Minor Arcana » Tarot Swords » Two of Swords

Tarot Two of Swords

Two of swords The Two of Swords
The Lord of Peace Restored
Numerical Value: 2

Key Words for Tarot card - Two of Swords

  • Path of discernment
  • Doubt
  • Truce
  • Anticipation
  • Impending Conflict
  • Tense Balance
  • Tenseness
  • Blocked Emotions
  • Stalemate
  • Karmic Balance
On the pictorial representation of the two of swords, we see a young woman who has covered a barrier of swords across her heart. Her extremely rigid posture narrates us of her struggle to keep her upsurging feelings under control. She is fending off any approach from the forces outside. "Nothing comes in, and nothing goes out," is what she seems to be saying.

The tarot two of swords is about the barriers we put up between ourselves and others and those thoughts that we create within ourselves. Internally, we block off our emotions and totally refuse to feel them. We overtly avoid looking at the truth and pretend that everything is just OK. We think one way, but feel in another. In ways more than one, we divide off different parts of ourselves and try to maintain them even when we know they need to be reconciled together.

In Tarot readings, the two of swords often appears when you are not willing to accept some truth about yourself or the situation. What are you really feeling? Are you resisting tender feelings because you might be hurt? Are you furious even though you're smiling? What is it that you are refusing to look at? Notice the blindfold typically on this woman. She can't look at the truth or even acknowledge that there is trouble.

The most common barrier here is a closed heart. When we cut ourselves emotionally off, we sever the connection that allows our love to flow outward. Sometimes this action is necessary, but it always comes at a great price. Every time we close off our heart, we find it even more difficult to open again. Another barrier between people is a deadlocked situation. When two parties are set in their positions - opposing each other - there is a stalemate. To break it, the "opponents" must come out from behind their swords and listen to each other. The lesson that comes from the two of swords is that barriers are not the ultimate answer. We must stay open to peace and resolution if we are to find peace and wholeness within ourselves.