The Four of Swords calls on the P.E.N.S.I. Method by combining Position, Element, Numerology, Symbolism, and Intuition into one picture of rest after strain. This card marks a pause that follows effort or conflict. It shows the moment where motion stops so repair can begin. The focus is not escape, but recovery.
In this card, working through P.E.N.S.I. reminds us that rest is part of the cycle of action. Stillness restores clarity. The wisdom of the Four of Swords lies in knowing when to step back so strength and focus can return, whether upright or reversed.
Four of Swords, 1st Layer of Context: Position
In position, the Four of Swords signals a pause between events. It appears when action has already happened and recovery must follow. This is not the end of the matter, but a temporary withdrawal so balance can be restored.
2nd Layer of Context: Element of Air
As a card of Air, the Four of Swords works through the mind. Because thoughts have been active, sharp, or strained, air here now asks for quiet. Mental noise must settle before clear thinking can resume. Remember in P.E.N.S.I. air is thought but also communication. Often it is also the source of struggles with others over morals or personal truth.
3rd Layer of Context for Four of Swords: Numerology of Eight
Four brings structure and stability. In the suit of Swords, this stability comes through stopping motion. The number shows the need to create a firm boundary around rest so the mind does not continue to fracture. P.E.N.S.I. also shows eight to be ‘half-way there” and always implies some struggle.
If you haven’t read the first P.E.N.S.I. lesson, you should because it will help you makes sense of the your deck fundamentally.
4th Layer of Context: Symbolism
The resting figure and still swords reflect suspension. Conflict is no longer active. The space itself becomes protective. Symbols emphasize containment, silence, and safety rather than movement or defense.
In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, we see a knight, resting on his sarcophagus. He is alone in a quiet place, inside the church. His own sword lay resting or nearby and three more swords hanging quietly. Notice he is in his armor, ready for battle, but this post is a moment of deep reflection, squaring things before battle.
It is as if he is wondering if the fight is worth it or right while resting from a previous battle. The knight needs rest to recover, but makes use of this period to reevaluate his next course of action.
Remember swords are a symbol of truth, but also a symbol of struggle.
5th Layer of Context: Intuition
Depending on other cards in a spread, the type of spread and nature of the querant’s needs, this card can take on nuances. However, the basic wisdom remains the same. Take time out. Intuitively, the Four of Swords feels like lying still after exhaustion. There is relief in not having to decide or respond. Insight returns when effort is released.
I often know the person I am reading for has an old wound or perhaps surgery that has never healed. When it’s not that, it’s a chronic underlying health condition. Either way, I know if they should not be afflicting themselves with busy-ness. We don’t want that condition to exacerbate and overwhelm them.
Rest and healing are what they need, and time out to do so and practice self-care. Now is not the time to be in battle.
For those seeking healing, all quartz are great healers, but try golden healer, also known as the golden ray. In addition, I have often paired it with amethyst. Of course, don’t be shy about seeking professional medical advice.
Large crystals in free form shape.
Reversed Meaning
Reversed, the Four of Swords shows resistance to rest. The mind keeps moving despite fatigue. Recovery is delayed, which can lead to stress or mistakes. Ignoring the pause weakens future action.
Sympathetic Decks
Decks with strong monastic, medieval, or minimalist imagery emphasize the withdrawal and recovery themes of this card especially well. Remember that all decks are sympathetic their era’s and their creators.
In my Witches’ Tarot by Ellen Dugan, the Four of Swords pictures a woman, walking outside the city walls, dragging one sword while holding pussywillow in the other arm (a symbol of healing). Also, the other three swords are lined up leaning against the wall.
She is alone, taking a walk out side the city, laying down the struggles. Very similar meaning and insights can be deduced from these symbols.
Divination tools and tarot decks.
Correspondences
- Astrology: Jupiter in Libra
- Element: Air
- Planet: Jupiter
- Number: 4
- Rest
Tarot Spell: Four of Swords
For this you will need the Four of Swords card, one blue or white candle, a small piece of paper and a black ink pen. A fire-proof dish helps.
Set the candle above or just behind the card. On the paper, write what you are choosing to rest from. Keep it short. One or two sentences is enough. Fold the paper once, then place it beneath the four of swords facing upright.
Light the candle and sit quietly for a few minutes. Do not try to solve anything. Let your body settle.
Say: “I choose rest without guilt. I allow quiet to restore me. What is strained may mend. What is tired may stop.”
Let the candle burn safely for a short time, then extinguish it. Leave the card and paper together overnight. The next day, finish the candle and burn the paper the next day.
Tarot Spell: Four of Swords (Reversed)
To release anxiety tied to overthinking and allow rest to take place. You will need The Four of Swords card, one gray or black candle, a small piece of paper, a black ink pen and a fire-safe dish.
Place the Four of Swords reversed on your surface. Set the candle above the card. On the paper, write what keeps you from resting. Use honest words. No polish. Fold the paper away from you.
Light the candle. Say: “I release the need to push. I stop running my mind into the ground. Rest happens, I allow it and release resistance to it.”
Carefully burn the paper in the dish. When it is reduced to ash, turn the card upright. Extinguish the candle. Leave the card upright where you can see it until rest comes naturally. Know that you can take time out from people and being busy and rest.
Final Notes and Conclusion
The Four of Swords teaches that rest is not failure. It is a necessary stage between effort and renewal. When honored, it restores balance and prepares the way forward.
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