
Today, we’re diving deep into the meaning of the 4 of Swords as feelings and the different aspects of a romantic relationship. The 4 of Swords (Jupiter in Libra) represents a period of rest, contemplation, and recovery. This card often appears when there’s a need for a mental and emotional timeout to gain clarity and perspective.
In the context of intimate relationships, the 4 of Swords can take on various meanings depending on the situation and the psychological models we apply to understand love and partnerships. We explore all this and more below, where you will also find a love tarot ritual with Archangel Raphael to promote peace and harmony in your love life.
Go to the 4 of Swords Love Tarot Ritual for Relationship Harmony with Archangel Raphael
4 of Swords as Feelings of a Love Interest (Upright)
When the 4 of Swords appears upright to represent the feelings of a love interest, it suggests that they may be feeling overwhelmed and in need of space to process their emotions. This person may need more time to develop deeper feelings of closeness and connectedness. They might be retreating to evaluate the relationship’s costs and benefits.
Reversed Meanings of 4 of Swords as Feelings
In its reversed position, the 4 of Swords can indicate that the period of rest and contemplation is coming to an end. The love interest may be ready to re-engage in the relationship with renewed energy and perspective. This could signify a shift in the balance of rewards and costs in the relationship, potentially leading to increased commitment.
4 of Swords When You Are Single and Looking
For singles, the 4 of Swords suggests taking time for self-reflection before entering a new relationship. This period of introspection can help clarify one’s needs and expectations, which is crucial for developing a secure attachment style in future relationships. It’s an opportunity to evaluate past experiences and set intentions for the kind of love one seeks.
4 of Swords as Your Attachment Style in the Relationship
The 4 of Swords may indicate an avoidant attachment style, where you tend to withdraw emotionally when faced with relationship challenges. This behaviour can be seen as a coping mechanism to maintain independence and avoid vulnerability. Understanding this pattern is crucial for developing a more secure attachment and fostering intimacy in the relationship.
4 of Swords Attachment Style of Your Love Interest
If the 4 of Swords represents your love interest’s attachment style, it suggests they may have difficulty with emotional intimacy and need frequent periods of solitude. This could be challenging for partners with anxious attachment styles who crave constant connection. Recognising and respecting these differences is key to maintaining relationship satisfaction and equity.
4 of Swords As the Energetic Connection
The 4 of Swords in this context suggests a period of emotional distance or a “cooling off” in the relationship. This doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem but rather a natural ebb and flow in intimacy. It’s an opportunity to reassess the relationship’s investment and commitment levels.
4 of Swords as the Potential Outcome
As a potential outcome, the 4 of Swords indicates a period of healing and recovery for the relationship. It suggests that taking time apart or slowing down the pace of the relationship could lead to a stronger, more balanced partnership. This aligns with the idea of relationship maintenance, where partners periodically evaluate and adjust their interactions to maintain satisfaction.
4 of Swords in a Relationship Breakdown
In the context of a relationship breakdown, the 4 of Swords can represent the “Intrapsychic Phase“. This is when one or both partners withdraw to contemplate the relationship’s future. Rather than a definite yes/no answer to a question about possible reconciliation, it indicates a crucial period for deciding whether to invest in repairing the relationship or to move towards dissolution. Look to surrounding cards to understand which of these outcomes is more likely but remember that the outcome is far from set in stone.
Check out the Angelorum Love and Relationship Tarot Spreads!
Angelic Love Tarot Ritual for Relationship Harmony

To invoke peace and harmony in a romantic relationship under the influence of the 4 of Swords, use this angelic tarot ritual, invoking the assistance of Archangel Raphael, ruler of the Element of Air:
- Create sacred space and place a green candle on your altar.
- Place the 4 of Swords card in front of you.
- Light the candle and invoke Archangel Raphael, the angel of healing:
“Archangel Raphael, I call upon your healing presence. Guide me towards peace and harmony in my relationship with ___________.” - Meditate on the 4 of Swords, visualising a golden light of healing surrounding you and the other person.
- Reflect on areas where you need peace and clarity in your love life.
- Draw an additional card for guidance on how to bring more balance to your relationship.
- Close the ritual by thanking Archangel Raphael and extinguishing the candle.
- Write about your experience in your journal.
Love Tarot Card Meanings + Rituals Index

Discover more from Angelorum Tarot
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.