Let’s face it—nobody likes to see the 10 of Swords show up in a reading. The imagery is usually very grim, and the energy this card carries is ‘rock bottom,’ which is not a nice place to be or to feel into.
Go to:
Yet, as the poet Rumi once wrote, “Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead, let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?” The 10 of Swords speaks of painful endings, but it also signals the promise of a new beginning. From the depths of despair comes clarity, transformation, and eventually, healing.
The traditional RWS 10 of Swords card depicts a figure lying prostrate with ten swords piercing their back. This dramatic imagery conveys betrayal, loss, or ultimate defeat. However, the horizon in the background hints at renewal. It’s important to recognise that while this card can feel like a final blow, it also brings closure. The mental anguish and overthinking that accompany it are an invitation to release what no longer serves you, making space for a brighter dawn.
At its core, this card is about the dissolution of illusions. Whether it’s a relationship, a belief system, or a personal goal, the 10 of Swords reveals the need to accept and move forward. The pain of this moment is temporary; the insights gained are transformative.

How the 10 of Swords Empowers Your Inner Queen Bee
- Letting Go of Deadweight: Just as bees remove dying or diseased members to protect the hive, the 10 of Swords encourages you to eliminate toxic influences in your life.
- Fostering Resilience: This card reminds you that survival is possible even after devastating setbacks, nurturing your strength as a leader and protector.
- Mental Clarity: By hitting rock bottom, you gain a clear perspective, sharpening your decision-making skills for future growth.
How the 10 of Swords Helps You Better Connect with the World Around You
- Compassion Through Shared Pain: The 10 of Swords teaches you empathy, allowing you to connect deeply with others who have faced similar struggles.
- Authenticity in Vulnerability: Sharing your trials openly creates stronger, more genuine relationships.
- Rebuilding Trust: As you heal, you demonstrate the courage it takes to rebuild, inspiring others to do the same.
The Honey the 10 of Swords Brings to the Manifestation Process
- Clearing the Path: By releasing what’s no longer viable, this card makes way for new and vibrant opportunities to manifest.
- Strengthened Vision: Adversity sharpens your focus, making your goals more aligned with your highest good.
- Deepened Gratitude: Surviving hardship enhances your appreciation for the sweetness of life, amplifying your manifestation power.
The 10 of Swords in Love
The 10 of Swords is one of the more challenging cards to encounter in a love reading. Its appearance suggests a period of unavoidable suffering or heartbreak. Whether it signifies the end of a relationship or the culmination of a painful phase, this card invites you to acknowledge and release what is no longer working.
“It’s always darkest before dawn” is a fitting adage for this card. When you’re in the thick of it, things may feel unbearable, but this card assures you that clarity and healing are on the horizon. If a breakup is indicated, the 10 of Swords suggests that it may be time to let go of a connection that’s causing more harm than good. If you’re still together, it could signal the need to confront and transform destructive patterns, particularly around communication.
For singles, this card can point to despair or frustration in love. It may indicate the need to let go of self-sabotaging beliefs or patterns rooted in fear or insecurity. The good news? The end of this cycle is near, paving the way for healthier and more fulfilling connections.
When it comes to intimacy, the 10 of Swords cautions against detaching from emotional involvement. If you’ve been using physical connections to mask emotional pain, it’s time to address the underlying wounds. Embrace this card as an opportunity to realign with your values and cultivate deeper, more meaningful bonds.
Tarot Journaling Prompts
1. What beliefs or situations in my life need to come to an end?
The 10 of Swords highlights the importance of recognising dead ends. Journaling on this can help you identify what to release.
2. How can I find hope during challenging times?
Reflect on how to cultivate optimism and faith in the face of despair, focusing on the promise of a new dawn.
3. When have I experienced rock bottom, and how did I rise again?
Exploring past moments of hardship can reveal your resilience and guide you in the present.
4. What role does forgiveness play in my healing process?
This prompt encourages you to consider how letting go of grudges can ease your emotional burdens.
5. How can I better support others experiencing their 10 of Swords moment?
Reflecting on ways to show compassion strengthens your connections and fosters mutual healing.
Bee Spirit Rising

- The Broken Wing: What must be released to heal?
- The Nectar Source: What lesson can I draw from this pain?
- The Queen’s Call: How can I reclaim my power and rise?
