Dignified:     The Five of Swords represents the feelings associated to loss and defeat.  It is a card that warns of impending failure should one continue in their present direction.  The Five of Swords challenges us to accept defeat with honor and humility and learn from our present mistakes.  The Five is a reminder that we are all human and every one of us has our weaknesses.  The Five of Swords is also a card of mistrust as the young man pictured keeps his eye on the other walking away.  Should the man turn to fight once again he will surely have met his match.  Sometimes defeat brings bitter truths but it can always be a step toward growth and maturity.  Learning to accept our limitations is the first big step in overcoming them.

Ill-Dignified:     In a reversed position the Five of Swords represents the worry and mental fatigue associated to loss.  It can represent excessive personal pride or the inability to accept that one has been outshined.  Reversed this card represents bitterness, depression, or excessive exhaustion.