Two of Swords
The Two of Swords represents internal conflict, confusion, and difficult decisions. This card asks us to consider the duality of our thoughts and emotions. It serves as a reminder that life is full of difficult choices and that we must navigate the competing forces within ourselves in order to find balance and clarity. It is time to journey inward, to quiet the constant noise of life, and tap into the wisdom of our own intuition.
This card also allows us to reflect on the mental boundaries we need to set in order to hear our deepest truth. It encourages us to be mindful of the stream of distraction we allow into our lives. When faced with a challenge that doesn’t seem to have a clear answer, we should turn inward. Social media, the opinions of others, or even our own busy thoughts will just add to the tangled mess of uncertainty and indecision.
This card asks you to be honest about what you really want and trust your intuition. Meditation and mindfulness practices can help you find peace amidst the chaos. Allow yourself to hear what the quiet has to tell you. The Two of Swords is here to guide you toward your next step, whispering that the answer you are searching for lives in the balance between your head and your heart.
2 of Swords Reversed
The Two of Swords reversed signals a need for action. Although you may feel stuck at the threshold of indecision, avoiding the choice in front of you for too long will only lead to further confusion. It’s easy to become trapped in an endless loop, following every possible outcome, straining to see where each of these paths will lead. Do not allow fear of the unknown to prevent you from moving forward with your life. Take a deep breath, make a choice, and trust the journey.
Affirmation
“I trust myself to make difficult decisions, knowing that I will handle any outcome with grace.”
Two of Swords Zodiac Sign
The zodiac sign of Libra is associated with the Two of Swords tarot card.
Two of Swords Love
Two of Swords suggests a feeling of indecision and conflicting emotions regarding romantic relationships. Perhaps you find yourself torn between two romantic prospects or that you are feeling uncertain about the direction of their current relationship. This card can also indicate a fear of making the wrong choice and the struggle between logic and emotions when it comes to matters of the heart. In any case, This card is telling you to listen to your intuition. Deep within, you already know which option is really in your best interest. Don’t second guess what you know to be true.
2 of Swords Yes or No
In a Yes or No reading, the Two of Swords can generally be interpreted as Maybe (Seek clarity through meditation and reflection).
Minor Arcana Symbolism
| Tarot Card Name | Two of Swords |
| Card Number Energy | Antithesis |
| Numerological Meaning | Duality, balance, a settling of the energy, union, division, cause and effect, decision, cooperation, tension, complement, harmony, equilibrium, love, partnerships, opposites, connection, togetherness, polarity |
| Classical Element | Air |
| Traditional Upright Meaning | Difficult decisions, crossroads, divided loyalty, not enough information, stuck in the middle, denial, lack of clarity, facing your fears, lack of perspective, painful choices, inability to see the truth, being of two minds about something, a need to turn within for clarity, a need to trust yourself to know. |
| Traditional Reversed Meaning | Indecision, hesitancy, overly cautious, stalemate, anxiety, delays, information overload, no right answer, avoidance, worry, caught between a rock and a hard place, overthinking, sitting on the fence, an impasse, truth revealed, a call to action, a need to trust yourself to act. |
| Duality | Projective |
| Jungian Personality Type | Thinking |
| Chakra | Heart, Sacral |
| Astrological Correspondence | Moon in Libra |
| Crystals and Stones | Emerald, Olivine, Moldavite, Fluorite, Peridot, Aventurine, Morganite, Zoisite, Bloodstone, Rose Quartz, Chrysolite, Pink Calcite, Jade, Prehnite, Pink Spinel, Malachite, Unakite, Rhodonite, Citrine, Brown Tourmaline, Orange Calcite, Amber, Boulder Opal, Orange Tiger’s Eye, Tangerine Quartz, Cognac Diamond, Orange Tourmaline, Chocolate Opal, Coral, Hyacinth, Petrified Wood, Orange Selenite, Smoky Quartz, Peach Moonstone |
2 of Swords as Feelings
The Two of Swords as feelings represents a feeling of inner turmoil and conflict. It reflects a period of time when a person may be grappling with mixed emotions or ideas and is unable to make a clear decision. This card represents an emotional stalemate, where the person feels blocked and unable to move forward. It often indicates a sense of mental and emotional exhaustion and a struggle to reconcile conflicting feelings.
Two of Swords Meaning
Being of two minds or something serving two purposes: The ability to gain strength through suffering or pleasure after pain. This card also suggests the delay in the realization of objectives. A period of uncertainty in which Querant feels that, although they have a sense of adequate power, they do not know what to do with it. Justice, unselfishness, and the restoration of peace.
Ill-dignified
Falsehood, Sorrow, Injury from another who means the Querant well or unintentional injury by the Querant to another. This card is always a symbol of tension, of want of tact, and suggests that power be held back until some announcement or revelation is able to make a decision possible.
Time period
Astrologically, the Two of Swords governs the first decanate of Libra, from September 23rd to October 2nd, under the rulership of Venus.
Imagery
The symbolism of this card is better when the points of the swords are pointed upward. The combination of the trumpet with the symbol of the ankh suggests the announcement of something. It is a symbol of balanced force, however, the nature of that balance is similar to “dead center”. At the moment no action is possible.
Keyword
Indecision
Modern Translation of The Oracle of the Tarot by Paul Foster Case (1933)
The Minor Arcana: Two of Swords
An Alternative Definition for the Two of Swords
Traditionally, Swords are associated with the element air. Below, we see that Thierens has decided to break with tradition by associating the suit of Swords with the element of fire. Mystic Doorway has chosen the traditional correspondence of air for the Two of Swords. Even so, we believe it is important to explore many historical definitions of the cards, allowing each individual the freedom to choose their own path within the journey of Tarot.
Card Definition
Upright: Friendship, attachment, affection, intimacy, affinity, tenderness, attraction, etc.
Reversed: Falsity, imposture, lie, duplicity, bad faith, deception, superficiality.
Theory
The Two of Swords represents the element of Earth in the second house. Due to the Venusian characteristics of the Taurus-house, this combination of Saturnian and Martian elements leads to a magnetic attraction between the sexes, resulting in intimacy, attraction, and affection. However, the concept of ‘friendship’ is not represented in this card. It also denotes an appreciation for art, based on the proper functioning of the senses. A taste for art will develop from this, as well as a precise understanding of prices and values.
This card represents quality and essential virtue. When reversed, it indicates a lack of innate virtue, leading to sensuality, lazy and luxurious habits, and a desire for money. It may also indicate resistance, dullness, cruelty, opposition, passive obstruction, and silent, unforgiving hatred. On the other hand, it may also indicate the desire to cultivate the soil, in the literal as well as in the figurative sense.
Conclusion
Hidden power, magnetism, the basis of art, artistic appreciation; quality, virtue; magnetic attraction, affinity, intimacy, affection, the force that connects by the limitation of the senses; in weaker cases sensuality, laziness, dullness. When badly aspected (ill-defined), this card means cruelty, unforgiving hatred, passive obstruction, etc.
Modern Translation of the General Book of the Tarot by A.E. Thierens (1930)
Two of Swords Tarot
Upright: Conformity and the the balance of forces it implies, suggesting courage, friendship, and unity in a state of conflict. An alternate interpretation is tenderness, affection, and intimacy. The suggestion of harmony and other positive interpretations should be approached with caution, as Swords typically do not symbolize positive influences in human affairs.
Reversed: Imposture, falsehood, duplicity, disloyalty.
The Pictorial Key to the Tarot by A.E. Waite (1910)
Two of Swords Card Imagery
A blindfolded female figure sits with two swords balances upon her shoulders.
-Modern Translation of The Pictorial Key to the Tarot by A.E. Waite (1910)
The Lord of Inner Balance
Two crossed swords can be seen on this card, similar to the ceremonial dagger of a novice adept (Zelator Adeptus Minor), each held by a white and glowing angelic hand. At the intersection of the swords is a rose with five petals emitting white light. On top and bottom of the card are two small knives, each supporting a crescent moon symbol with horns pointing upwards, and also the astrological decanate of Libra.
Symbolism: Contradictory traits within the same personality, gaining strength through hardship; pleasure after pain, enjoyment following hardship. Sacrifice and difficulties, yet strength arising from these experiences, symbolized by the placement of the rose, as if the pain itself has produced beauty.
Resolution, peace restored; truce; truth and falsehood; sorrow and empathy. Assistance to the weak or vulnerable; resolution; justice, unselfishness. A tendency to repeat mistakes after being forgiven; causing harm unintentionally; prone to making requests of others; also a lack of tact. Asking trivial questions; overly talkative.
Chokmah of Vau. Dispute resolved, yet still some lingering tension in relationships: actions sometimes self-serving, sometimes generous.
Ruled the Great Angels HB:YZLAL and HB:MNHAL.
Modern Translation of The Tarot of the Golden Dawn: Book “T” by MacGregor Mathers and Harriet Felkin
2 of Swords
The Meaning of The Two of Swords Card Throughout History
The Tarot deck is a beautiful synthesis of esoteric thought and archetypal imagery. The journey of the deck, shaped by the events and values of each era, has continued to evolve and take on new significance as it adapts to a larger cultural story. Often a tarot card will have a variety of names and meanings. Exploring the historical interpretations of each card will create a deeper understanding of this powerful method for divination and self-discovery.
Various Names For The Two of Swords
The Two of Swords has taken many names throughout history such as Two of Blades, Two of Daggers, Two of Knives, and Two of Spades.
| Tarot de Marseille (1650) | Two of Swords |
| Golden Dawn (1888) | The Lord of Inner Balance |
| Papus (1892) | Two of Swords |
| Rider-Waite (1910) | Two of Swords |
| Thoth (1943) | Two of Swords |
Significations of The Two of Swords
- Opposition to the commencement of enmity (hostility).
-Tarot of The Bohemians by Papus (1892)
Two of Swords Symbolism
Upright: Friendship, Valor, Firmness, Courage.
Reversed: False Friends, Treachery, Lies.
-The Tarot by S.L. MacGregor Mathers (1888)
Bring the Wisdom of the Tarot Into Your Life
We have put together a collection of some of our favorite Tarot items. The deep symbolism of the Tarot can be used to access a wellspring of inner wisdom and guidance. This method of divination is also an incredible tool for accessing your own powerful intuition.
Mystic Doorway is supported by our readers. When you purchase items through links on our site, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Support Independent Bookstores With These Tarot Selections
Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. Their mission aims to strengthen the fragile ecosystem and keep local bookstores an integral part of our culture and communities.
The Pictorial Key to the Tarot
This guide by Arthur Edward Waite, the designer of the most widely known Tarot deck and distinguished scholar of the Kabbalah, is the essential Tarot reference. The pictorial key contains a detailed description of each card in the celebrated 78-card Rider-Waite Tarot deck, along with regular and reversed meanings. Contents describe symbols and secret tradition, ancient Celtic methods of divination, and wonderful illustrations of each Tarot card. This book is the perfect complement to old-style fortune telling and also serves to make the Tarot entirely accessible to modern-day readers. The Pictorial Key to the Tarot is the classic guide to the Rider-Waite deck and to Tarot symbolism in general.
Heaven & Earth Tarot
Artist Jack Sephiroth takes the classic structure of the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot to new heights of expressive beauty. The illustrations of this deck evoke a sense of mythological grandeur, helping to bring forth the deeper meaning of each card for vivid and nuanced readings. In this tarot, the spiritual and the material are woven together in a tapestry of symbolic wisdom.
Pre-Raphaelite Tarot
The vivid colors and medieval imagery of the Pre-Raphaelite movement makes for a tarot deck that is rich with a sense of mystery and romance. Luigi Costa has created a work of unsurpassed beauty and deep spiritual power. This deck, based on the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith cards, is at once cryptic and insightful, the perfect combination of qualities for readers and collectors alike.
How will you Harness The Transformative Power of The Tarot?
We invite you to walk into a cosmic narrative in which we are all a unique element in each other’s story. Humanity has long used sacred tools for awakening the soul and illuminating our path toward enlightenment. The Tarot is simply an instrument. These cards amplify your inner wisdom and empower your highest truth.
What aspects of The Tarot can serve you as you walk through your own Mystic Doorway?
Check Out Our Pinterest Gallery for More Inspiration
What you have read is only the beginning…
Mystic Doorway is always gaining new insight into the rich symbolism of Tarot. We are looking forward to sharing with you as we continue to expand our knowledge of this divinatory tool. Check back with us soon to see what we’ve added to our Library.
