Five of Swords
Welcome to season 8 of this podcast, where I am talking all about the Suit of Swords. I’ll be going through each card in the suit, one per episode.
What we explore in this episode:
How the Five of Swords reveals lessons around conflict, boundaries, and burnout
Symbolism across decks: heartbreak, crossed swords, and wounded hearts across multiple decks
What this card teaches about fighting for your values without losing your empathy
The shadow side of overexertion, martyrdom, or success at the expense of others
Pictures from the decks I talked about today referenced from left to right:
The Goddess of Love Tarot Deck: A Book and Deck for Embodying The Erotic Divine Feminine by Gabriela Herstik and illustrated by Julia Popescu
Therapists Who Tarot Deck, Prompts by Dreya Blume and Images by Rebecca Bloom
In this episode, we look at the Five of Swords as a card of friction, fragmentation, personal sovereignty, and the consequences of boundary-setting or overreaching.
Conflict reveals more about what needs tending within us than who we are up against. Whether you’re in a time of burnout or needing to assert your needs, this card asks you to slow down, reflect, recalibrate, and choose your battles wisely. Your energy is finite; sometimes stepping back is more powerful than charging ahead.
The Five of Swords asks: Are you honoring your limits, or letting the fear of disappointing others cut into your well-being?
If you haven't listened to my other seasons yet, go check them out!
Season 1 - Tarot basics
Seasons 2 & 3 - Major Arcana and 4 suits
Season 4 - Tarot in Pop Culture
Season 5 - Tarot Spreads
Season 6 - Suit of Wands
Season 7 - Suit of Pentacles
Today's Tarot Pull:
From The Citadel: A Fantasy Oracleby Fen Inkwright, I pulled The Astronomer. This card invites us to zoom out and reflect on the big picture. It speaks to inner vision, cosmic timing, and intuitive knowing, reminding us that some answers don’t come from history or logic but from trust in our own internal compass. You’re in a complex situation, but staying curious and observing the bigger patterns at play can bring clarity.
Reflective prompts on this card:
Where in your life are you getting caught in the details instead of seeing the bigger picture?
Are you trying to win an argument when you’re really just feeling unseen?
What would shift if you let go of being right and chose inner peace instead?
Ways to Connect & Support
Patreon: For monthly hangouts, tarot Q&As, individual readings, and behind-the-scenes peeks, join the Every Day Tarot Patreon family.
Newsletter: Get my FREE 2025 5-Card Tarot Spread PDF + weekly musings, event invites, and magic straight to your inbox.
Let’s Talk Tarot Meetup: If you’re Local to the Greater Puget Sound area check out the Let’s Talk Tarot Meetup group for the latest event postings.
If you’re NOT local to my area, you can join me for a VIRTUAL tarot card creation event on Friday June 20th at 5pm Pacific Daylight Time. I’ll give you a list of recommended supplies, we’ll meet online, and I’ll walk you through the process of creating your own cards. Get the date on your calendar now and be on the lookout for the signup page coming soon!
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Book a Consultation: I’m a sex & relationships therapist working virtually across Washington. I specialize in helping queer, kinky, polyamorous, and witchy folks navigate anxiety, chronic illness, communication, and identity work. Let’s see if we’re a fit: camilleasaunders.com
