The Two of Swords symbolizes the confusion we face when we are forced to make difficult choices. In the Two of Swords card, there is a seated woman that is blindfolded while holding a sword in each of her hands. In the background, there is a sea surrounded by crags and rocks that serve as obstacles for vessels and ships, stalling progress and action. The woman in the card being blindfolded is a representation of a situation which prevents her from seeing both the problem and the solution with clarity.

The swords that she is holding in each of her hands show that there are two choices that lead in different directions and are mutually exclusive to one another. It may also depict a stalemate, which means that the problem should be addressed with logical and rational thinking. The Moon positioned on the right side of the card signifies may signify the role of illusions and deception in the difficulty that the woman has in making a choice.

Upright Meaning Guide
Two of Swords Upright Tarot Card Key Meanings:
Stalemate, truce, sitting on the fence, crossroads, difficult decisions, painful choices, stressful decisions, opposition, facing your fears, being torn between two relationships, divided loyalty, being caught in the middle, denial, blindness, inability to see the truth, avoidance, blocked emotions

General Meaning and Interpretation (Upright)

In a general context, the Two of Swords represent a stalemate, truce or being at a crossroads. It indicates that you are sitting on the fence or struggling to make/ avoiding a difficult, stressful or painful decision. It is the Minor Arcana of coming face to face with your fears. It can also signify being torn between two loyalties, relationships, situations, offers or people. It represents being caught in the middle of an argument or conflict and trying to mediate between opposing parties. The Two of Swords also represents blocking emotions, being in denial, blindness and an inability or unwillingness to see the truth.

Love & Relationships (Upright)

In a love Tarot reading, if you are in a relationship, the Two of Swords can indicate a stalemate or a relationship at a crossroads. It may be that you and your partner have been arguing frequently lately or cannot agree on an important relationship decision and have called a temporary truce. You may simply need a bit of time and space to consider the pros and cons of the matter and how you can come to an agreement. You may simply be reluctant to make a decision on this matter as you risk being vulnerable. However, it can also indicate that a painful choice needs to be made regarding the future of the relationship but you are both sitting on the fence because of the pain the decision will bring. This Minor Arcana card can also signify being torn between two relationships. Whatever the case, you need to face your fears and make a decision so that everyone concerned can move forward in their lives either together or separately. If you are single, the Two of Swords can indicate you have a choice between two potential partners and this choice may be causing you great difficulty. However, the choice does need to be made for the good of all concerned as it is unfair to keep stringing them along. Alternatively, it can mean that you are avoiding letting someone know you are interested for fear of rejection.

Money & Career (Upright)

In a career Tarot reading, the Two of Swords indicates that you may be caught in the middle of a conflict at work. You may be asked to choose between two colleagues with opposing views. This will be difficult and stressful for you as you do not want to appear disloyal to either of them but they are unwilling to meet in the middle. It can also signify that you are torn between two career paths or positions. This Minor Arcana card can also indicate that you are in denial or unable to see the entire truth of the situation. So be aware that you may not have all the facts you may need more information before you can make an informed decision. Try to get more facts and weigh up the pros and cons of each option, if you are struggling to figure out your next right move. In a financial context, again the Two of Swords represent difficult or stressful choices and an inability or unwillingness to see the truth. If you are having financial problems at the moment, you cannot allow yourself to be in denial about them. You may have to make some tough choices to weather the storm such as downsizing your car or tightening your belt but you can do it. Sticking your head in the sand will only add to your problems. Get professional financial advice if you are unsure of your options.

Health (Upright)

In a health context, the Two of Swords indicates that blocked unexpressed emotions may be at the center of any health issues or physical discomfort you are experiencing. Blocked emotions or holding on to anxiety or resentment can affect the heart chakra leading to physical problems related to the heart, lungs or back among others. If you are experiencing issues with these areas, as well as seeking appropriate care from a medical professional, you should also consider what steps you can to take to release the emotions blocking that area.

Spirituality (Upright)

In a spiritual context, the Two of Swords indicates that your spiritual path is not clear to you at the moment. Finding the balance within you is the key here. When you find your own balance, you learn to tune out all the outside interference and tune into your own wisdom. If you can do this your correct path will become clear to you.

Reversed Meaning Guide
Two of Swords Reversed Tarot Card Key Meanings:
Indecision, delays, postponements, seeing the truth, lies being exposed, overwhelming fears/worry/ anxiety/ stress, information overload, overly cautious, emotional turmoil, mental turmoil, holding onto anxiety or resentment, emotional detachment, emotional coldness, being emotionally guarded

General meaning and interpretation (Reversed)

In a general context, the Two of Swords reversed represents indecision, delays or postponement. It indicates that fear, worry, anxiety or stress is overwhelming you and you may be experiencing emotional or mental turmoil as a result leading to an inability to make a decision. It can also represent holding onto resentment or anxiety and being overloaded with more information than you can handle. This Minor Arcana card reversed can signify someone who is overly cautious, emotionally detached, cold or guarded. Alternatively, the Two of Swords can signify being able to see the truth of a matter after a period of mental fogginess and finally being able to make a decision as a result. It can also represent lies being exposed.

Love & Relationships (Reversed)

In a love Tarot spread, if you are in a relationship, the Two of Swords reversed indicates that you may be experiencing emotional turmoil about a decision you need to make regarding your relationship leading you to become completely indecisive. Anxiety or fear may be overwhelming you to the point that you are emotionally detaching from your partner rather than deal with the issues at hand. It also signifies holding onto anxiety, problems or resentment. It may be that you are papering over the cracks in your relationship rather than dealing with things and drawing a line under them, which leads to resentment. Alternatively, it can also represent finally seeing the truth of a situation after a period of being unable to move forward. If that is the case, you can now take steps in a positive direction but do so gentle at a pace that is comfortable for you and your partner, don’t force it. If you are single, the Two of Swords reversed can indicate that you may be experiencing overwhelming anxiety regarding dating which may be causing you to avoid it altogether. Perhaps you haven’t dated in a while and feel like you are out of practice or perhaps you are still processing the emotional turmoil from your last relationship or holding onto some resentment and aren’t quite ready to move forward yet. Don’t avoid the situation but be gentle with yourself. Get out and meet people without putting too much pressure on yourself to start something if you are not ready yet. Be patient and ease yourself into it. For instance, you could have casual low-key dates until you feel more comfortable such as meeting your date for a coffee or inviting your date along to a party so that it’s not a one-on-one situation.

Money & Career (Reversed)

In a career Tarot reading, the Two of Swords reversed indicates that conflict at work may be causing you an overwhelming amount of stress or anxiety. It can indicate delays or postponements of projects or promotions. Alternatively, it can indicate that you are able to see a work problem clearly where you were blind to it before and you will be able to take positive steps to resolve it. This Minor Arcana reversed can indicate the truth being exposed so dodgy deals or corrupt practices may come to light that you were not aware of before. Be careful in this situation and make sure you don’t get dragged into the mud along with the culprits. In a financial context, if you have been struggling financially, the Two of Swords reversed indicates that you may be starting to realize the truth of your situation, which is a good first step to resolving it. You need to be practical and balanced in your approach. Look realistically at where you can save money or cut costs and do it.

Health (Reversed)

In a health context, the Two of Swords reversed indicates that you may be struggling with finding a healthy balance between your emotions and your mind, which may be the root of any health issues. Overwhelming anxiety, worry or stress you could be leading to a collection of physical symptoms or just generally not feeling your best.

Spirituality (Reversed)

In a spiritual context, the Two of Swords reversed tells you that while it is good to familiarise yourself with information on spiritual practices, there is such thing as information overload! Don’t make your spiritual path a purely academic exercise by reading every book there is to read on every spiritual practice ever conceived. You have so much wisdom inside yourself.

Reference:
Labyrinthos, 2019, 11/13/19, (https://labyrinthos.co/blogs/tarot-card-meanings-list/two-of-swords-meaning-tarot-card-meanings?_pos=10&_sid=18b5a7f6f&_ss=r)
Lisa, 2019, 11/13/19, (https://www.thetarotguide.com/two-of-swords)