Five of Swords

​The swords are never at rest for long. The Five represents the time after a battle or conflict. If it is a victory, it is an empty one. If it's a defeat, it requires a major regroup and re-plan.

In the Rider-Waite, a person stands holding the swords they have acquired in battle, but they have lost their comrades in the meantime. While at first it appears to be a win, the card itself represents nothing but discord and trouble.   
 
​Questions answered by Five of Swords:
Who? Either the defeated, or a winner who is not proud of his or her victory 
What? A fight
Where? A boxing ring
When? The end of January; After a battle; Five units of time from now
Why? Winning is not the most important thing right now
Yes or No? No

Five of Swords
Before any card: A battle over (card)
After any card: defeat, empty victory

The Five of Swords as:
...an action?

• Change your dysfunctional habits.
• Collect your knives or tools in one place

 
...a place in your house?

• The bar
• A child's room
• A competitive game

...a place in your city?

• Parking garage
• Traffic

 
...a place in the world?

• Stalingrad/Volgograd Russia
• Waterloo, France
• Persia
• Argentina
• A place of great defeat 

 
...something to eat?

• Bananas
• Rice
• Soda crackers
• Breakroom snacks

 
...something to clean?

• A playroom or child's room
• The knives
• The tools

 
...where to find the missing item?

• Where you had your last argument

...a color? grey, green
 
...a movie theme? defeat, arguments

• Fight Club
• The War of the Roses
• The Money Pit

 
...a new career?

• Investigator
• Insurance assessor
• Gambler
• Multi-level marketing

 
Five of Swords combinations
With Strength: This may be a rare time where a fight needs to happen, be brave and compassionate.
With Knight of Wands: Jumping in with uncontrolled ambition will lead to a hollow victory.
With Two of Cups: An argument with your partner goes nowhere and is disappointing.
With Six of Swords: After a conflict there is a long and arduous adjustment.
With Two of Pentacles: Before you start a battle, weigh the pros and cons carefully - there is more at stake than anticipated.