The number 5 represents that added something that brings the situation out of balance again.  It represents the struggle and challenge of inner and outer growth.  The suit of Swords is associated with  reason, thought, logic, will, courage, verbal skill, matters pertaining to the mind, communication and the element of air.  This is a card of struggle, of dealing with intellectual cruelty and taunts. 

"Your lifestyle is being challenged or changed.  You are aware of the limitations of a given philosophy as you act it out in your daily life.  Your communication patterns may be in flux as a result of feedback from others.  You could be adjusting (editing) something you've written or said." - Gail Fairfield

Calamity, danger, explosion, damage, accidents and injuries. Cancellations. Distress magnified by worry. Helplessness against force of circumstances. Broken appliances or automobiles. Abandonment, exit with harsh words. The situation is finished, but not yet ended. Panic attacks, excessive worry. Anxiety and depression; dark moods that may spiral out of control. Bad manners and rudeness. Cultural misunderstandings. Event that breaks down barriers or disrupts entire group structure." - Whispering Tarot companion book

"The desire for revenge or retribution can obscure out true goals" - Spirit World LWB

I love the obscure, the esoteric.  Even when I am interested in something that has limited audience appeal, I find a way to narrow it even further.  For example I am a polytheistic, a Pagan but I'm not Wiccan.  That was a little to "popular" for me.  I chose to align myself with a more Druidic/Celtic Reconstructionist and Asatru/Norse Reconstructionist path.  I love cooking and wanted to get a new set of pots.  Instead of buying something new, I inherited my mom-in-law's vintage Revere Ware pots and now I'm searching for more pieces.  Why do something that is only slightly difficult when I can find a way to make it even more challenging?  This seems to be one of the ways I manifest the 5 of Swords in my life.  I create challenges that I then find ways to surmount.  They are certainly not life threatening in any way.  If I fail at these challenges no one will be harmed.  It is simply one way to challenge myself and bring another level  of intellectual stimulation to my interests.

I have known for many years that I have this trait.  It first hit me between the eyes when I realized that my first computer was a Commodore 64.  Not for me the stodge PC or the relatively academic (at the time) Apple IIC.  I had to select the even more obscure Commodore 64.  I did a lot of research before making my selection and felt relatively confident it would meet my needs.  When I upgraded it was to an Amiga 500 (also made by Commodore).  When Commodore went out of business I was very disappointed.  I reluctantly moved to the ranks of PC ownership because most of the software programs I wanted to use were in that format, but I never really felt the same affection for my PCs that I felt for my Commodore computers.  When I started collected Tarot decks not only did I collect mass market decks, I developed a predilection for collecting self-published, relatively obscure Tarot decks.

I have a tendency to do a lot of research in my hobbies and immerse myself.  When I started collecting dolls I learned all that I could about recognizing the differences between #1 and #3 vintage Barbies (even though I had no desire to collect them).  I learned the differences between the 900 series fashions and the 1600 series.  When I wanted to acquire a quality set of pots (rather than my usual method of buying whatever was on sale at the store).  I initially wanted a brand that was rated very highly by Cook's Illustrated magazine.  It is only available at Wal-Mart (which was a serious drawback) but was reasonably priced - 10 pieces for $199.  It was rated as comparable to All-Clad cookware with a much lower price point.  I read reviews and considered my options.  By the time I decided to purchase a set Wal-Mart had raised the price to $280 (I'm sure they realized that the good review from CI increased popularity of the set and decided to cash in).  That infuriated me so much that I refused to purchase the set. 

This set me on a quest to find another set of quality cookware that I could afford.  One night while ranting to my hubby he mentioned that his mom's set of Revere Ware was still in good shape and she never used it anymore.  So when we stopped over there on Christmas Eve I looked at the pots.  They needed to be cleaned but were still in very serviceable condition.  She also had a Farberware frying pan that was in good condition.  I researched Revere Ware online and learned that pots made prior to 1968 were considered to be very high quality.  After 1968 the company change the pots and gave them a much thinner copper coating making them of a much lower quality.  So I gave my mom-in-law a few of the nonstick pots I have in the house and (with her blessing) took the Revere Ware.  They cleaned up beautifully and I love knowing that I'm carrying on a family tradition.  Of course now I am searching for a vintage Revere Ware skillet & 8-qt stock pot to complete the set.  In addition I ordered a Tramontina 6.5qt Dutch oven (it was also ranked a Best Buy by Cook's Illustrated).  Once I dive into something, I go whole hog.