Four of Swords
The Four of Swords depicts a group paused on a shoreline as a burning longship drifts away, symbolizing a necessary withdrawal and moment of contemplation. It encourages rest, mental healing, and deliberate preparation before taking the next step to gain clarity. Reversed, the card warns of restless minds, rushed decisions, or resistance to rest that undermines effective action. The presence of the Rune suggests a focused, binding energy that can help initiate or support projects once balance and clarity are restored.
Keywords
Description
Four Vikings stand on a coastline. They look out to the water where a Viking longship burns. Each one of the Vikings has a sword at their side. They wear light armor, and their hair is braided and kept clean. The longship slowly burns in the water. Short hills and snow-capped mountains appear in the distance. Dark clouds fill the sky overhead. A single Rune hangs over the longship.
Upright
Contemplation, resting, preparing for your next move, heal your mind, gain clarity.
Reversed
Fast thoughts, hesitation, rushing into a situation, struggling against rest.
Bind Rune
Help to create projects.
Visual Description
Four armored, bearded warriors stand on a rocky shore with their swords pointed down, backs to the viewer, facing a calm fjord. In the water ahead a longship drifts, rimed with small flames and centered on a glowing vertical rune-like light. Jagged mountains rise on either side and a low, clouded sky hangs over the scene. Above the composition a single upright sword with the numeral 4 is depicted near the top of the card.
Runic tarot
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