The Five of Swords is about self interest. Society tells us to think of others, yet we resist. We do not believe in ignoring our own concerns and then surviving. This dilemma comes from our definition of self. If we view our self as our personality / body, our interests become those that relate to that self.  We may expand our concern to those we love, but, then, it is difficult to stop there. We are connected to everyone in the long run. In truth, our self is the world. What we do that world, we do to ourselves. This understanding is so basic, but so infuriatingly easy to forget day to day. This card is all about thinking about yourself before thinking about any body else.

In readings, The Five of Swords can mean that you or someone else is forgetting this larger view of self. You are defining your interests too narrowly. If you try to get ahead in isolation, your actions will come back to haunt you later, in one way or the other. Sometimes, The Five of Swords implies a need to put your own interests first. If you are being abused or taken advantage of, you must get free. If you are worn out by demands, take care of yourself. If it is your turn, step forward and claim your due. Just be aware that if you hurt others in the process, your victory will not feel complete. You can only win in the long run by making others happy.

The Five of Swords also represents hostility - from a cross word to warfare. When the cords that bind us are broken, we experience discord. The Five of Swords can signify dishonors that are fairly open. It signifies cheats, lies, tricks, deceits and even crimes. You may be on the receiving end, or be the perpetrator. Either way, hold to a larger view of who you are. Find the solution that is best for everyone including yourself. The Five of Swords is about losing your moral compass. It is about letting ends justify means and sacrificing integrity. It is about losing sight of what is right and achieving a dubious victory. It is about knowing of criminal activity.

The Five of Swords can be associated with setting aside the concerns of others and looking out for number one. It is about thinking of your own needs and knowing that you must concentrate on yourself. In is about encountering selfishness and indulging in power plays. The Five of Swords is about gloating and going for the win-lose result. It is about being in a hostile environment and feeling that people are set against each other. The Five of Swords is all about choosing to battle and creating ill will while experiencing conflict.

The following can be associated with The Five of Swords :

• Self Interest
• Discord
• Open Dishonor