Card meanings: The Realm of Swords
The realm of the mind, truth, intellect, action, justice, processing, authenticity.
Element: Air
Zodiac: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Symbol: The butterfly and the eye
Magicians Charm: The feather
Introductory poem by Fausta Joly
“Yes, these are tools for battle and war,
From times gone by
But, the true fighter is grounded
In a consciousness
Attracting everything to their centre.
Glint in people's eye,
Cutting through air,
Dancing with reflection
On your inner/outer belief system
As we traverse from one to 10
1 to 10
1 to ten
I to x
Take the process as a call for action
Tread lightly with your truth for others,
Boldly on the quest for your own.”
Ace of Swords
Truth hovers above the steadfast and ancient mountains. From the foot of the mountain, you are acutely aware of its vastness. The ascent is daunting, but the climb is worth the 360o view of the world. Take the small, curious thought that is gnawing for clarity within you and start climbing one question at a time.
2 of Swords
What is the lesser evil? Which choice will bring greater gain? The dim half-light of the moon makes it hard to see any imbalance between your choices. Maybe a list of pros and cons will bring clarity... but sometimes the only way to move forward is to roll the dice and embrace the consequences. All paths will bring challenge and opportunity to grow. Don't let paralysis overtake you, pick up a sword!
3 of Swords
After showing vulnerability, it seems that your beautiful heart has been pierced three-fold by the sting of sudden truths. Is it unrequited love or the betrayal of trust? Whatever hit you have taken, the wounds need attention. They say time is a healer, but time alone will not fix you. Gently initiate steps towards extracting the swords. This way, you can be transformed and newly equipped with the very swords that once harmed you.
4 of Swords
After the burden of past challenges, it may be time to hang them on the wall like a memory, and refocus on your own inner strength. Or, it may be that your recent experiences have burdened you with too many viewpoints or responsibilities. Prioritise your mental health and realign yourself with your inner truths. Sit with one truth at a time in order to process and action accordingly.
5 of Swords
Life is short, and the sun is descending on another day or cycle. If you find yourself in conflict with someone or at odds with yourself or your circumstance, don't let the sun rise on a new day before you resolve it. Avoid tainting the morning with bitterness by reconciling your differences, paying your dues and defeating your adversaries. Whether you win or lose, make peace with today so you can start the new day refreshed.
6 of Swords
A cry to move on. A whisper to run away. A call to start again. Whatever your motive, transferring to new pastures requires mental adjustment. If you need to move your mind forward or away, create your own personal ritual or ceremony to prepare and solidify new truths. Bring your spirit, heart, mind and body through this journey in unison by marking this rite of passage or great escape.
7 of Swords
Mind games, trickery, half truths, unclear motives or a switch of allegiance... Something fishy is going on! Are you playing the game or being played? Perhaps both. Take a moment to reassess the motives of yourself and those around you. Guard yourself with the innocence of honesty. Defend yourself with the damning truth.
8 of Swords
The spark within can be extinguished by a cage of your own creation. Perhaps you are isolating yourself or restricting your access to new perspectives. Self-made prisons may be made from beams of fear, cords of exhaustion or chains of doubt... What is your blindfold? Unlike The Hermit, this is not a healthy form of self reflection. Break out of your echo chamber and unlock your senses with courage.
9 of Swords
Swords sway above your bed, seemingly held back by only feeble threads, threatening to snap. The fear of infinite possibilities can leave you anxious and without sleep. Prioritising worries based on probability and dispelling fears is hard to do alone. Don't be afraid to seek help, or open up to a friend. It only takes one unresolved inner struggle to spark endless insecurities, so perhaps that one thing within you calling for attention needs to be brought into daylight.
10 of Swords
For every sword shattered. For every investment with no return. For every word fallen on stubborn ears. Are you being stubborn? Are you exhausted? There's no shame in accepting defeat when the universe spells out "NO" on the door you keep knocking on. Know when to step away from a pursuit. If you are stubborn, soften. Truth is like a strong sword of precious metal. If your truth keeps shattering, perhaps its material needs refining.
Apprentice of Swords
The Apprentice of Swords has fresh mental agility and a thirst for knowledge. You may be lacking experience, but you have the ability to seek it out. Prepare by gathering facts, asking questions and seeking mentors. When you come to face the real thing, you'll have an intellectual grasp to lead you through. You may already have a wealth of knowledge on a topic yet to be utilised. Knowledge unused is worthless - so find a use for it.
Champion of Swords
The Champion of Swords takes flight in hot pursuit of their goal. Grasping tightly to their truths, they move swiftly with precision. In the heat of battle, emotions can run high. Now is the time to lead with your head, not your heart. Stick to the facts and keep your focus on the task in hand. Thorough fact checking is key if you don't want to find yourself moving at speed towards a dead end. Let truth guide the way.
Keeper of Swords
The Keeper of Swords is wise, swift to exchange sound advice and accept change. Wisdom is the craft of weaving knowledge with threads of insight and love. A fact is just a fact, but it takes skill to use the information effectively. If you can begin to develop this skill, you can unlock powerful ways to understand the world, see through deception or even love others in a deeper and more compassionate way.
Crown of Swords
The Crown of Swords is a master of wisdom and fair judgement. By expanding knowledge into understanding, you can speak plainly with authority and compassion. Making decisions that affect more than your own circumstance is a weighty responsibility. Seek wisdom if you find yourself in a position of greater influence or desire to make a legacy of change for a cause close to your heart.
