Tarot has been a part of Barbara Moore's personal and professional lives for nearly twenty years. Right from the start, tarot intrigued her with its marvelous blending of mythology, psychology, art, history, mystery, and magic. She has studied under...
A Pyrrhic victory is one that comes at too great a cost. The Five of Swords is a card of victory and of loss. The victorious figure seems oblivious to the destruction and is just happy to have won. It is not clear when or if he will ever realize the price he paid, although at some point an accounting must be made. The cost of this situation is so high, some interpretations leave off the idea of victory altogether and call the card simply "defeat."
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The Universal Waite card shows no bloodshed, indicating a purely mental situation, such as manipulation or some other kind of treachery. It is as though he simply talked the others into laying down their swords. He is clearly happy with the result, but there is an implication that he has sown seeds in the others that he will reap unpleasantly later.
Core meaning: A victory tinged with defeat.
In the Legacy card, we see a site of utter destruction. Amid raging fires and dead bodies, the victor stands holding his gain ... five swords. His tattered flag remains, waving over a field of death.
The Shadowscapes card shows the premeditation before the battle. Although certainly intent on physical destruction, this card focuses on the mental aspect of planning and preparing for such an event. The black swans symbolize the dark and dangerous forces that are engaged.
