In the Minor Arcana, all of the aces mark the beginning of their respective suits. The nature of this beginning is dictated by the suit — will it be economical, emotional, or something else entirely?
The suit of Swords deals with logic and the intellect, which gives the Ace of Swords a very special meaning in readings.
About Ace of Swords
- Keywords: Clarity, intellect, inspired ideas
- Keywords (Reversed): Arguments, confusion, a loss of focus
- Yes or No: Yes
- Yes or No (Reversed): Yes
- Element: Air
- Zodiac Signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
The suit of Swords is tied to the element of Air. In the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot, the Ace of Swords is depicted as a glowing hand emerging from a gray cloud. The hand grasps a sword, with a golden crown encircling the tip.
Greenery hands from either side of the crown, and small flames in the shape of the Hebrew letter “Yod” appear in the air near the hilt. Below, the landscape appears bleak, craggy, and barren, with lots of mountain peaks thrust upward just like the sword.
This card is rich in symbolism. It’s often considered to indicate triumph over confusion or deception, which is highlighted by the crown.
It’s unclear what species the greenery represents, but it may be another representation of the pomegranate and palm motif used to represent feminine and masculine energies in other cards.
In alchemical circles, Yod is sometimes used as a representation of the divine spark that seeks to reunite with its creator.
The sword is double-edged, which is a very deliberate choice. In some contexts, the meaning of the Ace of Swords doesn’t change much between its upright and reversed orientation. All that changes are the results.
Upright, the querent benefits from clarity, focus, and information. Reversed, they only think they’re well-informed, and the results are often disastrous.
This symbolism is backed up is other tarot decks, which depict the sword adorned with red and white roses. Their color, as well as the combination of flower and thorn, highlight the duality of the Ace of Swords.
Mountains are typically used to signify a difficulty or delay. In this case, the tip of the sword points upward, over and away from the mountains, suggesting that the querent has or will soon triumph over the problems facing them.
See also: Check out Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot decks here.
Ace of Swords Meaning (Upright)
When upright, this card typically represents a kind of breakthrough moment. The suit of Swords and element of Air are both associated with intelligence, so this is likely to be an “aha” moment or time of mental clarity and focus.
It’s important to remember that swords are weapons, too. Aside from intellect, this card also represents authority and asserting one’s will. In spreads where this card shows up to clarify the meaning of another, it may indicate intensity.
This card often appears in spreads related to justice and legal trouble. In this context, it’s a very good sign — the truth will be revealed.
Ace of Swords Meaning (Reversed)
Reversed, the meaning doesn’t really change — but the results do. You are likely to think that you’re acting from an assertive, well-informed place, but may actually be experiencing confusion.
It often shows up when you’re placed in a situation where you only think you’re making the right choice. If you’re looking for clarity about a problem you’re facing, now isn’t the time to make a decision. You have a lot of misinformation and obfuscation to work through first.
See also: Check out alternate Tarot decks here.
Ace of Swords Meaning – Love & Relationships (Upright)
Even when upright, the Ace of Swords isn’t a great omen for relationships. Love tends to cloud the mind, whereas this card is all about clarity, focus, and cutting through deception.
Issues are likely to arise in your love life right now, and it’s best if you face them honestly and objectively. Have your feelings allowed you to ignore red flags in your relationship? It’s time to start paying attention to them.
This card can also indicate connecting with someone over intellectual topics.
Ace of Swords Meaning – Love & Relationships (Reversed)
When reversed, the Ace of Swords points to even more confusion in a relationship. At its best, it may indicate that miscommunications are causing problems. At worst, it can point to deliberate gaslighting.
Remember, swords are used to cut things. Sometimes, severing ties with someone is the most positive step you can take.
If you aren’t in a relationship yet, this card says that now isn’t a good time to start. Right now, you might be an attractive target to someone who thinks they can take advantage of you.
While you may want a partner, the Ace of Swords indicates that there’s a mental block preventing a healthy relationship right now.
See also: Check out the current top 100 Best-Selling Tarot books in the USA here.
Ace of Swords Meaning – As Feelings (Upright)
Upright, the Ace of Swords can indicate strong positive emotions. As a card of logic and thought, it’s highly likely that this person feels a deep intellectual connection to you.
They appreciate you and feel they can be honest with you. It’s a good omen for the start of a relationship, though it may be a bit before this person is able to truly open up.
Ace of Swords Meaning – As Feelings (Reversed)
Reversed, the Ace of Swords points to confusion. This person either doesn’t know how they feel or is mired in a fog of misunderstanding.
It’s also possible that they don’t feel an intellectual connection here or have trouble telling you their true feelings. There’s something blocking their ability to communicate.
Ace of Swords Meaning – As Reconciliation (Upright)
The Ace of Swords upright describes new perspectives, ideas and ideas. Your ex has had the opportunity to reminisce and remember how good they had it, and it’s given them a different way of thinking. A reconciliation is possible here.
As an Ace card, the Ace of Swords can also indicate a fresh start with someone else. This card can show that you’ve both learned a lot from your past relationship and are ready to move on.
Ace of Swords Meaning – As Reconciliation (Reversed)
Reversed, the Ace of Swords represents a treadmill of unproductive, confused, or even destructive thinking. Someone here is stuck rehashing the past in a way that isn’t helpful.
As a result, the potential for a new beginning is blocked. If you attempt a reconciliation now, it’s unlikely to lead to a healthy, honest relationship.
Ace of Swords Meaning – Careers, Business & Money (Upright)
The Ace of Swords upright is great news on the career, business, and money front. You either are, or are about to be, in a position that offers you lots of mental stimulation.
There’s likely to be a lot of brainstorming and inspiration involved. This is going to be a very challenging environment, but one that you’ll enjoy and grow in.
In terms of money, the Ace of Swords serves as a reminder that it’s sometimes wiser to invest with your mind, not your heart.
Some situations call for intuition, but this doesn’t. Your immediate gut feelings may not lead you where you want to go. Before you invest in anything, be sure to do your research.
Ace of Swords Meaning – Careers, Business & Money (Reversed)
In a career and money context, the Ace of Swords reversed can signify losing out on a job opportunity or promotion. You may also find yourself stuck in a position that doesn’t fully utilize your skills.
It can also signify miscommunications between you and your co-workers or supervisors.
If you’re considering starting a new business venture, now isn’t a good time to do it. It’s likely to be fraught with chaos, confusion, and miscommunications, to the point where it may not ever get off of the ground.
If you’re partnering with someone else, they may either try to deceive you, or you’ll both fail to communicate well with each other.
Money wise, there’s likely to be a lot of confusion. You might find more money in your bank account than you expect, only to end up overdrawn once your bank realizes the error. If anything seems off, don’t let it go and assume it’ll be fine — do your due diligence.
Ace of Swords: Yes or No?
As a “Yes or No” card, the Ace of Swords is a “Yes.” When upright, Aces are new beginnings and fresh situations with a lot of potential. The Ace of Swords speaks of high intellectual energy and an overall positive outcome.
Reversed, however, the Ace of Swords is a “Yes” with strings attached. It indicates that there’s still potential for a positive outcome, but it won’t be an effortless one. You’ll need to focus on earning your happy ending.
The Ace of Swords upright is a good omen for anything related to mental stimulation, challenges, and the intellect. Just as the glowing hand emerges from the gray clouds, this card signifies emerging from confusion or deception and into clarity.
Reversed, it points to chaos and confusion. Whenever it appears, it’s time to focus on meeting problems head-on, with logic and objectivity.
See also: For more Tarot Card Meanings, check out our list of all 78 Tarot Cards and their meanings here.
As an Amazon Associate, Terravara earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to readers.