Five of Swords

A man with a smirking expression on his face is picking up Swords; his smirk suggests he’s a bully. In the background are two dejected-looking men who have evidently lost some sort of battle with the bully. Possibly they’ve lost their Swords to him. There is a sea visible.

The scene shows evidence of a brisk wind. The clouds look as though they’re being driven by the wind; the bully’s hair seems to be blown by the wind. The winds suggest that the battle may be over, but there is still conflict. Things still aren’t right.

This card can be about abuse and bullying. It might also be about ignominious defeat, a sense of shame at losing the battle. The shame may not be warranted; the battle may well have been one-sided and unwinnable. The shame remains, even so.

Another view could be that it describes dishonorable winning or fighting. The bully may have cheated or fought those who could not compete with him, taking unfair advantage.

Some say this shows ambition that becomes excessive, winning at any cost, no matter who you have to step on. It may be a reminder to take it down a notch, to not strive so hard that you drive everyone away from you.