Make sure you grab the FREE Invictus Tarot TIY (Trust in Yourself!) Tarot workbook, if you haven't already! As a note, I am using the OG Rider-Waite deck for this series of posts, but you absolutely don't have to! Find the deck or decks that speak to you most, the cards you connect to most will always be better for your readings and sharpening your intuitive skills. This is just an example and reference for you to trust in yourself!
Four of Swords
After the sharp clarity (and potential pain) of the Three, the Four of Swords invites us into a space of quietude and restoration.
Keywords: rest, recuperation, meditation, contemplation, stillness, withdrawal, mental recharge, planning, solitude, a truce
General Meaning: A period of rest and withdrawal, often following a time of struggle or intense activity. It suggests a need to step back from the external world to allow for mental and emotional recovery. This isn't about giving up, but rather about consciously choosing stillness to gather strength and gain perspective.
Personal Interpretation: Prioritize rest and self-care! You may be feeling mentally or emotionally drained and in need of a break. This period of rest is not passive but active – a time to process recent events, gain clarity, and formulate a plan for the future. Embrace the solitude as a sanctuary for your mind and spirit.
Reversed Meaning: restlessness, inability to find peace and quiet, pushing oneself too hard
Affirmation: "I embrace stillness and allow myself the time and space I need to rest and rejuvenate."
Symbolism: figure lying in repose, swords, stained glass window
Imagery Notes: figure lying in repose - at peace; swords - not threatening; stained glass window - a sense of sacredness or holy protection
People: those in rest and recovery, meditators, strategic planners
Places: quiet rooms, monasteries, meditation centers
Media:
Personal Insights & Other Notes: The Four of Swords reminds us that true strength isn't always about action; sometimes, it lies in the conscious choice to pause and replenish our resources. This card isn't about escapism, but about intentional withdrawal for the purpose of healing and gaining clarity. It encourages us to create moments of sanctuary in our busy lives, to listen to the quiet wisdom that emerges when the noise of the world fades away. This period of stillness is often a vital precursor to renewed action and progress.
How do you create moments of stillness and sanctuary in your life? What insights or clarity have you gained during times of rest and reflection?
