Suit: Suit of Swords
Card Type: Minor Arcana
Tarot Element: Air
Star Sign: Libra
Planet: Moon
Angel: Archangel Michael
Key Meaning: Indecision
The Two of Swords represents indecision. You are confused or undecided about which is the best course of action to take.
Number 2 Meaning In Tarot
All twos, including the Two of Wands, Two of Pentacles and Two of Swords indicate progress. In Swords, the number two is related to progress in your mental life. It is time to move beyond the questioning phase and make a decision. You must face your fears and come down on one side or the other. Otherwise, there is a danger that your life will grind to a halt.
A to Z: List of Tarot Cards
Two of Swords Description
This description is based on the Rider Waite Tarot Deck. Here we see a woman sitting with her back to the great ocean of life, with a long sword in each hand. The swords are held in a defensive manner, suggesting she does not want to talk about the problem or may even deny there is one. Her eyes are covered by a blindfold, suggesting that she does not want to look and make a decision. The jagged rocks and new moon surrounding the woman in the card symbolise the instability surrounding her.
There is a sense here that whatever issue you are currently facing may not be the real problem. The real problem goes much deeper, it is a fear of taking decisions.
As Einstein said: “The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.”
Two of Swords Keywords
😒 Upright: Stuck, indecisiveness, stagnation
🥰 Reversed: Clarity, forced to make a choice
LOVE: What does The Two of Swords Mean when You Ask About Love?
When the Two of Swords turns up in a love reading, the meaning will depend on whether or not you are in a relationship.
💖 If you asked will I find love? – then this card indicates now is not the right time. You are likely to make poor choices because you are not in the right frame of mind.
💖 In a relationship, this card can mean you are ignoring problems, hoping that they will go away in time. Yet, in your heart you know this will not happen. Be brave, remove the blindfold and speak your mind. Whatever happens, it is always better to know sooner rather than later.
💖 This card can sometimes mean you can’t decide between two people. Again, the sooner you decide, the sooner everyone can move on.
💖 If you asked how someone feels about you, this card means they are undecided. Not very romantic, I know!
Spiritual: What does this Tarot Card Mean when You Ask About Spirituality?
In this card, the character seems to be working through a problem of perception. Perhaps she has blindfolded herself to wake up her other senses, like clairvoyance and clairsentience. To allow herself to ‘see’ other possibilities, even alternate realities, which are not available in an ordinary state.
If you are focused on spiritual development at this time, you are guided to connect with Higher Powers through meditation or trans-mediumship. Try using a blindfold or sitting in a darkened room.
CAREER: What does This Card Signify when You Ask About Work?
If your question relates to work, business or study and you receive the Two of Swords, then it may mean:
⭕ You are facing a decision to do with career or study. Ideally, you should leave your emotions aside, and decide what is likely to be better for you in the longer term.
⭕ Others are arguing around you, and you feel like you are being forced to choose one colleague over another.
⭕ Changes are occurring in the workplace, and you are unsure how it will work out for you. You may need to wait a little longer.
MONEY: What is the Meaning of The Two of Swords in a Money Reading?
💲 If you asked the Tarot about money and you receive the 2 of Swords, it can mean that you are afraid to look at the reality of your financial situation. While it may be a painful exercise, now is the time to open your eyes and make a plan.
💲 If you asked about a significant purchase, like a house – it can mean you are not being realistic about your hopes, at this time.
Tarot Card Combination Meanings
2 of Swords combined with:
“The Sun” – You will feel more positive when you face your issue.
“The Devil” – No decision is a decision to remain the same.
“The Lovers” – Time to choose who or what you are more passionate about.
“The Wheel of Fortune” – The Universe is waiting for you to play your part and decide.
HEALTH: What does The 2 of Swords Mean when You Ask About Health?
If you are worried about your health and the Two of Swords turns up – it can signify that you are ignoring a problem. Perhaps something has been niggling at the back of your mind, but you keep putting off going to the doctor. Or maybe you know you need to lose weight or drink less alcohol to prevent a problem. Don’t ignore the problem, this Tarot card means. You can still do something to improve or preserve your health. If in doubt, always consult a medical professional.
Sometimes this card means you are experiencing a physical condition which is a manifestation of mental stress.
Health conditions associated with this card are primarily to do with the head area: brain fog (caused by menopause or pregnancy), migraines, mental disorders, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and stroke.
YES/NO: Does The 2 of Swords Mean Yes or No in a Reading?
❓ When you ask a Yes or No question and the Two of Swords turns up, then the answer is NO.
TIMING: Does The Two of Swords Predict any Particular Timeframe?
🕔 This card is only a timing indication when you specifically asked a timeframe question. For example, if you want to know if something will happen, and when, then you need to draw two separate cards. These are in fact, two separate questions. This is a fundamental principle to understand if you want an accurate tarot reading – and it is core to my teaching in my book Tarot in 5 Minutes.
🕔 Using my timing method, the 2 of Swords is about 2 days. If the card is reversed, timing will be slightly longer – so up to 3 days.
Karina’s Timing Method:
Swords are days. Wands are weeks. Cups are months and Pentacles are years. Please note this is my personal timing method. Feel free to adopt it (or not).
What is the Meaning of The Two of Swords Reversed?
When the 2 of Swords is upside down then a decision has been taken and finally progress is made.
✔️You are thinking more clearly, and trusting your decision making ability. It feels like freedom, because you have been a prisoner in your own mind.
✔️Perhaps you have been forced to make a decision by circumstances. If so, try to learn from the experience. Ideally you want to gain more control over your life.
✔️Other keywords associated a reversal include: harsh reality check, a rude awakening and pushing forward.
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Two of Swords Symbolism
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Complete List: Tarot Card Meanings
Karina, author of Tarot in 5 Minutes.
