Four of Swords

Welcome to season 8 of this podcast, where I am talking all about the Suit of Swords. I’ll be going through each card in the suit, one per episode.

What we explore in this episode:

• What the Four of Swords teaches us about rest, reflection, and recalibration

• Symbolism across decks: coffins, temples, meditation, calm retreat, transformation

• The difference between true rest and emotional avoidance

• How this card relates to atonement, clarity after overwhelm, and the importance of spiritual integration

Pictures from the decks I talked about today referenced from left to right:

• The Goddess of Love Tarot Deck: A Book and Deck for Embodying The Erotic Divine Feminine by Gabriela Herstik and illustrated by Julia Popescu

• The Desert Illuminations Tarot by Lindsay D. Williams

• The Sasuraibito Tarot deck by Stasia Burrington

In this episode, we look at the Four of Swords as a call to a sacred pause. It’s the chrysalis moment between action and transformation. Whether you're healing from burnout, heartbreak, or just navigating deep life transitions, this card invites you to lay down your sword—physically, mentally, and emotionally—and rest. We talk about what it means to stop pushing and allow space for reflection, integration, and quiet clarity.

The Four of Swords reminds us that it’s okay to step back, and sometimes essential. Rest is not laziness. It's how we gather strength and discernment before stepping into what's next.

If you haven't listened to my other seasons yet, go check them out!

• Season 1 - Tarot basics

• Seasons 2 & 3 - Major Arcana and 4 suits

• Season 4 - Tarot in Pop Culture

• Season 5 - Tarot Spreads

• Season 6 - Suit of Wands

• Season 7 - Suit of Pentacles

Today's Tarot Pull:

From The Citadel: A Fantasy Oracle by Fen Inkwright, I pulled The Alchemist.

This card brings a message of balance, invention, and destruction. The Alchemist understands that to create something new—whether a project, a relationship, or a transformed self—something else must be dismantled. Nothing is wasted. Instead, what’s been burned becomes the base from which we rebuild. 

Reflective prompts on this card:

• What needs to be released or dismantled so something new can be created?

• Are you giving yourself permission to rest and integrate before moving forward?

• Where are you being called to rebuild—slowly, intentionally, and from your own truth?

Ways to Connect & Support

• Patreon: For monthly hangouts, tarot Q&As, individual readings, and behind-the-scenes peeks, join the Every Day Tarot Patreon family.

• Newsletter: Get my FREE 2025 5-Card Tarot Spread PDF + weekly musings, event invites, and magic straight to your inbox.

• Let’s Talk Tarot Meetup: If you’re local to the Greater Puget Sound area I’d love to see you at one of my Let’s Talk Tarot Meetup group events where we all bring some of our favorite decks and play around with tarot and oracle decks together. Maybe you’ll even find a deck that you really like and can search for that particular one in the future.