Swords
Ace of Swords
Key concepts:
The spark of an idea, cutting through a situation with reason, objectivity or mental clarity, power
Upright:
The creative spark, or the passionate feelings we have for our ideas is what this ace is all about. It’s the small flicker that needs much work, and feeding in order to grow strong and into something sustainable. What inspiration are you harboring just waiting for the right moment to cultivate? Consider movement toward it.
The thought has sprung. Go with it. Think it through and make it happen. New ideas and inspiration are springing forward. The no nonsense approach of the sword requires clarity and honesty in these endeavors. Getting clear on the feasibility of the idea is of the utmost importance.
Reversed:
When we find a weakness or faulty thinking in our plans, or ideas, it can create self-defeating thought processes. Confusion can ensue about what the “right” thing to do is. Be careful today when you face setbacks in plans, or if someone points out an area where you thought you were covered, but are not. Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in the spiral of self-doubt. Stick to the facts, and the logic. Seek clarity, not self-defeat.
2 of Swords
Key concepts:
Deliberately going inside to find answers, balancing two options, unwillingness to take steps
Upright:
Finding a way to go within, while balancing everything on the outside, is the best way to find our answers. Suspending everything and protecting ourselves with quiet and solitude allows us time to hear our still voice within.
Reversed:
We can only balance heavy things for so long. We can only close our eyes and be inside our heads for so long. Then because of our lack of action for ourselves, things move on without us. We open our eye and everything has changed without our input. Where are you in danger of that kind of outcome?
3 of Swords
Key concepts:
Heart break, disappointment, others not living up to our expectations, pain, betrayal
Upright:
When the 3 of Swords shows up, disappointment is eminent. We might think it’s love related, but there are many reason we might find ourselves disappointed, or broken hearted. Most of the time it’s of our own doing. We impose our expectation on others and they don’t live up to them. Where are you doing that now? Should you?
Reversed:
When this card comes up reversed, there is still pain, but the healing can and will start if you’re willing to let it happen. Ask yourself why you’re holding on, then find a way to let go.
4 of Swords
Key concepts:
Rest, recuperation, need for time alone, separation, a peaceful mind
Upright:
The 4 of Swords is a clear indication that a rest is needed. It’s time to sequester yourself and do whatever it takes to recharge your battery. Is your body or mind screaming at you to slow down? Do! If you don’t one of the other will force you to.
Reversed:
When this card comes up reversed, it’s time to come out of hiding and rejoin, become active again. The recess is over. It doesn’t mean come out with guns blazing and spouting your new found wisdoms! Slowly, gently, rejoin those spaces you need to, or long to.
5 of Swords
Key concepts:
Self-interest, disregard for the needs/feelings of others, winning at all cost, selfishness, not living in congruency
Upright:
You may smile in the face of victory – but inside you may be crying over the damage done to someone else that can’t be repaired. Consider why it’s important to you to win, and be sure it’s worth what you win – or what you lose.
Reversed:
The battle ended, and the war may have been lost at worst. At best you just didn’t come out on top of the matter. We can’t all win, all the time. Consider the lessons learned, and apply them next time.
6 of Swords
Key concepts:
Regret, Deliberate Change, Recovery, Kindness of Strangers, Shared Ideas, a “traditional” marriage card
Upright:
Sometimes we have to stop looking back and start our journey forward no matter what we might have to leave behind. It’s a tough decision to make, and it will feel like the double edged sword; tumultuous on one side and calm on the other. But once the journey is started, it will get easier and easier, and the new shore will become clearer with every day. What are you holding on to that you should release? Where should you go that you’re not? Don’t you think it’s time?
Reversed
A long standing silence on an issue is about to be brought to the forefront for conversation. Try to be objective, and weigh things before you speak, consider the most palatable way of saying what needs to be said. The boat will sink only if you let it. Don’t let it. Baggage is never easy to go through – but sometimes we have to.
7 of Swords
Key concepts:
Deception, Manipulation, Daring, Insolence, Self-reliance
Upright:
When we try to take on too much, something gets left behind and we’re always looking back at what was lost. No matter how awesome we think we are, when we do that, it’s self-defeating. Where are you losing because you trying to get away with doing it all, or all along?
Reversed:
It’s always going to catch up with us when we deceive ourselves and those around us. The best course of action now is to say, “I’m sorry,” and ask for the much needed help.
8 of Swords
Key concepts:
Powerlessness, Self-restricting Beliefs, Inhibitions, Unnecessary Shame, Addiction
Upright:
Fear of failure keeps a lot of us from moving ahead in life. We don’t even try because of the what-if! Self-restricting beliefs ties us up in all kinds of ways. The problem is, only we can free ourselves. Only we can wriggle free of the bonds, take off the blindfold and see what’s real. What keeps you limited – but only in your own head?
Reversed:
When the 8 of Swords shows up reversed, whether you know it or not, you’re ready to break free from your self-inflected restrictions. You might initially stumble when you release yourself, the light might be terribly bright when you open your eyes, but facing ourselves and the events around us for what they really are is the only way forward. Take the first step.
9 of Swords
Key concepts:
Anxiety, Torment, Depression, Fear, Remorse, Nightmares
Upright:
When we’re in the dark, alone, with no distractions and trying to go to sleep, worries, concerns, and the things that leave us feeling anxious and scared surface quickly. When they do, it’s important to be discerning about what we actually have control over, and what we don’t. We can really only do something about the things we have control over – it’s best to release the outcome of the things we can’t control and not let them control us and our feelings.
Reversed:
There are things going on that are concerning, and the mind will often work on these things during sleep. Now is the time to consider a dream journal to see what and how your mind is processing things. It might also be helpful in determining things that are nagging but you haven’t been able to put your finger on what it was. Just be careful that these worrisome things don’t become things that cause too much stress and become detrimental to mental and physical health.
We can all be very good about winding ourselves up, and spinning things up to the point that we are out of our heads with worry and anxiety. The 9 reversed suggests it’s time to take responsibility for those tendencies, and learn how to calm ourselves, how to ground in what’s real and within our control, how to talk ourselves off the ledge.
Just when you thought it was all over, another wound surfaces, another shoe drops. Move through it, step by step. On the other side is a brighter day.
10 of Swords
Key concepts:
Exaggeration (Going to Extremes, Overkill, Melodrama); Victim (Martyr, Self-pity); Hitting the Bottom, Death, Karma is fulfilled
Upright:
Stick a fork in me, I’m done! Whether self-imposed, or externally imposed, giving up the struggle sometimes opens us to see the new day dawning. It frees us to see other options we were blind to before.
Reversed:
A continued struggle keeps our lives in turmoil. The pain and constant discomfort are defeating. The end is nearing. Consider what needs to be done in order for it to be a peaceful, if painful end.
Page of Swords
Key concepts:
Quick-witted, Observant, Persevering, aloof, a little scattered because of the stream of ideas always flowing, keen observer, tackling inner demons. News about official or legal matters, documents being ready for signature
Upright:
When this fella comes up, it’s time to consider being more diplomatic in dealings, using your nervous/excited energy to get your ideas across well. He also asks us if there is a higher purpose to our dealings, because there should be. He brings the message that good things are coming, maybe not at your pace, but will arrive in the nick of time.
Reversed:
Brash, quick witted sarcasm may hit home, but it’s rarely the right approach. That zinger could very well come back to haunt. Be careful in your speech today. Don’t throw out your intellectual might just because you can.
Knight of Swords
Key concepts:
Opinionated/Righteous, Action taker, Intelligent, hero, Believer in Truth, Righteousness/ Cruelty, adaptable, quick witted, intellectual
Upright:
Having the convictions of your beliefs gives a lot of high ground. It’s from that place we can charge in where angels fear to tread, and make a difference. Though actions may be swift they are grounded in knowing what’s right and true. Is everything in life that clear cut? That black and white?
Reversed:
The swift, thoughtless, hot-headed approach rarely wins us friends, but it seriously influences people. Consider today where you approach is less than thought out and more pride,anger or fear based.
Queen of Swords
Key concepts:
Empathetic, Tough-but-fair, Astute, Strength of will, Autonomous, Forgiving, Opinionated, Perceptive/Empathy
Upright:
This queen may appear stern on the outside, but she is gooey in the inside. She has the ability to marry intellect with empathy where it’s needed, yet keep a cool head, and she asks us to do the same. So trust your instincts in a thoughtful and practical way, but also offer empathy where it’s needed. This doesn’t mean you have to agree with everyone today. Empathy is about acknowledgement of others, their feelings and thoughts.
Reversed:
There is a saying “Hell hath no fury like that of a woman scorned.” When this queen shows up reversed, that could very well be true. She has the sharp intellect to play mind games, and to exact slight for slight. Be careful of her. And be careful that you aren’t her.
Bitterness and nay-saying negativity may be on par for today. When you encounter it, either from inside your head or from someone else, consider its source. Find clarity from the root cause rather than all the ugliness.
King of Swords
Key concepts:
Inspiring, Theatrical, Risk Taker, Straight forward, Direct, Spiritual Instructor, Intuitive Intelligence, Ambition
Upright:
This king asks us to be direct and forthright. Fair handed dealings will gain us the reputation we seek. He says to take our responsibilities seriously, and be mentally prepared for anything that might come our way.
Reversed:
Cutting wit and veiled manipulations are what this reversed king brings to the table. He’ll play head games with you without ever mussing his hair. He’s the ultimate wheeler and dealer – but only for his gain. Avoid him today. And consider your own actions so that you don’t exhibt his antics.
