Two of swords tarot card meaning: stalemate and indecision

Key points

Here are 3 key points about the Two of Swords tarot card meaning:

• It represents indecision and being at a crossroads.

The Two of Swords shows a blindfolded woman holding two crossed swords. She is at a stalemate and struggling with making an important decision.

• It can signal avoidance of a difficult problem or truth.

When this card appears it can mean you are willfully ignoring a pressing issue or are unable to see the truth of a situation. You may be in denial about something important.

• Finding balance is imperative.

To move forward you must weigh options and gain clarity so an informed decision can be made. Removing the blindfold represents clearing confusion and seeking truth. Balance and moderation is key.

The Two of Swords means to be torn between two things and unable to cross over to one side. You don’t know what to choose and feel quite torn. Before you act, think carefully about all the sides of the situation at hand. It shows someone is not sure and is weighing options.

Overview of the Two of Swords card

In the classic image of the Two of Swords, a blindfolded woman sits holding 2 crossed swords. This shows it’s hard to choose between two equal looking options. Having a blind fold means not knowing where to go. You have the power of decision in your hand, you might not see the way yet. This card suggests that you avoid making rushed decisions. It is telling you to tune out distractions, listen to your intuition, and wait patiently for the internal wisdom that will lead you to your next step.

Symbolism and imagery in the Two of Swords

Major symbols in this card are blindfold, still water, crescent moons and crossed swords. This woman is blindfolded and her eyes are covered, reflecting her uncertainty and inability to see the big picture in life. Beneath the water surrounding her, we find a need to be calm and not act. The crescent moons remind us of cycles and rhythm and seeing both sides. In the end, the swords are crossed to mean there’s two choices and they have to be weighed carefully. The Two of Swords is trying to tell you that it is important to find balance and clarity in the face of difficult decisions.

Upright Two of Swords Meaning

The Two of Swords upright may crop up when we are at a stalemate and need to make a decision but are blind to which choice to make. It means being on the wrong path and weighing options when we lack information.

General interpretation

In general, this card stands for indecision, deadlocks, and balancing issues. We realize that change is needed, but we are stuck and cannot move. The Two of Swords says to listen to what your gut feeling is telling you as it has all the answers for you.

Decision-making and balance

The Two of Swords symbolizes difficulty in decision-making and finding common ground. We may find ourselves pulled in opposite directions and not agree on some value or part of us. This card tells you to look for the middle ground between two extremes.

Avoidance and stalemate

The Two of Swords means not wanting to deal with what situation is, or will be. We may be ignoring a truth. We could also be dodging the need to make an important decision. You sometimes feeling trapped or stuck, and like something is holding you back. The card encourages us to be honest nice ourselves and to face tough problems head on.

Reversed Two of Swords Meaning

The Two of Swords is likely to confuse you or give you a feeling of being stuck between a rock and a hard place. It May Be Possible You Are Avoiding an Important Decision Because You Do Not Want to Face the Consequences When this card appears upside down, it can refer to blocks and barriers created by self-imposed fear or anxiety.

Indecision and confusion

The upside-down Two of Swords often appears when you have a tough choice to make, but you can’t seem to decide or move forward. If doubt clouds your mind, it is difficult to see the right way. Often this card reversed represents over-analysis causing a stalemateё. Now is the moment to get clear so you can act.

Overcoming blocks and barriers

When the Two of Swords shows up in your tarot card reading reversed, know that it is time to get out of that stalemate position. It’s important to look to see what internal blocks are stopping you from taking a decision and moving past them. When the justice card comes up reverse, it reminds you to be honest with yourself, to see the truth and to stop looking away from what’s in front of you. Losing the filters will help you to finally move forward.

Two of Swords in Love

Usually, the Two of Swords tarot love meaning shows blocks in communication. You and your partner may be avoiding one another, or other situations in your life. You may not want to talk about it or you don’t know how to say it. This card warns you against denial and repression. To make progress, it is essential to face the elephant in the room with kindness and open heart.

Upright Meaning in Relationships

When upright, the Two of Swords symbolized indecision, stalemates, and weighing options carefully. You may be at the point in your relationship where you are wondering if you should invest further or let go. Consider the positives and negatives carefully. Once you are clear, you can decide. The two of pentacles reminds you to make compromises and diplomacies before taking actions.

Reversed Meaning in Relationships

When upside-down, the Two of Swords indicate a release from indecision that leads to action. Now, you are prepared to deal with issues directly, have that tough talk, and stop evading the truth. You can say reversed can also mean to reach a compromise or a truce after a period of tenseness and miscommunication. When you and your partner drop your defenses, barriers fade as you share vantage points.

Communication and Emotional Barriers

Upright, the Two of Swords often signifies obstacles to effective communication and emotional connection between partners. You might be suppressing what you really think and feel or are avoiding a conversation you need to have. I guess there is a deadlock which needs breaking. To move on, you have to share and express your requirements and listen without judgment. Reversed means breaking down barriers to communication, finding a compromise through understanding each other’s position and perspective without blinders on.

Two of Swords in Career

The Two of Swords usually indicates that you are at a crossroads if you get this in a career reading. You may not want to do this but you have a choice to make. It’s just deciding which one. Indecision is a warning here. It’s time to start looking at everything around you objectively and find your way. Once decided, be confident & go without any doubt.

Upright meaning in career decisions

Two of Swords tarot upright needs clarity because of an important career choice. Weigh the good and bad to make a decision. Listen to your intuition. Once your pathway is certain, go for it. Not making a decision will hold you back.

Reversed meaning in professional life

Reverse Two of Swords indicates that you’re blind to the truth. You might not want to admit that you need information that would help make the right career decision. Or you’re clearly ignoring the signs your choice was a wrong one but are pretending you aren’t. Be open and re-evaluate.

Conflict resolution and negotiation

The Two of Swords facing up pushes for an agreement and meeting in the middle. If the statement is reversed, it means that the door for negotiations is closed, which contributes to the conflict. Before demanding or asking for something, one must attempt to understand everyone’s perspectives first for successful resolution.

Two of Swords in Health

When you get the Two of Swords in a health reading, it could mean you are at a crossroads. You have two choices and you’re not sure which one to pick. This card wants you to listen to your gut and choose smartly. Don’t let your fears take control.
Trust your instinct to lead you on a healthy path.

Upright meaning for health and wellness

Health matters call for balance. The Two of Swords urges moderation regarding issues related to health. Don’t go to extremes. Find the middle way. The card also indicates that having mental clarity and reducing stress are key to wellness. Don’t forget to make some time for yourself!

Reversed meaning for health challenges

When two of swords is reversed, it means denial, refusing to look at a problem. You’re probably suppressing health issue or escaping from your hard choices. The blindfold on the card helps you to realize something you need to pay attention to. Let’s uncover what is hidden in the shadows to improve wellbeing.

Mental clarity and stress management

The Two of Swords upright shows that remaining calm gives us the strength to focus on arranging powers. Try to do anything to calm and ground your mind like meditation, journaling etc. Releasing stress is vital.

Let out deep breaths, stretch your body, and relax! Healthy mind and heart are the keys to well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


How do the colours used in the Two of Swords card add to its meaning?

The predominant colours are grey, blue, and brown which evoke a sombre, indecisive mood. The blues can symbolize calmness but also sadness.

What is a good tip for interpreting the Two of Swords when it appears reversed in a reading?

Look at how avoidance or denial may be holding the querent back from making a necessary decision.

How can the imagery in the Two of Swords card help us understand its meaning?

The blindfolded woman sitting between two swords represents being at an impasse, unable to see a clear way forward.

What does the moon symbolize in the Two of Swords card?

The crescent moon often represents intuition and the subconscious mind which are needed to gain clarity when faced with difficult choices.

How can the Two of Swords represent a need for compromise?

The two sides can depict opposing views that require meeting each other halfway to find a solution.

What is a positive aspect of the stalemate depicted in the Two of Swords?

It can indicate a need for patience and deeper consideration before making an important decision.

How might the land and water imagery in the Two of Swords represent the mind?

The water reflects the unconscious while the land symbolizes the conscious mind that must work together.

What is a constructive way to interpret the Two of Swords during challenging times?

It reminds us that obstacles often force us to develop greater inner resources and find creative solutions.

How can the Two of Swords advise us to weigh options thoroughly?

The balanced scales imply the need for careful deliberation of choices without rushing to judgment.

What does the blindfold on the woman in the Two of Swords suggest we do?

It is a prompt to look within using intuition rather than external factors to resolve difficult problems.