Ten of Swords
Element: Air (🜁)
Planet: Sun (☉)
Zodiac Sign: Gemini (♊)
Upright
Keywords: Failure; pain; trauma; inner struggle; exhaustion
Events: A period of internal struggle; accepting pain with calmness; the darkest hour before dawn; an ending to a relationship
Personality: Self-pitying; wounded; though in crisis, still yearning for success
Mental State: Anxious; uneasy; exhausted
Advice: Change is inevitable, but it often signals new opportunities and beginnings; look at situations positively, and you will see hope
Card Imagery: A person lies motionless, pierced by ten swords. The pain leaves them unable to rise, but the night is ending, and a new dawn approaches.
Symbolism:
- Ten Swords – Represents extreme emotional turmoil, symbolizing overwhelming past pain or even physical suffering
- Red Cloak – Despite experiencing extreme hardship, the figure has not given up on their passion
- Dawn – Darkness will fade, and hope will come
- Calm Water – Represents emotional acceptance and inner peace
- Hand Gesture – A blessing, signifying resilience and spiritual perseverance
Reversed
Keywords: Pain relief; recovery; renewal; gradual healing
Events: Temporary relief from problems; recovering from trauma; still experiencing pain but at a reduced intensity; a brief respite; improving relationships
Personality: Optimistic; strong self-healing ability
Mental State: Becoming calmer; gradually moving from breakdown to stability
Advice: Past pain helps you grow—accept it and create new opportunities
Card Imagery: The swords fall from the person's body, and they sit up to bandage their wounds.
Symbolism:
- Rune Dagaz – Symbolizes dawn, representing awakening and breakthroughs