FOUR OF SWORDS

Four of Swords

Keywords: rest, recovery, retreat, mental clarity, solitude, meditation, healing, pause, burnout, contemplation

Upright Meaning
The Four of Swords upright is a card of stillness, urging you to rest, reflect, and recover before moving forward. After a period of stress, conflict, or overwhelm, this card offers space to recharge your mind and spirit. In love, it may signal emotional distance or the need for space to gain clarity. In career or personal life, it encourages stepping back, setting boundaries, or taking a mental break. The Four of Swords reminds you that rest isn’t laziness—it’s necessary preparation for what comes next.

Reversed Meaning
When reversed, the Four of Swords can indicate burnout, avoidance, or resistance to rest. You may be pushing yourself too hard or feeling restless when what you really need is time to heal. In relationships, it might reflect emotional exhaustion, denial of needed space, or reawakening after time apart. This card reversed also warns against isolation and encourages mindful reentry into action. Listen to your body and mind—they’re calling for balance.

Summary
The Four of Swords is a card of healing and rest—offering restoration and clarity when upright, and warning against burnout or isolation when reversed. It’s a sacred pause that prepares you for renewed strength.

HOW TO READ
This card typically shows a figure lying in repose with swords above and one beside them—symbolizing peace, protection, and mental stillness. Ask: Are you allowing yourself the rest you need—or pushing past your limits?

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