The Ten of Swords tarot card is often considered one of the most negative in the tarot deck.
It represents complete and utter defeat and indicates that someone feels hopeless and trapped.
It also means endings, as in whatever is over, is truly over.
There is no going back.
However, it's important to remember that the Ten of Swords can also represent a turning point.
This card can symbolize an end to a difficult situation and a new beginning.
So if you're facing challenges in your life, know that the ten of swords can represent a fresh start.
Before getting into the meat and potatoes of the Ten of Swords, which may not be a good way to put it because that sounds rotten, let's go over the appearance and history of this card.
The History And Appearance of The Ten of Swords
The Ten of Swords tarot card has been around for centuries and is used by many cultures to represent various concepts.
In some cases, the Ten of Swords represented death, while in others, it signified victory.
It was also sometimes seen as a representation of the ten plagues that afflicted Egypt in the Bible.
Today, the Ten of Swords is still seen as a powerful symbol, but its meaning has shifted somewhat.
While it can still represent endings and significant changes, it is also often seen as a sign of hope and rebirth.
This card reminds us that even the darkest times can lead to something better.
Let's now go over the appearance of this card in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.
As you can see in the card, a dead man is lying on the ground with ten swords on his back as he is bleeding.
A red cape on the lower half of his body represents that he left dignity to the world.
You can see the sky as it is dark and looks gloomy, but if you look at the horizon, the sun is there, which represents a new sense of hope and new starts are on the way.
There is also a serene sea in the background, which means a sense of peace even during dark times.
Now, let's go over what it means to get the Ten of Swords in a reading.
What It Means When You Get The Ten of Swords In A Reading
As mentioned, the Ten of Swords is often considered one of the most negative cards in the tarot deck.
This is because it can represent defeat, failure, and betrayal.
Therefore, if you get this card in a reading, it's essential to understand what it means and how to interpret it.
The Ten of Swords usually signify the end of a difficult situation or cycle.
It can indicate that you have come to the end of your rope and need to make some significant changes.
This card can also suggest that you are facing severe challenges that will require all your strength and courage to overcome.
If you draw the Ten of Swords in a reading, it's essential to consider the other cards around it.
The ten of swords can sometimes be mitigated by positive influences, indicating that things may not be as bad as they seem.
However, if other negative cards surround the Ten of Swords, whatever situation you're facing will likely be pretty difficult.
There are a few different ways to interpret the Ten of Swords, but one common thread is that it signifies the end of something.
This could be the end of a relationship, a job, or even the end of your life as you know it.
I will stress that I do not mean that literally because we don't go there.
Instead, it's a card that suggests that something is coming to an abrupt and final close.
If you're facing significant changes in your life, the Ten of Swords can signify that it's time to let go of what's no longer working and move on to something new.
It can be a difficult card to interpret, but ultimately it's a reminder that change is inevitable and that sometimes endings are necessary for new beginnings.
And let me tell you.
Once I remember doing a reading for a woman who was in a very abusive relationship.
This was not recent, but when I pulled the Ten of Swords as the outcome of her bad relationship, she cried happy tears.
And it did end, from what I remember. And she was finally free.
Now let's go over some numerology.
You learned that nine means attainment and fulfillment.
Ten represents the completion of a cycle and renewal.
Let's talk about that aspiring writer.
They were anxious about the whole thing regarding publishing even blog posts or putting out any content that the Nine of Swords represented because they did not think anyone would take them seriously.
That was represented by the Eight of Swords with the belief that no one would take them seriously and nothing could be done with that.
Finally, however, the writer simply throws their hands up and gives up.
That is the Ten of Swords.
They do not want to go back and will decide to become a Starbucks barista because writing is not their thing, or so they believe.
But it is a moot point since they have given up. Instead, they'd serve customers coffee, specialty drinks, food, and desserts as writing from home to make a living puts them off.
What about Risa Green and the Ten of Swords?
You can say that she was never able to make much of her life, so she missed many opportunities that could have been presented to her.
You can say that she can never get those times back when she could have created a better life for herself.
And you can say that about anyone.
Knowing this fact can cause many regrets. That can be one reason why so many go through midlife crises.
It is never too late to create a better life, as many seniors, let alone someone middle-aged like her, can do that.
However, since Risa has given up and is going through the motions unless something causes her to make some change for the better, any opportunity she could take to improve her life is gone.
Based on her feelings, she may think her life is over since she missed out on many things and believes that the Ten of Swords defines her on almost every level.
Sadly, anyone with unmanaged mental illness and trauma will think that way.
I used to think that way too. But is her life truly over?
It does not have to be. But since this is a subconscious choice she has made, then it is.
Let's go over what the Ten of Swords means in reverse.
Ten of Swords Reversed
When the Ten of Swords comes in reverse, it can mean two things.
One thing it can represent is that there is recovery after loss.
It can indicate regeneration after a loss. It means you have moved on and do not want to look back.
However, it can also be indicative of not wanting to accept an ending that is happening, such as trying to hang onto a relationship that is dead.
Think about someone obsessed with a partner who wants to become an ex but will not let them go.
That can be scary for the partner who wants to end it because that may not always end well.
Anyway, how can you use this card in your life?
How To Apply The Ten of Swords To Your Life?
You may wonder why you want to apply the Ten of Swords to your life.
But aren't there things you want to see gone from your life?
For example, if you have a toxic family member who you want to cut out of your life but are unsure how to do it, you should get some help from a therapist because that can be complex.
But each time you waver whether or not you want to make such a difficult decision, take the Ten of Swords and meditate on it for a bit.
That will help ease you into making this hard decision because of the benefits you will reap.
That is one example of using this card for your benefit.
Everyone has something in their lives they would love not to have to face anymore.
Some things you may be stuck with for a while but for those things you are not, this card comes in handy.
That concludes the numbered cards in the Swords suit, and the court cards are next.
The next card I will go over is the Page of Swords.
Episode 049: Ten Of Swords Tarot Card