The Ten of Swords represents the culmination of a long struggle and suffering, and symbolizes endings and letting go. Often, after a long period of pain and anguish, there comes a time of self-reflection and an acceptance of what has happened. This card tells us that even if the struggle is still painful and fresh, it is the right thing to do. The sword stabbed into the heart of a person on the Ten of Swords has not magically appeared out of nowhere – he must have hurt his partner, children, family, friends, and loved ones. But this is a sacrifice that the person must make to become free of the pain.
When you draw the Ten of Swords in a reading, it is indicating that you have felt the impact of a terrible conflict, and you are ready to leave it behind and move to a new place. The sword in this card is still embedded in the person’s back from the battle which resulted in his death. You can already see that despite the physical pain, the person is beginning to let go. There is also a feeling of grief and sadness as the pain from the battle is still fresh.