Two of Swords definitions

The Two of Swords show attempts to reconcile difference. This can be a desire to return to a previous partner or relationship after a period of separation. You may be trying to reconcile new thoughts and ideas, hoping you can assimilate them into the present situation with little or no effort, and so that nothing really changes. Either way, you will find that you can not unmake an omelette. In fact it is better to create something new, rather than return to the status quo, as you have changed, and that change has to be recognised. The rules have changed - you will do things differently.

Rider-Waite: Two of Swords

A hoodwinked female figure balances two swords upon her shoulders.

Conformity, and the equipoise which it suggests, courage, friendship, concord in a state of arms; another reading gives tenderness, affection, intimacy. The suggestion of harmony and other favourable readings must be considered in a qualified manner, as Swords generally are not symbolical of beneficent force in human affairs.

Additional Meanings: Gifts for a lady, influential protection for a man in search of help.

Reversed Two of Swords

Imposture, falsehood, duplicity, disloyalty.

Additional Meanings: Dealings with rogues.

Book of Thoth - Peace - Two of Swords

The Two of Swords was formerly called the Lord of Peace Restored; but this word "restored" is incorrect, because there has been no disturbance. The Lord of Peace is therefore a better title: but it needs thinking hard to work this out, since the Sword is so intensely active. It may be helpful to study the Essay on Silence (p. 120) for a parallel: the Negative Form of the Positive Idea. See also the Essay on Chastity (Little Essays toward Truth, pp. 70-74) which concludes: Sir Knights, be vigilant: watch by your arms and renew your oath; for that day is of sinister augury and deadly charged with danger which ye fill not to overflowing with gay deeds and bold of masterful, of manful Chastity.

The Two of Swords indicate deception of some sort.

More information

Golden Dawn - Two of Swords

Lord of Peace Restored

Mutual benefit based upon the experience of and devotion to the Grand Mother.

Mathers: Two of Swords

Friendship, Valor, Firmness, Courage.

Reversed Two of Swords

False Friends, Treachery, Lies.

Etteilla: Two of Swords

Friendship, Attachment, Affection, Tenderness, Kindness, Connection, Relationship, Similarity, Intimacy, Concord, Association, Interest, Conformity, Sympathy, Affinity, Attraction.

Reversed Two of Swords

False, Falsehood, Lying, Imposture, Duplicity, Bad Faith, Roguery, Trickery, Treachery, Deception, Superficial, Superficiality, Surface.

Thierens: Two of Swords

TRADITION

Friendship, attachment, affection, intimacy, affinity, tenderness, attraction, etc. "Concord in a state of arms." (W.) Reversed: Falsity, imposture, lie, duplicity, bad faith, deception, superficiality.

THEORY

The element Earth on the Second house. By virtue of the Venusian qualities of the Taurus-house, this Saturnian and Martian element, as will easily be understood, leads up to the magnetic affinity of the sexes, consequently to intimacy, attraction, affection, etc. But the idea of 'friendship' is different and not in this card. It denotes also artistic appreciation, founded on the perfect functioning of the senses. Taste for art will be born from this and an exact knowledge of prices and values. It is the card which means quality and essential virtue. Therefore it has been rendered as 'falsehood,' etc., when reversed, i.e. when the innate virtue is wanting. Now in weak cases this card will certainly denote sensuality and lazy luxurious habits, which will be found accompanied in many instances by the desire for money. For the rest we see in such cases the possibility of stupid resistance, dullness, cruelty, relentless opposition and recreation, passive obstruction, perhaps silent, unforgiving hatred. But in another respect it means the will to cultivate the soil, in the literal as well as in the figurative sense.

CONCLUSION

Latent force, magnetism, the principle of art, artistic appreciation; quality, virtue; magnetic attraction, affinity, intimacy, affection, that force which binds by the reduction of the senses; in weak cases sensuality, laziness, dullness. When badly aspected cruelty, unforgiving hatred, passive obstruction, etc.