Swords
Swords is the suit which embodies the realm of the intellect, our ability to think and be rational, our potential to make good decisions and see through falsehoods.
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Ace of Swords
Each of the Ace cards depicts the hand of a divine being holding the suit’s symbol, representing the suit’s essential energy. Aces also signify beginnings and potential, so the Ace of Swords symbolizes a new idea, the drive to develop the intellect through disciplined study, a thirst for knowledge and wisdom, and the ability to cut through falsehoods and distractions to get to the truth. |
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Two of Swords
A blindfolded woman sits by the sea crossing her heart with two heavy swords. This symbolizes turning inward, guarding the heart or stilling emotions in order to make a decision or a choice based on reason. |
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Three of Swords
Three swords pierce a heart, the sky is gray and cloudy and pouring rain. This card symbolizes the often heartbreaking nature of truth, the sting that comes with a thoughtless or calculating comment, and the anguish we feel when we are aware of the suffering of others. The Three of Swords can also represent a dilemma or painful decision that needs to be made. |
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Four of Swords
At first glance, the man lying down appears to be dead. However, praying hands indicate he is in meditative repose. The Four of Swords reminds us to take time to heal after suffering an illness or emotional anguish. It symbolizes a period of recovery or reflection—retreating or slowing down to gain perspective and strength. |
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Five of Swords
A man picks up swords that have been relinquished by two other figures. The interpretation of the Five of Swords largely depends upon the figure with whom we most identify. The man in the foreground can represent taking pleasure in outsmarting another, or the smug feeling we might have when mentally prepared for a challenge. The figure before the water symbolizes the times we have ruminated over a loss or injustice, or have felt remorse for not having been prepared to meet a challenge or volatile situation. The man leaving the scene offers an alternative approach—he accepts what has happened and vows to be better prepared in the future. |
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Six of Swords
A man ferries a woman and child towards another shore. The imagery suggests many stories and has a range of meaning. It can symbolize a passageway through hardship, getting or running away, moving to calmer waters, accepting the truth and moving on, being imprisoned by a limited point of view, and gaining a new perspective through travel or experience. It can also symbolize receiving or giving support. |
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Seven of Swords
A man sneaks off from a fairground with swords. The Seven of Swords can symbolize stealing someone’s ideas, gathering information, being deceitful, lying, and being afraid to tell the truth or to ask for what we need. |
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Eight of Swords
A woman is blindfolded, tied up and surrounded on three sides by a fence of swords. The Eight of Swords signifies paralysis, feeling restricted, or stuck, the inability to make a decision or notice options. The imagery suggests that the woman could easily walk away or use a sword to cut the cloth that binds her—reminding us that things are not always as bad as they seem. She need only recognize her power in order to be free. |
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Nine of Swords
A figure sits up in bed in the middle of the night, his or her face in hands, swords hanging overhead. The Nine of Swords illustrates a sleepless night and can symbolize tremendous guilt, regret, or a painful realization. The swords in the card could be seen as a ladder symbolizing our ability to climb out of the troubles that keep us awake at night. |
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Ten of Swords
A figure lies on the ground with ten swords in his back. The sun is rising on the horizon. The Ten of Swords can symbolize being stabbed in the back, deceived, feeling pinned down, thinking about a weighty problem, or dwelling on something that has happened. The sunrise represents imminent relief from dark thoughts. The situation can only get better. |
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Page of Swords
The Page of Swords stands atop a hill wielding his sword. The wind, brilliant blue sky, and puffy clouds suggest a fresh spring day. This card represents a student trying out new ideas and working through a problem with patience, or someone who seeks high ground to have clear vision and foresight. |
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Knight of Swords
The Knight of Swords charges on his horse, slashing his sword through the stormy air, looking as though he is leading an attack. This card represents a person who fiercely defends his or her ideas and points of view, as well as someone who thinks fast and is a straight talker. |
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Queen of Swords
The Queen of Swords sits on an elaborate throne, her head above the clouds. This card represents someone who, while grounded in his or her beliefs, is not set in their ways. It is symbolic of a person who is a keen observer, a good listener, one who cuts through falsehoods and gives honest, frank advice. The Queen of Swords also can represent someone who has survived adversity, and is stronger and wiser for the experience. |
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King of Swords
The King of Swords sits on his throne, the only king to face us squarely. This card symbolizes a respected intellect, and/or a strong, judicious, and ethical leader—someone who can quickly and objectively size up a situation and know the best way to proceed. The King of Swords also represents someone who is a master of the written word and an articulate and convincing speaker that effects change. |
Tarot Insights is located in downtown San Mateo, CA—a short distance from Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, Burlingame and Millbrae. Contact—susan@tarotinsights.net, 650.532.0509.
Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyright 1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc,
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