conflict Archives - Coexist - The Alternative Path

Five of Swords

Gregory — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 19:08:36 +0000

The Five of Swords calls on the P.E.N.S.I. Method by combining Position, Element, Numerology, Symbolism, and Intuition into one picture of conflict without true victory. Embarrassment and perhaps humiliation are involved. This card marks a clash where someone walks away satisfied but not fulfilled. It shows the moment where winning costs more than the gain itself. The focus is not triumph, but consequence.

In this card, working through P.E.N.S.I. reminds us that conflict often leaves imbalance behind. Thought may win, but harmony does not. The wisdom of the Five of Swords lies in understanding the difference between being right and being whole, whether upright or reversed.

Five of Swords, 1st Layer of Context: Position

In position, the Five of Swords signals disagreement, tension, or a struggle for dominance. It appears when one side pushes beyond cooperation into personal agenda. This is not resolution, but fracture that still echoes.

2nd Layer of Context: Element of Air

As a card of Air, the Five of Swords works through thought and communication. Words become weapons and ideas become barriers. Air here disrupts rather than clarifies. 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 Five of Swords: Numerology of Five

Remember, in P.E.N.S.I., fives are always “sorrow, loss, regret” and the five brings instability and disruption. In the suit of Swords, this disruption comes through disagreement and imbalance. The number shows the breakdown of harmony after a conflict.

If you haven’t read the first P.E.N.S.I. lesson, you should because it will help you makes sense of your fundamental deck (earth, air, fire, and water / pentacles, swords, wands, and cups.)

4th Layer of Context: Symbolism

The standing figure with gathered swords and the departing figures reflect separation. Conflict is technically over but not resolved. Symbols emphasize imbalance, pride, and the emptiness of hollow victory rather than cooperation.

In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, we see a man collecting swords while two figures walk away. The sky is unsettled and the ground bare. The figure holds more swords than needed, suggesting possession rather than purpose. The figures walking away give the impression of some humiliation and embarrassment.

It is as if the struggle mattered more than the outcome itself. The winner stands alone because the price of the win was connection.

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. Consider whether the fight matters. Intuitively, the Five of Swords feels like tension after harsh words. The mind replays events searching for justification rather than peace.

I often know the person I am reading for is holding onto a disagreement longer than necessary. Sometimes they have been right but still unsettled. When it’s not that, they are in a situation where someone insists on winning instead of understanding.

When I am reading and the five of swords presents, I see what feels like public humiliation and embarrassment. Letting go restores balance. Not every battle restores truth and some victories damage relationships. This is your chance to be a good sport, take the high road. Otherwise, they may just sharpen their knives for more.

The reader must also discern, is the client feeling humiliated or embarrassed, or did they humiliate and embarrass someone? I find it’s usually the client feeling humiliated.

For those seeking grounding after conflict, hematite helps settle scattered thought. I have often paired it with smoky quartz to release lingering tension. Chalcedony comes to mind too.

Reversed Meaning

Reversed, the Five of Swords shows reconciliation or the willingness to step away from conflict. Pride softens and communication may repair damage. Avoidance can also appear if the issue remains unspoken. This is more or less the generic-type info out there in internet land. What I see is public humiliation and embarrassment but now holding a grudge.

Sometimes conflict with domineering person,

Sympathetic Decks

Decks with stark emotional imagery emphasize the aftermath of conflict especially well. Remember that all decks are sympathetic their era’s and their creators.

In my Witches’ Tarot by Ellen Dugan, the Five of Swords shows five swords pointing down. The points meet at a dragonfly, a symbol of air. Four fairies representing the four elements fly merrily around the sharp edges. What’s the real danger here? The sharp edges of the swords? Or is it the trickery of the Fae?

Very similar meaning and insights can be deduced from these symbols.

Divination tools and tarot decks.

Correspondences

Planet: Venus
Sign: Aquarius
Element: Air
Number: Conflict
Golden Dawn: Lord of Defeat

Tarot Spell: Five of Swords

For this you will need the Five of Swords card, one gray 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 conflict you are releasing. Keep it short. One or two sentences is enough. Fold the paper once, then place it beneath the five of swords facing upright.

Light the candle and sit quietly for a few minutes. Do not rehearse arguments. Let the tension settle.

Say: “I release the need to win. I release the need to be right. What is broken may rest. What is strained may end.”

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: Five of Swords (Reversed)

To restore peace after conflict and allow resolution to take place. You will need The Five of Swords card, one white candle, a small piece of paper, a black ink pen and a fire-safe dish.

Place the Five of Swords reversed on your surface. Set the candle above the card. On the paper, write what peace you allow to return. Fold the paper toward you.

Light the candle. Say: “I choose understanding over victory. I allow quiet where conflict stood. Peace returns where pride stood guard.”

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 calm returns naturally.

If you are suffering from a domineering person, perhaps consider making healthy boundaries. Speak your truth.

Final Notes and Conclusion

The Five of Swords teaches that not every victory restores balance. When understood, it encourages discernment about which struggles deserve energy and which should be released.

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We have many Divination Tools; tarot decks, oracle cards, pendulums, crystal balls etc. on our site and in our metaphysical shop, come visit! You can also book an in-store or online tarot reading with me or one of our trusted tarot readers.

Today’s Featured Deck

Murder of Crows Tarot by Corrado Roi. As an omen bringer, messenger, and scavenger, the crow has no master. It brings you the answers you need, although not always what you wanted. This captivating deck by Corrado Roi presents crows in all their gothic glory.

It awakens your soul, bringing enlightenment as well as fear and disquiet.

In striking black and white, this deck is a necessary addition to your collection. 78 Cards with Book.

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Five of Wands

Gregory — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 11:25:45 +0000

The Five of Wands hits with noise and friction, and conflict waits in each corner. It is easy to learn this card with my P.E.N.S.I Method First, this card brings heat that forces growth through struggle. Next, it pushes you to face truth instead of hiding. Tension rises fast, and it refuses to soften. Still, you learn what you want when everything feels loud.

This post uses my P.E.N.S.I Method Position, Element, Numerology, Symbolism, and Intuition to build a full picture of the card, and it gives structure. Next, each layer adds shape, meaning, and guidance, and you can use it right now.

Five of Wands, 1st Layer of Context: Position

We are not concerned with position in a reading just yet. In the future, I’ll be doing lots of spreads. But for now, for a little context, it’s going to be about clashes at work or on creative projects.

This card drops when voices collide, and it demands your full attention. Next, it shows stress, rivalry, and strong wills that clash hard, so courage matters. Then, it asks you to choose action instead of silence, and it reminds you to move. Still, it suggests that chaos can build strength when you stay grounded, and it pushes you to hold steady. Finally, it points to hard talks, group challenges, or inner storms, so presence matters.

How do you remember that? Well, don’t memorize, learn to associate instead. If you have not, read the first P.E.N.S.I. lesson, it will help you make sense of tarot cards much easier.

2nd Layer of Context: Element is Fire

In P.E.N.S.I., fire is passion and often career and creative endeavors. It’s all about what we are passionate about. Very simple. Remember, fire maybe destructive, but it is always creating. One thing falls away or is undone, and something new is created that takes its place.

First, the Five of Wands lives in Fire, and it speaks with bold force. Next, this element burns with passion and sharp truth, so it clears confusion. Then, it pushes movement when things feel stuck, and it wakes sleeping power. Still, conflict flares because each person holds strong need, so tension builds. Later, Fire clears the air and forces honesty, and it strips away lies. Finally, it brings heat that shapes strength, not ruin, so power grows.

3rd Layer of Context for Five of Wands: Numerology of Five

Five in P.EN.S.I. is always about sorrow, loss, regret or all three. And this always precedes a better time, and one should have hope of better. First, five marks change and the breaking of old patterns. Next, it pulls you from comfort and shakes loose what no longer fits. Then, it shows a turning point when struggle must lead to motion. Still, it teaches that change feels rough before it feels right. Finally, it calls for courage and clear direction, so you can rise.

4th Layer of Context: Symbolism

First, the raised wands show challenge and clashing goals. Next, the scattered ground shows weak footing, so balance matters. Then, the open sky shows space to grow. Still, the bodies in motion show skill built through effort, so practice counts. Finally, the bright colors show energy that refuses to dim. This is along the lines of generic descriptions found in guidebooks.

But if we examine the symbols with a lens of “actual life”, that is all true, but I get a lot more out of it. Knowing this is about passion, creative projects, career matters, ask if it looks like people are getting along. I do not think so. It looks like conflict, not war, but conflict.

I see conflict, disagreements, challenges like petty squabbling in the workplace or in a coven or tight social group. There is a real need to put some serious effort into problem solving.

5th Layer of Context: Intuition

First, listen close because the Five of Wands pushes honesty. Next, step forward instead of stepping aside. Still, speak what burns inside you, and hold your ground without cruelty. Finally, trust your fire, so strength leads you.

When all the factors of P.E.N.S.I. come together, you get the above. But, more specific, I often know there’s a clash of creative ideas, everyone pushing their ideas to the point of bruising other’s egos. I challenge the client I am reading for to take leadership, acknowledge other people’s ideas, give them kudos. Strive to see how all those ideas can work together, the sum of the ideas are greater than the ideas alone.

Reversed Meaning

First, when reversed, tension turns toxic, and peace breaks down. Next, it shows shouting without reason and battles without aim, so you must stop wasting strength. Still, reset the field before blame grows. Finally, step back and choose calm, so truth can breathe. It still warrants taking a leadership role, and a higher road.

Sympathetic Decks

In its era, this would have been about serious business, and grand projects with large scale. But in this day and age it can fit just about any work environment or creative group. This card pairs well with decks that show sharp lines and bold color but whose art includes heat, motion and real bodies.

All versions of the Rider–Waite deck have depictions of five “combatants”. The deck I use the most these days and professionally, (Ellen Dugan’s Witches’ Tarot) features dragon riders, but again, it’s not war, just competition of egos that is unhealthy for the group.

Correspondences

Planet: Saturn
Sign: Leo
Element: Fire
Number: Conflict
Golden Dawn: Lord of Strife

Tarot Spell: Five of Wands

First, place the Five of Wands card before you, and set a candle just above it to call in fire. Next, stand with your feet firm and hold a wand or branch in your strong hand, so your body feels grounded. Then focus on the card and speak the conflict aloud and let your voice shake loose blocked heat. Strike the ground once and name the result you choose, so the action becomes real.

Finally, let wax fall near the card without touching it, and thank the flame for the strength now set in motion. Think conflict resolution, and a meeting of the minds, an acceptable agreement.

Tarot Spell: Ace of Wands (Reversed)

First, place the Five of Wands card face up beside a bowl of water, so calm surrounds the fire. Next, write each conflict you must end on a small slip of paper, and speak them with steady breath. Then rest your fingers on the card and read the list aloud, so the tension leaves your body.

Fold the paper tight and drop it into the water, and watch the words soften. Finally, tilt the card away from you and walk forward without looking back, so release becomes truth. Use this spell when you seek an end to a conflict you believe will not end but need to walk away from.

Final Note

First, the Five of Wands asks for bold strength. Next, it shows struggle that teaches power through fire. Still, you rise when you move with purpose. Finally, choose battles with care, and step forward with intent.

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The Dreamkeepers Tarot reflects Huston’s own spiritual healing journey. As a result, the deck carries layers of emotional insight and mystical symbolism. Although rooted in tradition, it also presents fresh artwork made just for this edition. You’ll find each image layered with alchemical meaning, emotion, and transformation.

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Ten of Swords

Gregory — Wed, 27 May 2026 11:25:43 +0000

In the P.E.N.S.I. method, The Ten of Swords is the final collapse of the suit of Air. In the Rider-Waite image, a figure lies face down beneath a dark sky, pierced by ten swords. At first glance, the imagery appears catastrophic. However, the rising sun in the distance reveals the deeper truth of the card: the worst has already happened, and a new cycle is preparing to begin.

The P.E.N.S.I. method teaches tarot through layered association rather than rigid memorization. Therefore, we examine the Ten of Swords through Position, Element, Numerology, Symbolism, and Intuition. Together, these layers reveal why this card represents painful endings, mental collapse, betrayal, and ultimate release.

Ten of Swords, 1st Layer: Position

The Ten of Swords stands at the absolute end of the Sword suit. Therefore, it represents completion through exhaustion and finality. Unlike earlier Sword cards that still contain struggle or resistance, the Ten shows a situation that can no longer continue.

This position matters because Tens complete cycles. Therefore, the Ten of Swords often appears when something has fully run its course — a belief, relationship, conflict, identity, or way of thinking.

2nd Layer of Context: Element of Air

The suit of Swords corresponds with the element of Air. Therefore, this card rules thought, perception, communication, truth, and mental processes.

In the Ten of Swords, Air reaches total overload. Therefore, the mind collapses under pressure, conflict, truth, or betrayal. This card often appears when someone has mentally or emotionally hit bottom.

However, Air also clears space after destruction. Therefore, this card can indicate painful truth leading to eventual liberation.

3rd Layer of Context for Ten of Swords: Numerology

The number Ten represents completion, ending, and transition into a new cycle. Therefore, the Ten of Swords shows finality more than ongoing suffering.

Unlike the Nine of Swords, which traps the mind in fear, the Ten often indicates that the painful event has already occurred. Therefore, the card can paradoxically contain relief beneath its harsh imagery.

4th Layer: Symbolism

The ten swords embedded in the figure symbolize complete mental or emotional defeat. Therefore, the imagery reflects betrayal, collapse, ruin, or overwhelming truth.

However, the sky is not entirely dark. The sunrise in the distance symbolizes renewal after destruction. Therefore, the card quietly reminds us that endings create space for transformation.

The calm water in the background further softens the scene. Therefore, despite the violence of the image, the energy of the card is strangely still and complete.

5th Layer of Context: Intuition

Intuitively, the Ten of Swords feels final. However, it also feels strangely quiet after chaos. This card often appears when resistance is no longer possible and acceptance becomes necessary.

Sometimes it represents betrayal from others. Other times it reflects the collapse of false beliefs, denial, or self-destructive thinking. Therefore, the intuitive lesson often involves surrendering to necessary endings rather than fighting them endlessly.

When this card presents, I know the querant has been hanging out with one or more toxic persons.

Ten of Swords: Reversed Meaning

Reversed, the Ten of Swords can indicate recovery after devastation or slowly rebuilding after collapse. Therefore, it may point toward resilience, survival, and healing.

However, reversed can also indicate refusing to let an ending occur. Therefore, it may show someone clinging to pain, replaying betrayal, or resisting necessary closure.

Often it can mean up to and include physical harm from another person or persons. I always advise folk to come away quietly from such people immediately for their own sake.

Sympathetic Decks

The Ten of Swords works especially well in decks emphasizing shadow work, gothic imagery, emotional realism, or dramatic transformation. Symbol-heavy decks and darker occult decks often intensify this card’s themes of ending and rebirth.

My current deck of choice, the Witches’ Tarot by Ellen Dugan is in almost all aspects similar. In reviewing other decks about the Ten of Swords, I find the meanings almost universal.

Correspondences

Planet: Sun
Sign: Gemini
Element: Air
Number: Ten
Golden Dawn: Lord of Ruin

Tarot Spell: Ten of Swords

Place the Ten of Swords beside a black candle and a dark stone. Light the candle while focusing on one situation, thought pattern, or attachment that has clearly reached its end.

Write the situation down on a small piece of paper. Fold the paper away from yourself and place it beneath the card overnight. Therefore, the ritual symbolizes accepting closure and releasing what can no longer continue.

The next morning, remove the paper from your home or safely burn it in a fire-safe container.

Never leave a lit candle unattended. Snuff it out and relight later if needed.

Tarot Spell: Ten of Swords Reversed

Place the reversed Ten of Swords beside a white candle and a small bowl of salt water. Light the candle while focusing on recovery, resilience, and survival after hardship.

Then write three things you are ready to rebuild or heal within yourself. Leave the paper beneath the card for one full day. Therefore, the ritual focuses on healing after collapse and recognizing survival as strength rather than weakness.

Never leave a lit candle unattended. Snuff it out and relight later if needed.

Final Notes

The Ten of Swords is not merely a card of destruction. It is the card of reaching the absolute end of something that can no longer continue. However painful that ending may be, it also creates the possibility of renewal.

The card ultimately teaches that some endings are unavoidable, but they are not meaningless. Once the old cycle fully collapses, the sunrise finally becomes visible.

Honestly? You’re better off making healthy boundaries with toxic people before it gets to this point.

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Two of Swords

Gregory — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 15:03:06 +0000

The Two of Swords follows the Ace and introduces the first tension within the suit of swords. In the P.E.N.S.I. system, this card marks the moment where truth is present, but choice is avoided.

The mind and the heart are not in agreement. This card speaks to suspension and emotional neutrality. P.E.N.S.I. frames it as the pause where thought blocks feeling in order to maintain balance.

Two of Swords, 1st Layer of Context: Position

As usual, we’re not into a tarot spread yet, but position is the first layer of context in P.E.N.S.I. Depending on the designated position of the spread, the Two of Swords can change meaning.

It can land in past, present or future positions. All cards take on context given by the position a card falls in. Context also comes from the intent of the spread, not only from past, present, or future positions. For instance, is it a love or romance spread, or is the pull about money and success?

Once I have covered all the cards, I will start covering tarot spreads.

2nd Layer of Context: Element is Air

If you recall from the first P.E.N.S.I. lesson, air rules thought, speech, and judgement. In the Two of Swords, air becomes still. Thought is active, but expression is suppressed.

This is the quiet tension of knowing something but choosing not to engage with it. Silence is used as a shield.

3rd Layer of Context for Two of Swords: Numerology of Two

If you recall from the first P.E.N.S.I. lesson, two represents polarity, choice and balance. It is the awareness of opposing forces. In swords, this becomes mental stalemate.

Two here is not harmony. It is a holding pattern. Neither option is chosen, so energy remains locked.

Fourth Layer of Context: Symbolism

A blindfolded figure sits with two swords crossed over the chest. The posture is defensive and closed. The blindfold represents chosen blindness, not ignorance.

Water rests behind the figure, symbolizing emotion held at bay. The swords cross in equal measure, showing balance through resistance rather than resolution.

This card warns that balance achieved through denial cannot last forever.

Fifth Layer of Context: Intuition

Now, putting all the other P.E.N.S.I. layers together in a reading, you will surprise yourself with what you know. I consider where the querent is emotionally frozen. Often, they already understand the truth, but fear what happens once it is acknowledged.

I tell clients this card buys time, but at a cost. Eventually, a choice must be made.

Ace of Swords: Reversed Meaning

Reversed, the Two of Swords shows the breakdown of avoidance. Information pushes through. Emotions surface whether invited or not.

Sometimes this brings relief. Other times it brings tears. Either way, the stalemate ends. This is being forced to face suppressed emotions.

Sympathetic Decks

Most decks stay close to the Rider-Waite-Smith imagery for this card. Some modern decks soften the blindfold symbolism, while others emphasize emotional shutdown.

In my Witches’ Tarot by Ellen Dugan, the card leans into inner conflict rather than outer defense. Other decks may depict sharper tension, but the meaning remains consistent.

Correspondences

Planet: Moon
Sign: Libra
Element: Air
Number: Balance
Golden Dawn: Lord of Peace Restored

Tarot Spell: Upright Two of Swords

Place the Two of Swords on your altar. Light a gray or white candle. Sit quietly with your eyes closed. Name the choice you are avoiding. Do not decide yet. Simply acknowledge it exists. Let the candle burn safely.

Tarot Spell — Reversed Ace of Swords

Lay the Two of Swords reversed on your altar. Light a blue candle. Remove the blindfold in your mind. Speak one truth you have been withholding. Sit with the card until tension eases.

Final Note

The Two of Swords does not remove truth. It delays it. Balance built on silence will eventually demand resolution.

We have many Divination Tools; tarot, oracle, pendulums, crystal balls etc. on our site and in our metaphysical shop, come visit!

Today’s Featured Deck

Make tarot personal with the Make Your Own Tarot Deck Coloring Book. This creative book turns your tarot practice into an artful experience. You can relax, color, and craft a deck that fully reflects your energy.

Inside the book, you will find all 78 tarot cards waiting for your personal touch. Each page includes intricate illustrations designed to inspire your creativity. Moreover, the detailed artwork encourages you to explore your intuition while you color.

Make Your Own Tarot Deck includes all 78 tarot cards: 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana.
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