The Suit of Swords

The Swords

The journey of the Swords (the element of Air) is all about the power of the mind. And describes both the negative and positive.  At its most positive Swords represent truth, wisdom, identity and integrity.  At its less positive, swords describes over thinking, negative thinking, limiting beliefs, which is why the sword suit is the often the most challenging in Tarot.

Starting with the Ace of Swords.  With the Ace of Swords, we decide to set our mind to something.  We make the decision and take action. It is a card that activates our journey.  By making a decision we cut out negativity, indecision and hesitation.

Two of Swords.  All two’s in the Tarot represent a choice.  Because it is swords we are trying to make a choice using our mind and intellect.  However logic alone makes any decision difficult, and describes moments, when we can’t make a decision based on logic alone.  The illustration on the two of swords shows a blindfolded woman holding two swords across her heart which suggests the decision can’t be made until she is able to tune into her heart, mind and intuition and there’s a need to hold back until we do.  But not too long.  It’s all about timing it right.

Three of Swords.  At the three level is all the suits we are ready to engage further but with the three of swords there is delay.  The card illustration shows three swords, piercing our heart representing the need to bring wisdom to our hearts.  There is delay connecting to what we want, instead there is absence, delay or separation from our heart’s desire.  It’s not a happy place and we can feel bereft, beyond our comfort zone.   The three swords remind us to bring wisdom to our hearts and understand there are good logical reasons why this is so.  We don’t give up.  This is moment of delayed gratification and ‘mind over matter/heart’ is required.  

Four of Swords.  Now we learn to use our mind to align our integrity.  We see a figure with four swords representing tuning into himself, to the kundalini energy, the third eye, throat and heart chakra in order to be in alignment with our own inner integrity.  For this we need to take time out.

Five of Swords.  This is where we need to make sure there is scrupulous integrity and clarity in our dealings.  Sometimes we can be a bit cavalier and let things slip.  A word that should or shouldn’t have been said allow for misunderstandings and things to unravel as a consequence. Go back and check.  Cross the t’s and dot the i’s metaphorically speaking.

Six of Swords.  Now because of our wise decisions and lessons learned we are moving forward across the river to the bank we want to get to! (see blog). At last a positive card that acknowledges advancement due to our efforts so far on the journey of swords. 

Seven of Swords.  Someone is stealing 5 swords from us.  Is it ourselves? whereby we put our attention and thoughts on something/or someone that disempowers us.

Or is it someone else, who takes liberties.  Give an inch take a mile. The 7 of swords represents ways ways we give our power away.

Eight of Swords.   It get’s worse.  This is when negative thinking about ourselves, and our limiting beliefs, can prevent us from endeavours.  It’s the card of self sabotage.  We cannot afford to hang around tying ourselves up in knots with our fears and doubts, it is the card of self entrapment.  We need to cut loose from our negative thinking and move forward whatever!

Nine of Swords.  Shows a woman sitting upright at night, there are 9 swords behind her.  This is a card of sleepless nights, anxiety and very often regret about things from the past.  On the one hand there is no point worrying about the past and on the other in order to gain the lesson and we do say, no pain no gain, it is worth putting to bed and then being able to move on.

To the Ten of Swords, where we learn to let go of the Ego.  Our beliefs, rules about the way things ‘should’ happen, and realise we are not in control.  Sure our ego’s can be helpful but this is a moment of Let go, before we bleed to death with wanting to be right and in control…the good news is, in the let go, there is the potential for transformation, for a new dawn.