Two of Swords
Impasse
“I can’t decide whether you should live or die.”
I Can’t Decide, Scissor Sisters
Two of Swords at a glance
Finbarre’s interpretation: The Two of Swords holds a decision in suspension because the available choices feel equally difficult.
| Upright | a pause before choosing, guarded neutrality, balancing conflicting facts, temporary truce, emotional protection |
|---|---|
| Reversed | indecision becoming avoidance, hidden information, false balance, emotional shutdown, duplicity |
| Linked card | The High Priestess |
| Soundtrack | Under Pressure - Remastered 2011 by Queen, David Bowie Open the full Tarot Interviews playlist on Spotify |
Upright meanings
- A pause before choosing
- Guarded neutrality
- Balancing conflicting facts
- Temporary truce
- Emotional protection
- Withholding judgement
- Careful deliberation
- A difficult compromise
- Maintaining boundaries
- Refusing pressure
Reversed meanings
- Indecision becoming avoidance
- Hidden information
- False balance
- Emotional shutdown
- Duplicity
- A forced choice
- Confusion
- Delayed consequences
- Mistrust
- Refusing to see what is known
Two of Swords in a reading
| Area | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Love | Communication: Withholding judgement. Reversed: A forced choice. |
| Career | Work: Careful deliberation; a difficult compromise. Warning: Confusion. |
| Money | Financial theme: Maintaining boundaries. Warning: Mistrust. |
| Feelings | Upright: Balancing conflicting facts. Reversed: False balance. |
| Advice | Prioritise: Refusing pressure. Watch for: Refusing to see what is known. |
| Outcome | Potential: Emotional protection. Obstacle: Duplicity. |
| Yes or no | Maybe. More information or an honest choice is needed. |
Symbols in Two of Swords
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The blindfold | Information or feeling is being deliberately excluded. |
| The crossed swords | Opposing positions are held in exact but tiring balance. |
| The calm sea | Emotion appears contained, though rocks remain visible. |
| The crescent moon | Only partial illumination is available. |
A. E. Waite's original description
A hoodwinked female figure balances two swords upon her shoulders.
Waite's original divinatory meanings
Upright:
Conformity and the equipoise which it suggests, courage, friendship, concord in a state of arms; another reading gives tenderness, affection, intimacy. The suggestion of harmony and other favourable readings must be considered in a qualified manner, as Swords generally are not symbolical of beneficent forces in human affairs.
Reversed:
Imposture, falsehood, duplicity, disloyalty.
Source: A. E. Waite, The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, first published in 1910, with illustrations by Pamela Colman Smith.
Continue through the deck
- Previous card: Ace of Swords
- Next card: Three of Swords
Written and interpreted by Finbarre Snarey, tarot researcher, founder of the British Tarot Archive and coordinator of the UK living heritage submission for Rider-Waite-Smith tarot reading practice.
These interpretations reflect Finbarre Snarey’s understanding of contemporary Rider-Waite-Smith tarot practice. They are provided for education, reflection and entertainment only and should not be treated as medical, legal, financial, psychological or relationship advice.
