The Ten of Swords is one of the most difficult cards in the tarot deck, often symbolizing painful endings, deep emotional wounds, and feelings of betrayal. When this card appears in a tarot reading about feelings, it suggests that someone may be experiencing overwhelming sorrow, a sense of finality, or a loss of hope in a relationship. Whether upright or reversed, the Ten of Swords signifies a period of emotional turmoil, urging a person to release the past and prepare for new beginnings.
Ten of Swords as Romantic Feelings
In a romantic context, the Ten of Swords as feelings represents heartbreak, devastation, and the end of an emotional cycle. If this card appears when asking about someone’s romantic feelings, it suggests that they feel exhausted or deeply hurt by love. They might be struggling with feelings of betrayal or rejection, believing that the relationship has reached an irreversible point.
According to Rachel Pollack in 78 Degrees of Wisdom, the Ten of Swords is “the worst that can happen emotionally,” but it also signifies the end of suffering, implying that healing is possible after a period of emotional collapse.
Ten of Swords as “Does He Love Me?”
If you ask whether someone loves you and draw the Ten of Swords, the answer is often painful. Ten of Swords as does he love me indicates that their feelings are clouded by despair, disappointment, or even betrayal. They may have once had strong emotions for you, but now they feel emotionally drained, as if love has run its course. They might associate the relationship with pain rather than happiness, making it unlikely that they still hold deep romantic love.
A.E. Waite, the creator of the Rider-Waite Tarot, describes the Ten of Swords as representing “ruin and pain, but also the dawn of a new beginning”. This suggests that while love may be lost now, new emotional clarity could emerge with time.
Ten of Swords as How Someone Feels About You
Ten of Swords as how someone feels about you signifies emotional exhaustion and despair. They may feel betrayed, rejected, or as though the relationship has inflicted too much damage for repair. Even if they once cared deeply, their current feelings are likely dominated by sorrow and disappointment.
According to Mary K. Greer, the suit of Swords represents “mental constructs and thoughts that often lead to self-sabotage,” which means their feelings may be driven by fear or negative beliefs rather than reality.
Ten of Swords as Love Interest
When asking about a new love interest, the Ten of Swords as love interest suggests that this person may not be emotionally available. They could be recovering from a previous heartbreak, carrying emotional baggage, or feeling too defeated to open their heart to new love. Their perspective on relationships might be pessimistic, leading them to resist emotional connections out of fear of being hurt again.
Ten of Swords as “Does He Like Me?”
If you’re wondering if someone likes you and you receive the Ten of Swords, the answer is complicated. They may have some level of interest, but their emotions are overshadowed by sadness, anxiety, or personal struggles. They might be dealing with unresolved pain from past relationships or experiencing a sense of emotional shutdown, making it hard for them to act on their feelings.
Ten of Swords as Someone’s Intentions
The Ten of Swords as intentions appears regarding someone’s intentions, it suggests that they may have already given up on the relationship or feel like there’s no path forward. Their intentions may not be aligned with reconciliation or progress, as they might believe the situation is beyond repair. However, this card also implies that once they process their pain, they could be open to healing and new beginnings.
Final Thoughts on the Ten of Swords as Feelings
The Ten of Swords is a card of emotional finality, sorrow, and deep wounds, making it a challenging card in love readings. If this card appears, it suggests that someone feels deeply hurt or emotionally defeated. However, as many tarot experts emphasize, every ending signals a new beginning. The pain of the Ten of Swords is temporary, and emotional renewal is always possible.
As Paul Foster Case explains in The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages, the swords in this card symbolize “mental suffering that must be released in order for clarity to emerge” (source). If this card appears in your reading, take it as a sign to let go of what no longer serves you and prepare for emotional healing.
Disclaimer. Some of the links in the articles may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or a service using one of these links, I will receive a small commission from the seller. There will be no additional charges for you.
Disclaimer. All information is provided strictly for educational purposes. It doesn’t take into account anybody’s specific circumstances or situation. If you are making any decisions and require advice, please, consult a professional whom you trust.