

Two of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
The Two of Swords is a card that symbolizes the balance between opposing forces. It shows us how negative and positive experiences can each be necessary in order for us to find balance within ourselves. Depending on whether you choose to accept or suppress such conflict, your outcome will be either positive or negative.
- Element: Air
- Planet: Moon
- Astrological sign: Libra
- Key dates: September 23rd to October 2nd
VISUAL ELEMENTS AND SYMBOLISM
The Two of Swords shows an illustration of a woman wearing a blindfold and a white robe, holding two swords across her body. The pictorial indicates she’s perplexed about something in her life, but unable to identify what the exact problem is.
The two swords with the woman are perfectly balanced, which means that she is thoughtfully considering her next move.
Behind the woman, there are rocky islands and a vast sea of water. The woman’s surroundings are representative of the obstacles she will face, and how careful she must be when navigating them.
THE TWO OF SWORDS AS A PERSON
The Two of Swords is a person who avoids conflict at all costs. They are extremely aware of their surroundings, and if they find themselves in an unhealthy environment—one that spreads negativity or causes unhappiness among others —they will leave as quickly as possible.
They make many decisions based on the needs of others, and they will do what they can to make sure everyone around them is happy and healthy.
The Two of Swords points to someone who is secretive about their thoughts, feelings, and life in general. They tend to keep things bottled up inside rather than share them with other people—whether that’s a result of fear or an urge for privacy.
Related Posts:
Upright
THE TWO OF SWORDS UPRIGHT: POSITIVE MEANINGS
When this card appears upright in a reading, it means that you are presented with two options and must decide between them. The Two of Swords is a card of conflict, and it can mean that you’re struggling to decide.
You are presented with two options that are both equally advantageous, making the choice even more complicated. To make the right decision, you must combine your heart and mind to weigh your pros/cons.
LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS
The Two of Swords is all about making decisions, but not necessarily the kind you’re used to. This card can mean that you need to choose between two people you’re dating, or it can symbolize a single person avoiding new relationships altogether.
You may be feeling emotionally torn between two different people, places, or things—or you may feel like you’re trapped between two decisions.
If you’ve been in a serious relationship for a while and the Two of Swords is coming up in your readings, it likely indicates a tipping point. You may be intentionally cold or closed off to avoid exposing your emotions. In this case, it’s time to decide if you’re going to continue this relationship and make changes accordingly.
CAREER
At this moment, you’re facing an important career choice. You may be conflicted between two job options or involved in a conflict at work that has left you feeling caught in the middle.
You must gather as much information about each option as you can, and then use your intuition to make the best decision possible.
MONEY
If you receive the Two of Hearts upright, it may indicate financial difficulties. Whether you are seeking employment or looking for ways to cut your expenses and increase your income, this card is advising that it’s time for realism about money matters. You will need to learn budgeting skills to get more financially stable.
HEALTH
The Two of Swords is a card that’s all about conflict. It’s usually a sign that you’re in the midst of some kind of internal battle, and it can be pretty exhausting. You may be having trouble opening up and being vulnerable, which could be affecting your mental and physical health.
The Two of Swords symbolizes an inner conflict—something important to you (like your beliefs) is being tested by something else (something that may be contrary to your beliefs). You’re probably feeling emotionally drained from guarding yourself against the thing that’s challenging you.
Reversed
THE TWO OF SWORDS REVERSED: NEGATIVE MEANINGS
The Two of Swords in the reversed position says that you are feeling emotionally blocked and wish you could let your feelings out.
The Two of Swords is a card that represents your decision-making process. This can be a very challenging time for you because when you feel consumed by your thoughts and fears, it can feel impossible to make any decisions at all.
The Two of Swords is a card that shows you coping with your fears by acting emotionally detached from them—and yourself. You’re not sure how to reconcile the different needs and desires within yourself, so instead, you cut yourself off from them entirely.
LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS
The Two of Swords is a card that indicates that you might be experiencing intense anxiety due to withholding your emotions. This can hurt your relationships, as you may find yourself distancing yourself from your partner instead of properly communicating.
If you’re single, dating can be a very anxiety-provoking experience. You may be afraid of opening up to someone else and feel like you can’t afford to make a mistake. You may even avoid dating completely.
When it comes to dating, the Two of Swords is all about taking risks. Getting out of your comfort zone is crucial for you to grow and evolve as a person.
If you’ve lost your faith in love, this is a great opportunity to prove yourself wrong. Make an effort to spend time with friends—even if it’s just as a distraction from the real problems plaguing your life right now! A reconnection will do wonders for both you and others.
You may have to force yourself out of your comfort zone, but once you do that, you’ll realize how wonderful it feels to be surrounded by people who care about you.
CAREER
The Two of Swords indicates that you are experiencing a highly stressful dispute at work. You could be losing business, waiting on a promotion, or just feeling out of control in general. It’s important to alert issues to others because if you don’t, you may start to feel isolated and alone in solving them.
MONEY
The Two of Swords suggests that you have a realistic and honest attitude toward your finances. Use this perspective to create a concrete plan for financial stability, and use the strength of mind necessary to stay on track.
HEALTH
The Two of Swords is a card that can mean that you are struggling with finding healthy balance. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and lose yourself, but this card is telling you that it’s time to step back and reset your priorities.
Your anxiety and depression can overwhelm you if you do not address them. You need to find some time each day when you can be alone with your thoughts and just breathe, without any distractions or other responsibilities.
Spreads
YOUR PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
The Two of Swords can be a sign that you’re carrying some past imbalances into your current situation.
As you reflect on this card, consider what past imbalances you may be carrying into your relationships. For example, if you’ve experienced a previous relationship failure, this could cause you to be overly cautious with new romantic partners. Or if your childhood was marked by financial instability, this might make it difficult for you to trust others’ intentions when they offer to help you financially.
When the Two of Swords is in the present position, you are being dishonest with yourself. You need to be truthful about the serious issues you are experiencing.
This card represents a time when you may be avoiding something unpleasant or painful—whether it is your feelings or a situation in your life that seems overwhelming. You may be trying to avoid acknowledging that something has happened or will happen.
Recognize that it is not helpful to deny your problems. Instead, look at them objectively and try to come up with solutions that will help you move forward.
If you see the Two of Swords in the future position, it’s a sign that you’re seeing the world without rose-colored glasses. You’ve found new power and confidence in decision-making, and you’ll be able to make tough choices based on what’s best for your future.
IMPORTANT CARD COMBINATIONS
When the Two of Swords combines with other cards, it creates a clearer overall picture for your reading. Some of these other cards will slightly alter the meaning of the Two of Swords, but others won’t have any effect on it.
TWO OF SWORDS AND TOWER
The Two of Swords in combination with the Tower card indicates a major shift coming your way. You will need to make a definitive decision and cannot stay neutral.
You may feel like you are stuck between two choices, but the choice is ultimately yours. The Tower represents the destruction of the old, so you mustn’t look back when making your decision.
TWO OF SWORDS AND CHARIOT
The Two of Swords and chariot together symbolize a new turning point that will present you with a crucial choice. This may be regarding your career or romantic relationships, but you may feel challenged by this decision. However, trying not to overthink the situation will help you make the best decision for yourself and those around you.
TWO OF SWORDS AND DEVIL
When the Two of Swords is combined with the Devil, it can be a sign that you tend to be your worst critic and engage in self-sabotaging behavior. Your coping mechanism for dealing with conflict is to withdraw and isolate yourself. This can be detrimental to team projects and interpersonal relationships.
TWO OF SWORDS: YES OR NO QUESTIONS
If you want to use the Two of Swords for yes or no questions, you should first make sure that you are in a place where your mind is clear and at peace. If your mind is not at peace, then it will be difficult for you to receive an affirmative response from this card.