The Two of Swords is one of the more difficult cards to interpret during a “yes or no” tarot reading. It lives in the gray area, and leaves plenty of room for possibility.
This guide will help you figure out what it means for you.
Table of Contents
Two Of Swords: Yes Or No?
When it comes to getting a simple yes or no answer, the Two of Swords is complicated. In general, it can best be interpreted as a maybe.
The suit of Swords represents the element of Air. This is typically taken to represent things like thought, the conscious mind, and the intellect. It can also point to analysis, deliberation, or situations that require careful consideration. It’s not typically a suit of gut feelings, emotions, or intuition, but the Two of Swords is a notable exception to this.
When it comes to numbers, two represents balance and cooperation. The Two cards in tarot indicate things like partnerships, pairs, balancing acts, or equal but opposing forces. The Two of Swords follows this rule and is commonly interpreted as a need for balance or a choice between two roughly equal opposites.
You can see this if you examine its imagery. In the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot, the Two of Swords is illustrated as a seated, blindfolded figure holding a pair of swords. Their arms are crossed, so the sword in their left hand points to the right, and vice versa. The figure is seated on a plain stone bench, on flat ground, and there’s a placidly flowing lake or river behind them.
This depiction emphasizes the concept of equality and choice. This is one reason why drawing the Two of Swords in a “yes or no” tarot reading typically doesn’t result in a clear answer. The seated figure can’t see, so there’s no way for them to make a choice based on sight. Both of the swords appear to be equal weight, so they can’t choose based on feel. Each sword points in a different direction, in opposition to each other.
Though the suit of Swords doesn’t typically represent emotion, the flowing water behind the figure indicates some very deep feelings about their situation. It appears that they are unable to see any clear, logical advantages or disadvantages to either choice in front of them, so they’ve turned inward to sort out their feelings.
The blindfold also hearkens back to traditional depictions of justice. Rather than a sword and scale, however, this seated figure holds a second sword.
In other words, the Two of Swords is asking you to make a decision between two things that are pretty much the same. It’s not a yes, but it isn’t a no, either. There appears to be a roughly equal probability of a positive or negative outcome here.
Unlike some other cards that also indicate a maybe in a “yes or no” tarot reading, the Two of Swords doesn’t really offer any advice other than for you to make a decision. The seated figure will be blindfolded and stuck in place as long as they continue to try to hold up both swords, and they won’t be able to see clearly or free themselves until they choose to put one of them down.
Since the Two of Swords is pretty thoroughly neutral, you may want to look at some of the surrounding cards for more information.
Does A Reversed Two Of Swords Mean Yes Or No?
Reversed, the Two of Swords goes from a maybe to a yes. However, this isn’t an entirely positive answer.
When presented with a “yes or no” query, the reversed Two of Swords represents an end to a stalemate. It’s likely that you’ve obtained all of the information that you need to make a choice and are now in control of this situation.
Rather than blindfolded, the figure has abandoned their blindfold and sees clearly. Instead of trying to hold up two swords at once, they’ve chosen to put one down. They’re no longer trapped in place by indecision.
While this reversed card can represent a yes, that doesn’t mean that this yes will come easily. It most likely comes after a long period of deliberation and difficult decisions. You’ve gone through the wringer and emerged wiser, so you’ve had to do a lot to earn this.
According to other interpretations, the Two of Swords reversed can still be a maybe. Rather than represent a choice between two options that are equally good, it can represent a choice between two terrible options, or a situation in which you’ll be forced to choose whether you’re ready to or not.
The Two of Swords reversed, like the Two of Swords upright, is another card that benefits from context. Pay attention to the cards around it. If you’ve drawn it during a one-card “yes or no” reading, consider finding another card or two for more information.
Does Two Of Swords Mean Yes Or No For Love?
In yes or no readings about love, the Two of Swords is a maybe.
This card often represents facing a romantic dilemma. You may be dealing with a decision between multiple potential partners, between familial or romantic obligations, between romance and singlehood, or even between dating and marriage.
The frustrating thing here is that it can’t tell you which decision is better — all of them have their advantages and disadvantages. Is one better than the other? Should you choose one option over the other? The best it can tell you is, “Maybe!”
If you’re currently paired up with someone, this card can represent feeling stagnant. You may feel stuck and unable to move forward right now.
Sometimes, the upright Two of Swords for yes or no love readings can also represent power struggles. The good news is that there isn’t an imbalance here, but the bad news is that it’s a struggle that isn’t going anywhere.
If you’re single, the Two of Swords can indicate that you’re having trouble deciding between the freedom of being single, and the joys of being in a relationship. You may also be faced with several suitors and have a hard time picking one. Now may not be the right time to try to make a decision.
While the upright Two of Swords is a maybe, it’s a pretty positive one. Making a choice can be difficult, but all of your options seem pretty strong right now.
Does A Reversed Two Of Swords Mean Yes Or No For Love?
When it comes to “yes or no” love questions, a reversed Two of Swords is often still a maybe.
It often speaks of a private emotional struggle of some sort. In this case, instead of choosing between two options that both seem good, you may feel compelled to choose between two situations that you don’t want.
For example, you may not want to be single, but may not like your current potential partner, either. You may not want to get married but feel pushed to do so by your family. You may really want to get married but have economic reasons not to do so. It’s a no-win situation all around.
If you’re currently married or dating, then the Two of Swords reversed may be here to warn you that you can only delay for so long. You’ll have to make a choice, even if nothing appeals to you at the moment. You’ll be stuck in place until you do, but you can’t stay there forever.
If you’re currently single, the meaning is very similar. You may be avoiding the dating scene out of anxiety, but this can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Choosing to close yourself off from others will not help you here.
All told, the Two of Swords reversed is a pretty negative maybe for love. Look to the surrounding cards for advice and guidance on how to navigate this difficult situation.
Example Questions
Asking the right questions can help improve your chance of getting a clear reading, especially when it comes to yes or no questions. If you use the following ones and are presented with the Two of Swords, you’ll have a better idea what it all means!
Will I Finally Win Over My Crush?
An upright Two of Swords for this “yes or no” question means maybe! Even if you don’t, though, you have more romantic freedom than you might realize. Try to avoid being disappointed if it doesn’t work out, because you’re very likely to have an equally good option that you might not know about yet.
The reversed Two of Swords also means maybe. However, you may want to consider what’s drawing you to this person in particular.
Will My Partner And I Get Married?
If the Two of Swords is upright, the answer is “possibly!” Even if you don’t, you’re likely to have a vibrant and loving relationship. It could go either way, really, but both options are looking pretty good.
A reversed Two of Swords indicated a maybe. This could be causing you anxiety right now. It’s also possible that this decision would be based more on societal expectations or financial reasons rather than on love.
Will I Meet A New Partner Soon?
This is a common yes or no question in tarot readings, and an upright Two of Swords indicated a positive “maybe.” You’re probably not in a huge rush, though, because being single is still pretty sweet. It’s likely that you already have a fulfilling social life that a lover wouldn’t really add to or detract from, anyway.
The reversed Two of Swords is also a maybe. It’s possible that you don’t want to be single, but don’t really want to bring a new person into your life, either. It could be a good idea to take some time to sort through your feelings before trying to jump back into dating.
Closing Thoughts
The Two of Swords is a tarot card that rarely provides a clear answer during a “yes or no” reading. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be useful!
Use this guide to consider the possibilities this card is presenting. If you have any questions, send them over!
