/Alliances
The relief that comes from finally making a decision. The immense clarity that follows a period of confusion, even if it's painful.
Additional Notes on The RWS ‘Two of Swords’
Waite’s Divinatory Meanings of The Two of Swords
"Conformity and the equipoise which it suggests, courage, friendship, affection, concord in a state of arms; another reading gives tenderness, affection, intimacy. Reversed: Imposture, falsehood, duplicity, disloyalty." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911)
RWS Two of Swords Symbolism
A.E. Waite’s Two of Swords depicts a blindfolded woman sitting on a stone bench, holding two large swords crossed over her chest. She is before a large body of water, with a crescent moon in the sky, symbolizing intuition and the subconscious. Her blindfold suggests a refusal to see, or a desire for impartiality. The crossed swords represent a blockage, a defensive posture, or two opposing ideas held in balance. The calm sea behind her suggests that while she may be in turmoil internally, she is projecting an outward appearance of peace and control by blocking her emotions.
Meditations On The Two of Swords
What hard decsion do I need to make?
Which path is in Divine alignment?
Continue Reading About The Minor Arcana
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Previous Card: The Ace of Swords
