Again a card which imagery leaves no doubt about its favourability.  The man on the card is not stabbed once, he is stabbed ten times. Can we describe total defeat and loss any better? The black clouds are over him but on the horizon we see good omens; blue mountains and clear sunny skies. So maybe there is a glimpse of hope in this situation but only after we reassess our beahviour, learn and move on. Here there is nothing more to fight for. As much as all other Tens across the suits, this Ten of Swords also brings to the maximum what was indicated in the Ace card of its suit. We said that in the Ace of Swords exists the warning about misusing the power of the sword and about the consequences that follow. Well, this card is the  consequence of misuse. The dark cloudy sky above suggest that this punishment comes from above, probably when person doesn't even see it coming, suddenly and without warning. Here we can see the connection with The Tower. Our ego in its arrogance assumes the role of the supreme master that controls everything while in the reality it controls nothing and from time to time this fact is shown to it very clearly and without any doubt. This card reflects this situation.

Positive: hope comes with change.

Negative: sudden misfortune that will last, dissapointment, mental anguish, ruin, betrayal, failed plans and hopes, bottom.

  A prostrate figure, pierced by all the swords belonging to the card. ve: sudden misfortune that will last, dissapointment, mental anguish, .e design; also pain, affliction, tears, sadness, desolation. It is not especially a card of violent death. Reversed: Advantage, profit, success, favour, but none of these are permanent; also power and authority.

— The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, by A.E. Waite