Five of Swords
"A man gathers the swords while two figures walk away defeated: the victory that leaves a bitter taste."
Upright meaning
The Five of Swords is the triumph not worth having. Someone wins the fight but loses everyone else; he collects the swords while the others leave defeated. It speaks of conflicts with no real winners, of pride, of being right at the cost of the bond. Ask yourself whether that battle is worth what it costs.
Reversed meaning
Reversed, the guard lowers. Reconciliation comes, pride is released, or you decide that not every argument needs winning. Sometimes yielding is the true victory.
In love
Arguments where winning is losing. Beware of being right and ending up alone.
In work and money
Unfair competition, a tense atmosphere, or a triumph that costs you allies. Choose your battles.
The card's advice
Not every fight needs winning: sometimes the prize for being right is loneliness.