The Two of Swords tarot card is about feeling torn between two options, or about balancing two opposing forces in your life. You need to make a decision, and you will probably make the right one, even if it means compromising or looking at things differently.
But be careful not to rely on logic or your intellect too much when making your choice. Instead, look to your intuition, consider your emotions, and get to the truth of what you want.
Like the woman shown on the Two of Swords card, you might be wearing a blindfold when considering your choices. Maybe you’re intentionally staying blind to the truth because you’re afraid, or maybe you’re missing critical pieces of information.
Either way, you must remove the blindfold to see your situation with clarity and move forward.
When you see the Two of Swords card reversed, it can still mean you’re deciding between two options, but here, it’s more of a “rock and a hard place” scenario. You have options, but neither of them seems appealing, so you just end up feeling stuck.
Even though your indecision is only making things worse, it’s hard to move forward. You might also be getting too much information from the two sides of the equation, which is making your choice more difficult. Seek alternative resolutions or move ahead with your decision and deal with the consequences as they come.
The reversed Two of Swords can also mean you’re stuck between two opposing sides. You may be trying to negotiate peace between people, but you’re running into problems.
Maybe you’re passing messages between them or acting as a dumping ground for all their negative feelings. Take a step back and look at the situation realistically: Can you be helpful here, or are you just making things worse?
If you really think you can bring peace, be active about opening up communication between the two parties. If not, don’t put yourself through any more turmoil.
Reading this reversed card using the “blocked/restricted” meaning
Alright, so let’s talk about how to read your reversed Two of Swords card. First, you can use the “blocked/restricted” reversed card meaning. When you read your cards like this, you look for an obstacle standing in front of the card’s upright meaning.
For the Two of Swords, this can mean something is blocking your ability to balance the opposing forces in your life.
For example, say you pull the reversed Two of Swords thinking about your friend group. You’re close with two girls who had a falling out a couple of months ago. Since then, you’ve been trying to remain friends with both of them, and it hasn’t been easy.
They talk behind each other’s backs and put you in the middle. They even tell you to pass messages sometimes, which is something you’re uncomfortable with.
You want to stay close with them both, but it seems like every time you’re together, the conversation drifts back to their fight. As a result, you don’t enjoy spending time with either of them anymore.
It seems like no matter how impartial you are, they want you to pick a side and are making no effort to reconcile. Here, the reversed Two of Swords card tells you that your friends are the ones keeping you from balancing your relationships.
Even though you want to stay close to both of them, if you’re not enjoying yourself, it’s time to make a change. It’s not your responsibility to manage their disagreement or pass messages. If they can’t respect the fact that you’re friends with them both, you might need to take some time off.
Tell them how you’re feeling and that you want to be in their lives, but only if they can respect your situation. This might be tough for them to swallow, but if they’re serious about having you in their lives, they’ll understand.
Reading this reversed card using the “opposite” meaning
Another way to read your reversed Two of Swords card is using the “opposite” reversed card meaning. When you read your cards this way, you look for the opposite of the card’s upright meaning.
So with the Two of Swords, instead of weighing your options, you’re jumping in without thinking things through. You might need to reevaluate before moving forward.
Say you pull the reversed Two of Swords thinking about your dating life. Six months ago, you got divorced, and it was a devastating blow. The two of you had been together since high school, and he’s the only man you’ve ever really loved.
After being married for 20 years, the thought of starting over seems overwhelming, and you don’t know how to adjust. To make yourself feel better, you started going out on dates, and after meeting just three people, you’ve found someone you like.
Now things between you and your new boyfriend are getting serious. You hang out several times each week and usually spend the entire weekend together. He’s even mentioned adopting a puppy or moving in together.
You’re comforted that you’re not alone, but you don’t feel as passionate about him as you hoped you would. You’re also concerned that you’re missing out on other matches by getting committed again.
Here, the reversed Two of Swords card tells you that your instincts are dead on. Jumping into a committed relationship so quickly after your divorce not only means you won’t get to consider other options, but it also means you may not be healing properly.
Now is also a great time to get to know yourself and spend quality time with your friends and family. You can keep dating, but make sure not to jump into a serious relationship too quickly, or you may regret it down the line.
Reading this reversed card using the “worse” meaning
You can also read your reversed Two of Swords card using the “worse” reversed card meaning. When you read your cards like this, you take the card’s upright meaning and put it in a negative light.
For the Two of Swords, this means you’re weighing your options, but maybe you’re getting stuck in the middle and feel unable to move forward.
Say you pull the reversed Two of Swords thinking about your career options. You graduated from college with a degree in business administration, but you have a lot of other passions. Instead of jumping into the job market right away, you took six months off to explore your choices.
You started working as an intern at an independent record label because you love music, and decided to take a computer coding class in your spare time. But now, the coding class is ending, and the record label has offered you a regular position with a decent starting salary.
You also have friends in the business world who are trying to recruit you into entry-level positions. Because you have so many options in front of you, you’re not sure which path to take, and it’s leading to a stalemate.
You know you need to make a choice soon, but you’re not sure what you want to do. Here, the reversed Two of Swords card tells you not to make this decision all on your own.
You have a lot of great options, so reach out to those close to you with experience for input. Also, make sure you get all the details about the jobs being offered. Compare salaries and potential for growth before moving forward.
It’s great to have choices, but sometimes it can be overwhelming. Talking to people and doing your research will help you make the right decision for yourself.
Reading this reversed card using the “no/not” meaning
Finally, you can use the “no/not” meaning to read your reversed Two of Swords card. When you read your cards this way, you put a “no” or a “not” in front of the card’s upright meaning.
With the Two of Swords, this can mean “no difficult choices.” You know what you need to do, but you’re having a hard time getting started.
For example, say you pull the reversed Two of Swords card thinking about your father who recently passed away. He lived a long, full life, and the two of you were very close. You used to go on a lot of fishing and hunting trips together, and your home is a shrine to all your experiences.
You have photos everywhere and lots of supplies and gear out in the open, ready for use. It’s been three months since he passed, and every time you look around your house, you get the painful reminder that he’s no longer with you.
Your family has told you it’s time to put away some of his things and replace a few of the photos with new ones that will brighten up your space. You know they’re probably right, but you feel conflicted about putting his things away.
Here, the reversed Two of Swords card tells you this is one of those “rock and a hard place” situations. You feel sad when you look around your home and guilty about putting your dad’s mementos away.
But your family is right; you can’t leave your house as a shrine to your father. It’ll only make your sadness worse over time. Instead, leave a few of his photos up and keep your gear tucked away in an appropriate spot.
Fill in the missing pieces with new decorations and photos that make you think of the happy times still ahead. It’s one thing to treasure the memory of your father and another to let it take over your home. This is your life to live, so live it to the fullest, while still keeping the memory of your father alive.