5 of Swords, Defeat.

I feel that when the swords show up in a reading that there are situation that deal with morality, moral conflict, and conflicts in general. If the swords are upright there is a possible argument or disturbance that you need to deal with. You may have succeeded in making your point and your opinion has been heard. If the swords are reversed you have made your point and there is no need to pursue the situation.
Note: This is all very new to me and I may be completely off track in my interpetation.
Hecate (donnaip@centurytel.net)

Though I agree with what I have read, with venus (netzach/victory) in aquarius (freedom of mind) I always tend to think positive thoughts as Crowley would want us to see the opposite to what we first think. So Defeat = Victory.
Lee (lovelee@alphalink.com)

The breakdown of a logical structure, in part to a revelation of truth. Born to bring change to the weakness that comes about from the complancy that follows and established PERSONAL dogma. The shakeup should show that attention needs to be given to the OUTSIDE world around you, and that the logical structure created was subjective. THE INTELLECT IS ENFEEBLED BY PERSONAL SENTIMENT. Conflict with others as your personal view is at opposition with that of others.
FraterApogo (Romual.piecyk@us.pwcglobal.com)

The edges of the pentacle are decorated with pomegranate seeds...Persephone's downfall; she ate some while she was held prisoner in the Underworld. I interpret this in two ways: What have you done that is keeping you in your own dark underworld? At the time perhaps it seemed like a good idea, but now? Secondly, what are you learning in this dark & dreaded (& misunderstood perhaps?) place?
corrina elliott (tansyfaerie@hotmail.com)

The Karmic state of being way too crafty. Too crafty for one's own good, what seemed like such a good idea at the time as gone horribly awry. We find ourselves undone by our own words. That which was perfect simply could not be left alone. Now it all falls apart, utter total defeat is the only outcome.
Walter Weizenauer (walterwz@earthlink.net)

this is where the wrathful sephira of geburah mixed with the passion of venus is used with the calculating essence of air & aquarius. none of which work well together. action is unbalanced as such that one can never win. hence defeat.
samuel james theil (samueltheil@blackmail.zzn.com)

The swastika can be found on this card.
Robin (antrobin@webzone.net)

I have found that this card frequently refers to a situaion in which an unecessary use or over use of force has occured. It can refer to one acting from fear or impulse, lashing out, brutalizing.
Tetsuo Doyle (bm374@scn.org)

The pawn is worthless, the deadline is reached.
hilmar (hihodgja@sp.zrz.TU-Berlin.DE)

Be aware of someone trying to undermine your efforts/acheivements.
Erin

Venus in Aquarius.
Self defeat, self sabbatage.
Indulging in spontinaiety.
Reaction without thought.
When you are reacting, you are not responding.
Learn to slow down. Release of this card comes with being conscious of your actions.
Alison (alisond@anv.net)

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