Swords symbolise the element of air. On a spiritual level, Swords represent clarity of intellect, and communication skills. On a mundane level swords represent mental activity, conflict, anger, and sadness.
Lacking the courage and optimism of Wands, Swords can tend towards negativity and feelings of weakness.
Swords, like Wands, while representing yin or expansive elements, indicate yang or active situations.
Ace of Swords
The Ace of Swords points straight up - indicating perception - and pierces the crown of the material world. Wisdom leads us beyond illusions and limitations to the spiritual truth contained in life.
As with the other three aces, (Wands, Cups, and Pentacles), the symbol is held by a hand emerging from a cloud, indicating that the wisdom and perception it represents is a gift from above.
The mountains in the background stand for abstract truth, independent of personal viewpoint and experience. The Ace of Swords takes us beyond immediate experience to the realm of spirit where intuition takes over from the airy intellect, and knowledge becomes wisdom and understanding.
On a lower level, the Ace of Swords can also signify extreme emotional force (notice the tight grip on the sword). Anger or extreme desire can allow us to experience life intensely, and the release of such energy can help us understand and cut through our illusions and problems. ....(more)
The Ace of Swords points straight up - indicating perception - and pierces the crown of the material world. Wisdom leads us beyond illusions and limitations to the spiritual truth contained in life.As with the other three aces, (Wands, Cups, and Pentacles), the symbol is held by a hand emerging from a cloud, indicating that the wisdom and perception it represents is a gift from above.
The mountains in the background stand for abstract truth, independent of personal viewpoint and experience. The Ace of Swords takes us beyond immediate experience to the realm of spirit where intuition takes over from the airy intellect, and knowledge becomes wisdom and understanding.
On a lower level, the Ace of Swords can also signify extreme emotional force (notice the tight grip on the sword). Anger or extreme desire can allow us to experience life intensely, and the release of such energy can help us understand and cut through our illusions and problems. ....(more)
Two of Swords
Stalemate. Forced calm.
She handles her problems by hiding her emotions, and avoiding action.
While the blindfold in the Eight of Swords indicates confusion, here it symbolises a deliberate closing of the eyes: she has blindfolded herself to avoid making a choice. She does not want to be involved with others. Her swords remain ready to strike anyone who comes close - they represent a precarious balance between anger and fear. Part of her wants to hide, and the other part wants to strike out, so she remains tensed between the two extremes. Her crossed arms block her heart.
She is reminiscent of The High Priestess, but is tense while the Priestess is relaxed. The priestess was protected by a veil from the unconscious hidden behind her (symbolised by water) - but here there is no veil, and the waters are more choppy. The weight of her swords may easily tip her over into the water. Her repressed emotions may burst out unexpectedly. ....(more)
Stalemate. Forced calm.She handles her problems by hiding her emotions, and avoiding action.
While the blindfold in the Eight of Swords indicates confusion, here it symbolises a deliberate closing of the eyes: she has blindfolded herself to avoid making a choice. She does not want to be involved with others. Her swords remain ready to strike anyone who comes close - they represent a precarious balance between anger and fear. Part of her wants to hide, and the other part wants to strike out, so she remains tensed between the two extremes. Her crossed arms block her heart.
She is reminiscent of The High Priestess, but is tense while the Priestess is relaxed. The priestess was protected by a veil from the unconscious hidden behind her (symbolised by water) - but here there is no veil, and the waters are more choppy. The weight of her swords may easily tip her over into the water. Her repressed emotions may burst out unexpectedly. ....(more)
Three of Swords
Sorrow, pain, heartbreak.
Against a grim background of cloud and rain, three swords pierce a heart symbol. This shows the intense pain of sorrow, but it also suggests the remedy: the sorrow must be accepted into our hearts, and thus transmuted into love and courage.
Reversed: the pain of sorrow is still there but fading. Failure to accept the sorrow blocks the healing process, and prolongs the pain, perhaps in the form of mental alienation, disorder, confusion..
....(more)
Sorrow, pain, heartbreak.Against a grim background of cloud and rain, three swords pierce a heart symbol. This shows the intense pain of sorrow, but it also suggests the remedy: the sorrow must be accepted into our hearts, and thus transmuted into love and courage.
Reversed: the pain of sorrow is still there but fading. Failure to accept the sorrow blocks the healing process, and prolongs the pain, perhaps in the form of mental alienation, disorder, confusion..
....(more)
Four of Swords
Retreat, repose, rest, withdrawal.
He responds to difficulties by isolating himself, physically, or else hiding his emotions behind a psychological armour.
He lies in a church, and the window shows Christ in an act of healing: his strength is recouped through rest. Also, contemplation may produce a better strategy, or perhaps he is simply waiting peacefully until the time is more auspicious for continuing his struggles.
He is reminiscent of Sleeping Beauty - his withdrawal is shutting him off from the world - perhaps others will be required to break his spell. ....(more)
Retreat, repose, rest, withdrawal.He responds to difficulties by isolating himself, physically, or else hiding his emotions behind a psychological armour.
He lies in a church, and the window shows Christ in an act of healing: his strength is recouped through rest. Also, contemplation may produce a better strategy, or perhaps he is simply waiting peacefully until the time is more auspicious for continuing his struggles.
He is reminiscent of Sleeping Beauty - his withdrawal is shutting him off from the world - perhaps others will be required to break his spell. ....(more)
Five of Swords
Defeat, humiliation. Loss from conflict.
The large figure in the foreground is victorious. The others turn away, having lost the battle: the world bears down on them (the choppy water, the sky of grey jagged clouds). There is a sense of humiliation as well as weakness.
Reversed: the emphasis shifts from the feeling of defeat, to the subsequent feelings of despair, which may well be exaggerated.
....(more)
Defeat, humiliation. Loss from conflict.The large figure in the foreground is victorious. The others turn away, having lost the battle: the world bears down on them (the choppy water, the sky of grey jagged clouds). There is a sense of humiliation as well as weakness.
Reversed: the emphasis shifts from the feeling of defeat, to the subsequent feelings of despair, which may well be exaggerated.
....(more)
Six of Swords
A quiet journey, physically or spiritually - a time of easy transition, adjustment, or quiet reflection. Coping with a difficult situation - a chance to move on.
The problems are not dealt with, but they also do not overpower.
The quiet journey of shrouded figures by twilight, in a ferryboat full of swords (sorrow), suggests a spiritual journey - the silence of the water indicates a quiet passage through a difficult time (perhaps a time of mourning). The swords do not weigh down the boat, and though they pierce it the boat remains watertight. The people here carry their troubles with them, but will not be sunk or overwhelmed by them.
The problems may have been around for a long time, ever-present in the background of their lives. ....(more)
A quiet journey, physically or spiritually - a time of easy transition, adjustment, or quiet reflection. Coping with a difficult situation - a chance to move on.The problems are not dealt with, but they also do not overpower.
The quiet journey of shrouded figures by twilight, in a ferryboat full of swords (sorrow), suggests a spiritual journey - the silence of the water indicates a quiet passage through a difficult time (perhaps a time of mourning). The swords do not weigh down the boat, and though they pierce it the boat remains watertight. The people here carry their troubles with them, but will not be sunk or overwhelmed by them.
The problems may have been around for a long time, ever-present in the background of their lives. ....(more)
Seven of Swords
In his struggle against problems, he takes action - often daringly or impulsively - which is likely to be futile.
He grins as he makes off with his enemy's weapons. He has not attacked the camp, and he cannot even carry all of the swords. He is isolated, and his schemes and actions do not solve anything.
His craftiness may cause him to hide his own true intentions (even from himself!).
Reversed: The isolation turns round to become communication - especially the seeking of advice or help.
....(more)
In his struggle against problems, he takes action - often daringly or impulsively - which is likely to be futile.He grins as he makes off with his enemy's weapons. He has not attacked the camp, and he cannot even carry all of the swords. He is isolated, and his schemes and actions do not solve anything.
His craftiness may cause him to hide his own true intentions (even from himself!).
Reversed: The isolation turns round to become communication - especially the seeking of advice or help.
....(more)
Eight of Swords
Apparent restriction. Ignorance.
She is bound up and imprisoned by a fence of swords. A castle, symbolising authority, stands behind her. She stands in the mud, and image of humiliation and shame.
However, the ropes do not go round her legs, and the fence of swords do not fully enclose her - she can easily escape from her apparent restrictions: nothing prevents her from leaving.
But her blindfold symbolises confusion, oppressive ideas, and isolation from others: she has been fooled into believing in her own helplessness. ....(more)
Apparent restriction. Ignorance.She is bound up and imprisoned by a fence of swords. A castle, symbolising authority, stands behind her. She stands in the mud, and image of humiliation and shame.
However, the ropes do not go round her legs, and the fence of swords do not fully enclose her - she can easily escape from her apparent restrictions: nothing prevents her from leaving.
But her blindfold symbolises confusion, oppressive ideas, and isolation from others: she has been fooled into believing in her own helplessness. ....(more)
Nine of Swords
Extreme mental pain and sorrow. Blackness.
The swords do not pierce her but hang above her - they may indicate something happening to others rather than directly to the self.
For now she has taken on all of the sorrows of the world. She sees no end to the blackness. But her bed carving indicates Earthy passion, while her white nightdress indicates purity, and her bedspread symbols imply deep understanding: she will find once again joy and peace, even if she cannot see them for now.
The oppression may be more apparent than real. ....(more)
Extreme mental pain and sorrow. Blackness.The swords do not pierce her but hang above her - they may indicate something happening to others rather than directly to the self.
For now she has taken on all of the sorrows of the world. She sees no end to the blackness. But her bed carving indicates Earthy passion, while her white nightdress indicates purity, and her bedspread symbols imply deep understanding: she will find once again joy and peace, even if she cannot see them for now.
The oppression may be more apparent than real. ....(more)
Ten of Swords
Apparent ruin. Hysteria. Great pain.
It takes only one sword to kill: ten is way over-the-top! The scene here is so extreme that it indicates hysteria: an over-reaction to some problem.
The sky is clearing in the distance (unlike with The Nine of Swords): the black clouds give way to sunshine. Things are not as black as they seem.
The Ten of Swords is similar to Death in The Major Arcana. It indicates a difficult experience - a sudden and unexpected failure, disaster, or betrayal - being crushed by a power beyond your control - or else an ending, loss, pain, or release. You may be left hurt, shocked, feeling victimised.
However, the darkest hour is just before dawn - the trouble will soon be over, as this is a final ordeal, and the sun will soon rise again. ....(more)
Apparent ruin. Hysteria. Great pain.It takes only one sword to kill: ten is way over-the-top! The scene here is so extreme that it indicates hysteria: an over-reaction to some problem.
The sky is clearing in the distance (unlike with The Nine of Swords): the black clouds give way to sunshine. Things are not as black as they seem.
The Ten of Swords is similar to Death in The Major Arcana. It indicates a difficult experience - a sudden and unexpected failure, disaster, or betrayal - being crushed by a power beyond your control - or else an ending, loss, pain, or release. You may be left hurt, shocked, feeling victimised.
However, the darkest hour is just before dawn - the trouble will soon be over, as this is a final ordeal, and the sun will soon rise again. ....(more)
Page of Swords
He is much lighter than the rest of the Swords court. Rather than charging at his problems (in the style of the Knight), he simply aims to get above them, to find the high ground. Instead of solving conflicts, or meeting opposition, he detaches himself.
He can be voyeuristic, watching the curious spectacle of life from afar. It is as if he does not really expect to be taking part. He feels above it all.
His easygoing approach will work in certain situations, but his detached attitude can become hard to maintain in some of the difficult situations thrown up by life. His approach requires vigilance - he must not allow other people or situations to get too close. Much of his energy is directed to looking over his shoulder.
Reversed: vigilance turns to paranoia - everyone seems like an enemy. When situations call for a more forceful approach, he remains passive, becoming obsessed with his problems, and feeling unable to do anything about them.
....(more)
He is much lighter than the rest of the Swords court. Rather than charging at his problems (in the style of the Knight), he simply aims to get above them, to find the high ground. Instead of solving conflicts, or meeting opposition, he detaches himself.He can be voyeuristic, watching the curious spectacle of life from afar. It is as if he does not really expect to be taking part. He feels above it all.
His easygoing approach will work in certain situations, but his detached attitude can become hard to maintain in some of the difficult situations thrown up by life. His approach requires vigilance - he must not allow other people or situations to get too close. Much of his energy is directed to looking over his shoulder.
Reversed: vigilance turns to paranoia - everyone seems like an enemy. When situations call for a more forceful approach, he remains passive, becoming obsessed with his problems, and feeling unable to do anything about them.
....(more)
Knight of Swords
He rides directly into a storm, eagerly waving his sword, confident he can overcome all difficulties. Because of his youth, the Knight, is free of the social responsibility of the King. He also lacks the experience of the Queen. He is brave, skillful, and strong, but also wild, even fanatical.
While the King and Queen emphasise wisdom, the younger Knight, like his sibling the Page, represent the more basic Swords quality of conflict.
He recognises no limits, and yet he does not know how to sustain a long struggle. He expects his enemies and problems to fall easily under his control. He lacks endurance and steadiness. His eagerness comes from lack of experience - he has not yet lost a battle. He has yet to face and overcome life's greater difficulties. Unlike the Knight of Cups he directs his energy outwards, and is perhaps nervous of being quietly alone with himself.
Reversed: his weaknesses take over - he is extravagan
....(more)
He rides directly into a storm, eagerly waving his sword, confident he can overcome all difficulties. Because of his youth, the Knight, is free of the social responsibility of the King. He also lacks the experience of the Queen. He is brave, skillful, and strong, but also wild, even fanatical. While the King and Queen emphasise wisdom, the younger Knight, like his sibling the Page, represent the more basic Swords quality of conflict.
He recognises no limits, and yet he does not know how to sustain a long struggle. He expects his enemies and problems to fall easily under his control. He lacks endurance and steadiness. His eagerness comes from lack of experience - he has not yet lost a battle. He has yet to face and overcome life's greater difficulties. Unlike the Knight of Cups he directs his energy outwards, and is perhaps nervous of being quietly alone with himself.
Reversed: his weaknesses take over - he is extravagan
....(more)
Queen of Swords
The Queen of Swords symbolises sorrow and wisdom and the connection between them. Having experienced pain (she can represent widowhood), and having faced it with courage, acceptance, and honesty, she has found wisdom.
Her sword, like that of Justice and the Ace, stands straight up, indicating wise judgement. One bird flies high above her, symbolising the purity of her wisdom.
The tassel on her left wrist resembles a cut rope. Unlike the trapped lady in the Eight of Swords, she has used the sword of her intellect to cur herself free from confusion, doubt, and fear. Now, although she frowns at the world, she opens her hand to it. Though clouds gather around her, her head remains above them in the clear air of truth.
Reversed: she is caught up in her own sorrow and ignores the good things in life around her; or her strong mind has turned nasty in reaction to pain or pressure from unpleasant situations or people. She may be very forceful, dema
....(more)
The Queen of Swords symbolises sorrow and wisdom and the connection between them. Having experienced pain (she can represent widowhood), and having faced it with courage, acceptance, and honesty, she has found wisdom. Her sword, like that of Justice and the Ace, stands straight up, indicating wise judgement. One bird flies high above her, symbolising the purity of her wisdom.
The tassel on her left wrist resembles a cut rope. Unlike the trapped lady in the Eight of Swords, she has used the sword of her intellect to cur herself free from confusion, doubt, and fear. Now, although she frowns at the world, she opens her hand to it. Though clouds gather around her, her head remains above them in the clear air of truth.
Reversed: she is caught up in her own sorrow and ignores the good things in life around her; or her strong mind has turned nasty in reaction to pain or pressure from unpleasant situations or people. She may be very forceful, dema
....(more)
King of Swords
The King of Swords uses the mental energy of air to uphold and rule the world: he maintains the social structure through his keen mind and forceful personality. He represents the Emperor in the real world: while the Emperor is the archetype of law, order and society, the King of Swords maintains these principles in practice.
He favours action: his sword does not point straight up to indicate wisdom (like the sword of the Queen or that of Justice), but tilts to the right, the side of action. This need to act on his decisions can distort and weaken his judgement.
He is proud of his tough-minded common sense - his practical realism in social affairs - but his mind tends to be closed to the mystical side of life. He is materialistic and narrow minded, and easily caught up in preconception and prejudice.
The birds in the air behind him symbolise the mind's ability to take us into the high air of wisdom, removed from fiery passions, watery emotio ....(more)
The King of Swords uses the mental energy of air to uphold and rule the world: he maintains the social structure through his keen mind and forceful personality. He represents the Emperor in the real world: while the Emperor is the archetype of law, order and society, the King of Swords maintains these principles in practice.He favours action: his sword does not point straight up to indicate wisdom (like the sword of the Queen or that of Justice), but tilts to the right, the side of action. This need to act on his decisions can distort and weaken his judgement.
He is proud of his tough-minded common sense - his practical realism in social affairs - but his mind tends to be closed to the mystical side of life. He is materialistic and narrow minded, and easily caught up in preconception and prejudice.
The birds in the air behind him symbolise the mind's ability to take us into the high air of wisdom, removed from fiery passions, watery emotio ....(more)