Readings
Two Cards
If you are trying to make a very important decision in your life and you don’t know which path to follow, if you are really doubtful about the consequences the crossroads tarot spread will help you to find your way.
Five of Swords
Upright
Conflict, disagreements, competition, defeat, winning at all costs
The Five of Swords card shows up when you have had an argument or conflict, and you are stepping away with sadness and feeling lost. You may be upset over the fiery words you said and you wish they could be taken back.
Even if you won the debate or came out the obvious winner, you understand that you have suffered as much as your opponent. This battle has cost you confidence, respect or honor, and detached you. As you try to pick up the parts and leave the struggle behind you, you find it‘s more complicated than you thought; others have lost trust in you.
The advice of the Five of Swords is to pick your actions. You may be motivated to fight every battle to guarantee you get your way, to prove that you are correct, or to protect yourself when you are feeling threatened. Picking your battles carefully is much better than fighting in every disagreement. Not only will it lead to a more quiet life, but your relationships are likely to come out more powerful.
If you have been involved in a conflict and can see it taking its price, the Five of Swords is a call for an apology. Be ready to say you were mistaken and make amends. There’s no reason to justify your actions; just let go and move on. Look for a common spot with those you have been supporting with, or ask forgiveness so you can put this behind.
The Five of Swords may also show the breakdown. Despite your best attempts, you are likely to come out as the loser. Accept your defeat, and learn from it. Be smarter and wiser next time.
Reversed
Reconciliation, making amends, past resentment
The Five of Swords speaks for those times when you’ve fought to the end, only to recognize that you’ll fail no matter what. You’ve been pushing, but your opponent is not listening. And when you’re in this opposite position, you end up feeling terrible – win or no win.
You want this period of struggle to be finished so you can forgive and release, and then direct your energies on more productive activities. You know that there can only be losers in this fight.
Sometimes, the reversed Five of Swords can represent conflict in your life that you have tried to be away from. Furthermore, the reversed Five of Swords can imply that an old wound has been re-opened and you are experiencing the anxiety connected with that memory. You may be especially worried that the past might repeat itself and you could be hurt again.
The reversed Five of Swords hints that after a phase of the battle, you are ready to move forward and create positive transformation. Bring your energy back inside. It may mean an agreement, or it might be time to move on. This is your chance to ask for forgiveness so you can build a more fruitful ground for new ideas.
Hermit
Upright
Soul-searching, introspection, being alone, inner guidance
When The Hermit card appears it is time for drawing your energy and attention inward and finding the answers deep within your soul by taking a break from everyday life. You understand that your most intense sense of truth and the most valuable knowledge is within yourself. You leave behind the earthly issues to set off on a spiritual journey. Now is the perfect time to go to a place where you can get closer to your authentic self and observe personal purposes and principles.
The Hermit calls you to go into your inner world and encounter a deep sense of solitude and meditation. When you allow yourself to harmonize into your inner light, you will discover the answers you need inside your heart and become wiser. Find the light shining in your soul and you can create your unique path now.
The Hermit often arrives when you are at a crucial period in your life and considering a new direction. After looking at your soul with a deeper, more spiritual understanding, your priorities could shift as a consequence.
Finally, the Hermit may be shown in your life as a spiritual teacher to help you raise your vibration and develop your consciousness. He will guide you on finding your answers and solutions within you.
Reversed
Isolation, loneliness, withdrawal
The reversed Hermit can show one of two situations: you are not taking enough time for personal observation, or you are taking too much. The Reversed Hermit encourages you to create more space to meditate and spend time with yourself if you struggle to know your spirituality. It may be time to go inward and rediscover your greater mission on this planet. You may have been so busy dealing with the daily concerns. So you have forgotten to listen to your inner sound.
If you have already been spending a lot of time contemplating on your inner world, then the reversed Hermit may urge that you may be taking this isolation thing too far. Are you literally becoming a hermit and cutting yourself off from the external world? Do not underestimate the importance of staying united with other people, even while you are going through your spiritual journey.