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2025 Reading Giveaway!

OPEN

Let’s start this year off with something fun, that being a giveaway!

For five lucky winners, you will be able to pick and have any of my paid* reading options for free!

How to enter?

To enter, all you have to do is like and reblog this post.

For an extra entry, post under the post what one of your goals for 2025 is!

Rules!

Each participant can get a maximum of two entries.

Giveaway closes at midnight, January 7th AEST.

Winners chosen at random and will be contacted privately within 24 hours. Should you not respond within 24 hours of being contacted, I will redraw another winner.

If you do win a place, please be sure to read through my rules before asking your question.

If you win a place, you may choose to keep your reading private, or once we discuss what you would like, send your question as an ask and make it public.

* Should you choose the Months Ahead option, you may only choose that month and not add extra months.

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The Devil & The Lovers: Contrasting similarities

I’ve always noticed a striking resemblance between the Lovers card and the Devil card in my interpretations. @thedivinetarot perfectly captures this sentiment in their post.

In context, I’ve always seen the Devil card as a darker counterpart to the Lovers card, owing to their similar yet contrasting iconography. The Lovers card features a bright theme with the sun, mountains, and trees, while the Devil card is shrouded in darkness. One depicts an angel; the other, the Devil. One evokes feelings of optimism, while the other, at first glance, conveys a sense of doom.

In one instance, I interpreted the Devil card as symbolizing a relationship turning toxic. After all, the longer the two naked figures remain bound to the Devil, the more they seem to absorb its qualities. Like a paradise turning into hell, yet unable to espace from it (unhealthy bondage)

- Owl ☀️

Tarot Observation

Please focus on those three cards... do you realize something? The three cards are picturing couples that are with each other but what is the difference between those three? I will tell you now.

In the lovers card: Both lovers are in tune with their vulnerable side. They love and lust after one another but lust come stronger from the masculine. Also they are not attached to one another, there's this sense of safety in showing someone your nakedness (vulnerable part) and trusting that they won't do you any harm.

In the 2 of cups card: they don't show nakedness at all. They don't show any vulnerability toward one another because both of them are in tune emotionally (platonically) toward one another. There is no physical desire, their love is pure and have virgin like qualities.

Now with the Devil card: It represent that both parties are attached, vulnerable and obsessed with each other even controlling at times. Notice how the masculine and the feminine eyeing each other with lust and hatred at the same time. They can't break the cycle of obsession, restriction and control. Their relationship feels addictive and enticing to the observer of the card.

[sirowl]

Lmao 🤣

do not go and see that mf yall it’s a trap

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My Thoughts: Yes or No Tarot

I practice yes-and-no readings, though I’m not sure what you mean by "vague." I can, however, elaborate on how I approach these readings.

I don’t assign fixed yes-or-no meanings to specific cards. For example, I don’t decide in advance that a particular card always represents "yes" or "no" for any question. Instead, I interpret the cards as I would for any reading, considering the nuances of the question and the situation. Each question is unique, and I find it limiting to apply a one-size-fits-all meaning to a card without factoring in the context in which it was drawn.

This isn’t to discourage others from their approach, as tarot is fundamentally an intuitive art. If your intuition works better with predetermined meanings, then that’s the right method for you.

Additionally, if I find a card unclear or lacking enough information, I draw successive clarification cards to help interpret its message.

- Owl ☀️

Yes/No Tarot: My Thoughts

I have a lot of issues with yes/no tarot because I tend to think it's too vague.

I guess that's really all. Lol. I wanted to elaborate on that, but I can't think of anything else to back up my opinion on that. I just think it's too vague. While I do agree that Yes cards and the meaning of the cards can indicate that something may happen for you and why, I just find it incredibly vague with little to no information, but maybe that's my fault. Maybe I should take my Yes or No card and do a reading just on that card.

I'm not really sure. What are your thoughts?

[sirowl]

WHAT AWAITS YOU FOR THE NEW YEAR

new tarot game

Like and reblog this post

Send an ask with your initials and what in yourself are you proud of accomplishing for the past year. (It could be anything from moving out, to getting healthier, to just being able to live through this year)

I will pull 1 tarot card, 1 gems oracle card, and 2 pairs of astrology oracle cards.

The game will be open until 1st of January 2025 00:00 EET.

[sirowl]

On Queen of Swords

Crossposted from my post in the Cartomancy Tumblr Community

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Join Cartomancy, a welcoming Tumblr community for tarot and all forms of card divination! This is a space to learn, grow, and develop your reading skills alongside others in a supportive and wholesome environment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced reader, connect with like-minded individuals and explore the art of cartomancy together.

[sirowl]

Tarot Masterlist

At-an-Glance listings of my writings on Tarot and other forms of Cartomancy.

1. 8th & 9th of Swords: An iconographic comparison

2. Kinghts of Swords and Wands: A Study on duality

3. On Queen of Swords

Commentaries

1. The Devil & The Lovers: Contrasting Similarities

2. My Thoughts: Yes or No Tarot

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The duality of Knights: A Study of Knights of Swords and Wands

In the realm of tarot, two figures stand tall, each embodying distinct energies and attributes. The Knight of Swords, a master of intellect and swift action, and the Knight of Wands, a symbol of passion and boundless enthusiasm. These knights represent contrasting forces within the tarot deck, yet their paths occasionally intertwine, creating a dynamic and captivating narrative.

In this blog post, we shall explore the significance of the Knight of Swords and the Knight of Wands. We will delve into their symbolism, and how they can relate to each other.

Symbology & Iconography

The Knight of Swords

from labyrinthos The Knight of Swords card depicts a young man who is dressed in his armor and rides a strong white horse into the midst of a battle. The white color of his horse is a reference to the overall purity and intellectual energy which motivates this young rider. The sky behind him holds stormy clouds as well as trees which are tossed wildly around by the strong winds. The horse’s harness is also decorated with images of birds and butterflies. The cape of the knight is also decorated with those same birds. Keywords: assertive, direct, impatient, intellectual, daring, focused, perfectionist, ambitious.

The Knight of Wands

from labyrinthos The Knight of Wands is seen on his horse that is reared up and ready for action. Judging from the knight’s clothes and armor, as well as his horse, he is prepared for what’s ahead. He is wearing a yellow patterned shirt on top of his metal armor. He is also wearing an armor helmet with red plume sticking out of it. He seems to be ready for battle, except he is holding a large wand instead of a sword. His horse is orange in color and has a mane that looks like flames. When you look at the Knight of Wands' face, you’ll see the determination of wanting to be successful in his endeavor. Fire is a dominate factor in the Knight of Wands' symbolism. The decorative tassels hanging from his arms and back, as well as the horse’s mane, are all in the color of flame. He is also wearing a yellow shirt printed with the fiery salamander symbol. Keywords: courageous, energetic, charming, hero, rebellious, hot tempered, free spirit

Analysis

When you look at these two knights, you'll notice some peculiar similarities. The Knight of Swords, based on his appearance and expression and the overall meaning of the card, seems a bit immature to me. He's full of determination, impatient, daring, and ambitious. Charging into battle with his sword held high towards the heavens, he seems inexperienced. His shiny armor and sword suggest he hasn't fought a battle yet; it feels like this is his first-time facing combat, unaware of the horrors that await him. It also appears that he didn't think ahead; he's charging in impatiently, not knowing what he's about to encounter on the battlefield. He wants the name and the fame that will result from his victory. He wants that glory. Perhaps he thinks with all his training and experience so far, he will conquer whatever foe awaits him at the battle. Which I feel he is a bit disconnected from the reality.

As an contrast the knight of wands seems calm and collected. He holds the wand which is considered the icon of authority and wisdom in many cultures (kings of many cultures used a sceptre as a symbol of their righteous rule). The sky devoid of clouds in the background gives me a sense of calm and serenity. The pyramids in the background which stood for millennia bears the testament to the wisdom and knowledge of the ancients. His cloths show sign of wear and tear at the rear repeating his experiences which led to his wisdom.

Another detail I noticed which I don't know if it's relevant is the texture of soil and the trees. The knight of swords with a few trees and the texture of soil felt like he just embarked on the desert. But the absence of trees and pure desert sand, I believe, shows that the knight of wands was traveling for a while and have travelled deep into the desert.

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Upapada Lagna (UL)

What is Upapada Lagna?

The UL is a chart within your lagna/natal chart. It provides insight on the first marriage/long-term partnership.

How to Calculate UL?

1. Count how many houses the 12th House is from the 12th House Lord.

2. Count that number again from the location of the 12th House Lord.

EX: 12th House Aries - Mars (12th H ruler) is in 2nd House - That is 3 away so you count 3 from 2nd House = 4th House is the UL.

EXCEPTIONS: 6th House & 12th House House can NOT be the UL.

For further simplicity in calculating see the below:

If 12th lord is in 1st house, your ul is 2nd house.

If 12th lord is in 2nd house, your ul is 4th house.

If 12th lord is in 3rd house, your ul is 3rd house.

If 12th lord is in 4th house, your ul is 8th house.

If 12th lord is in 5th house, your ul is 10th house.

If 12th lord is in 6th house, your ul is 9th house.

If 12th lord is in 7th house, your ul is 2nd house.

If 12th lord is in 8th house your ul is 4th house.

If 12th lord is in 9th house, your ul is 3rd house.

If 12th lord is in 10th house, your ul is 8th house.

If 12th lord is in 11th house, your ul is 10th house.

If 12th lord is in 12th house, your ul is 9th house.

If you have had more than 1 serious relationship or marriage, you can check the UL for the next relationship by counting 8 away from the first UL.

For example:

If 12th lord is in 9th house, your ul is 3rd house. This will show your first serious relationship or marriage.

For the next relationship, count 8 away from 3rd House. This would make 10th H the UL for the second relationship.

This will be helpful for my Upapada Lagna observation posts. I will not be re-writing how to calculate Ul in those posts. Instead, I will attach this link.

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Navamsa/D9 Observations 4

Accuracy influenced by ENTIRE d9 chart AND natal/langa.

For full accuracy, you MUST read alongside lagna. If not promised in lagna, it will not happen. Navamsa confirms and denies the strengths + lasting effects of lagna predictions

Jupiter in 12th

Husband may be from a different ethnicity, religion or country. OR it may be that they are simply from a different city/province or you meet far from the homeland.

You can spend a lot after marriage and/or later in life. You can desire luxury. Possible examples: First class flights not regular, expensive home, designer bags/watches, etc.

You can desire an intelligent spouse. You will not find an immature person attractive.

You can be generous with this placement. You may donate, volunteer, or simply tip big. You can bless people later in life without realizing it.

Moon in 12th

Strong intuition. You can pick up things that truly shock people. EX: Someone lies, you call them out and intuitively guess the truth, the person is shocked they believe someone else must have told you the truth, there is no way you could have known that.

You can deal with stomach or menstrual problems. You may become bloated easily.

You can have conflict in the wrong workplace. You could find romance in the workplace. Or rumours that you are involved in romance in the workplace.

You can be very compassionate. Depending on sign, you may or may not express it. EX: Aqua moon, you will be empathetic but people may believe you are cold and unfeeling.

You can enjoy quiet alone activities - reading, writing, meditation, yoga, etc.

Your marriage will be deeply passionate. You can cry and feel overwhelmed due to your love for your partner. You are deeply connected and in love.

Sun in 12th

This is an indicator for having good support from your in-laws. However, you may leave behind your own family especially the father. This can be due to conflict or you move further away. You can fight with your father over money.

You are highly likely to live far away from homeland. This doesn't mean you're destined to live in like NYC or London. However, if you work for it that may be the case. But more likely, you simply move further away from homeland like across the country. If you do stay in homeland, you may experience poor mental health. Your soul desires to explore.

This placement is a BIG indicator of paying lots of money to the government. This can be for many reasons - possible examples: You move to a new country, you must pay for visas. You become very wealthy, thus you will pay a lot in tax. Bad manifestation, you pay fees or fines as you get in legal trouble. For more insight search which house is in Leo - ex: 4th H leo + Sun in 12th = You could pay high tax on the home. 6th Leo + Sun in 12th = Medical bills & Work visa.

Accuracy will depend on ENTIRE chart. This post isn't taking into consideration any aspects, where 12th H ruler is, and the most important the natal/langa.

One thing to be aware of is: Sun is the natural 5th House ruler, 5th H is romance. Sun in the 12th H indicates after marriage and/or later in life, one may feel romance is lost as 12th H deals with losses. To reactivate romance, you must move or travel together. Becoming routined and predictable is very likely but easy fix to that issue is try new things/explore new things.

Rahu in 3rd House

You or the spouse exaggerate in communication. Sometimes this manifest as saying things like "I'm going to start a business" however, you never do because truly your soul has no desire for it.

Or, you exaggerate how great the spouse is, this doesn't mean the spouse isn't great but when talking to someone else you will only discuss the spouse's best traits.

The worst manifestation of this placement would be exaggerating so much you're lying. Or it troubles the marriage. EX: You constantly take photos of your things and the spouse for social media. This begins to irritate your spouse. They don't like how obsessed you are with proving you have a good life to your friends and family.

If harshly placed, you can find rumours about you, your spouse and unfortunately even your children. These rumours can be due to social media, your own aunts/uncles, siblings and friends.

That is simply an example. Accuracy will depend on entire chart and especially we have to consider the natal/langa for the full story.

Mercury in 4th House

These people tend to have library, studies and/or offices in their home.

Lots of movement when it comes to home. You can constantly be moving or constantly have people coming over. possible examples: you have many events/holidays at your home, you often invite in-laws or your own family to the home, you have pets, you workout from home.

You can become very good at managing in the home. You know where everything is, you know when to rebuy things, you know when kids need to be picked up/dropped off. You can be in charge of controlling these types of tasks.

If afflicted, the spouse can reveal too much about the home life. ex: they tell their friends or family something you wish they'd kept private. The spouse isn't likely to be doing this to be mean, they may simply talk too much.

Venus in 11th House

People may really support your marriage. This can manifest as a joyful wedding party and/or love/support from both sides of family.

After marriage and/or later in life, you dislike working for other people. You may want to work for yourself. However, this is not the strongest indicator of business ownership.

You will make many friends after marriage. They can be very helpful to you. They are likely to be from different background than you - religion, ethnicity or country or even work/industries.

If you have an older sister, she may be helpful to you later in life. This could be a literal gift or advice. However, check aspects and signs, sometimes it may be conflict that occurs. EX: 11th H Ruler in 8th, your relationship is distant.

You can gain a lot, you can have a nice home, nice cars, nice clothing. However, see if venus is placed well, sometimes this is overspending.

Mars in 11th House

You can cut off friendships after marriage and/or later in life. You can become a social climber - only wanting friendship if it helps you gain status.

Sometimes when placed in connection to saturn (even though mars is exalted in cap), the person can become deeply selfish disregarding their family, their spouse - basically everyone is second to themself. They prioritize money. ex: getting an inheritance from a parent, you find a way to keep it for yourself even though you know it should be divided amongst your siblings.

On the bright side, your in-laws can be a good support to you. They can be kind and helpful to you. This is only one indicator though. Check 8th House and 8th House ruler placement.

Mars can want to fight for causes too. If not fighting with people you can fight FOR people. You can become interested in social movements.

If exalted in cap and/or placed with benefic planets, this is an indicator for gaining through marriage. Later in life and/or after marriage, you can be motivated to work/increase income. EX: You can start a business, you can go back to school to advance career, you can become smarter with money/finances. This may be due to the spouse's expertise.

Ketu in 9th House

Late marriage indicator. You can be very specific with what you want, you're attracted to very few people.

Disconnect with the father.

If harshly placed, you can be cheated out of inheritance due to family members.

Check entire chart d9 & natal for full accuracy.

11th Ruler in 8th House

Poor relationship with elder sibling is likely.

You keep friendships and social network secret. You may rarely post or discuss who you’re connected with socially. This can be due to many reasons depending on entire chart.

Your friends can be deep thinkers. They like to get to the root of the problem. They may discuss theories with you. They are not afraid to discuss the taboo.

You can gain through hidden things - ex: law work, psych or counselling work, earning through oil because it is literally hidden underground.

You may keep your gains hidden. ex: couple doesn’t tell family or anybody how much money they have. they don’t care to show off. they don’t want family to ask for help. this is just an example though.

Depending on if the ruler is well placed in the 8th, you could experience ups and downs with your gains. You suddenly lose, you suddenly gain. Be cautious of gambling and other reckless money choices.

Ex: Saturn is ruler of 11th placed in 8th = This suggests a steady but slow rise. It’s less likely you experience ups and downs unless you try to rush or cheat saturn. A long life is likely.

Mercury in 8th House

The spouse isn’t likely to bring wealth into the marriage. However, they are an asset in making money together. They can be good at budgeting. They can be good at closing deals.

The couple will be secretive in communication. You won’t like to sharw what you’re talking about with anybody. Neither person goes repeating the convo to their family or friends. You keep your plans and secrets private.

However, this placement brings in gossip. People will have negative assumptions about you due to rumours. This is even more likely if Mercury is in scorpio 8th H. You guys are so private, people basically just stuff making stuff about you guys. Or you find out people are gossiping and then become private as a result.

You can have to interact with one another’s families a lot. You may be social and attend many events. You may genuinely enjoy spending time with families. You or spouse may feel forced as one person does enjoy it while the other does not.

5th Ruler in 9th &/or Rahu in 9th

These are often in the charts of people who convert to a religion to marry their spouse.

This is not always the outcome. Entire d9 and marla needs to be taken into consideration.

Sun in 11th House

These people are very devoted to the spouse and children. They make sure spouse and kids are okay before thinking about themselves.

These people often end up the main provider for the family after marriage. They can make more than spouse. The spouse may stop working later in life. Or they have main control over money management - ex: you both work but you do the taxes. If you do not like supporting the spouse financially, this can lead to problems.

You can have many friends later in life. However, some are likely to try to be snakes.

You can gain high status amongst your social circles and career.

Accuracy influenced on ENTIRE natal and d9. The d9 can’t be read without the natal.

Jupiter in 11th House

This suggests you will gain through your own mother after marriage and/or later in life.

This is an indicator for more sons than daughters.

You can have educated friends/social circle. Friends from many different backgrounds. You may have many friends. You can be fortunate in your friend group.

You can desire a big home. The children can add to your gains.

Rahu in 12th House

You will travel and experience a lot of different cultures after marriage and/or later in life.

When you are travelling, you are likely to have unique experiences. You will not have the casual tourist experience. You can meet people - not necessarily romantically - that are very interesting. 

You can gain popularity in foreign places. 

The negative side is this is one indicator of addiction issues. However, it is only one indicator so it will not always manifest as that. The positive manifestation of this is you could use that desire to escape to meditate, workout your body, get lost in your work, etc.

Rahu in 12th makes divorce unlikely imo. But if divorce was to occur, it would be very difficult to finalize. Examples I have seen: Spouse refuses to sign divorce papers, couple continues to go back and forth on whether they actually want divorce. 

Accuracy dependent on entire chart.

Venus in 12th House

Marrying someone from a different background is likely. This can be someone from a different religion, country or ethnicity.

Spouse is likely to become/or be religious. For men Venus is the wife, for woman Venus is you as a wife, so you can become religious.

Your or the spouse can have wasteful spending or eating habits. This doesn’t mean you’ll go broke due to bad money choices. EX: You or the spouse collect an item. You or the spouse buy an item you already like a sofa in a new style just because.

You can have many friends from different backgrounds. You can have a connection with the Middle East. You could have friends who are religious.

Venus conjunct Rahu in 12th

Rahu amplifies the sign and planets in touches. The description of Venus In 12th is amplified. There are pros and cons to this as rahu is a malific. 

Ascpects, sign and 12th H ruler can change the accuracy.

 Rahu is obsessive too. This can make someone very obsessed with Venus things such love, beauty, money. The negative of this is you can experience partners who have love affairs. The positive of this would be the spouse is devoted to the wife (Venus).

In 12th, you can be obsessed with foreign cultures/places. You can strongly desire moving to foreign land. Depending on how motivated a person is, moving to a foreign place is likely after marriage and/or later in life.

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Restlessness craves distraction and calls it “relaxation.”

Chilling on the couch and doomscrolling is the embodiment of this illusion.

True relaxation leaves us in a state of rest, peace, and clarity. Doomscrolling does not.

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Two of Cups.

Just as willow roots will surely find their way to water, so too will the determined heart find love.

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8th and 9th of Swords: A case study of Iconography and Interpretation.

In the realm of tarot, each card unveils a unique narrative, guiding us through the spectrum of human experiences and emotions.

The suit of Swords symbolize the realm of the mind, encompassing intellectual thoughts, intelligence, rationality, and mental clarity. They also signify challenges, conflicts, and the need for resilience in the face of adversity. Each card has an unique iconography with many details that can come handy while interpreting the cards.

I recently had a chance to do a reading for a querent. A general one about their situation, and I found this interesting combination of these cards one following the other. The querent was in a hard place some time ago and are now doing better. But the scars of the past still bother them. It was a great learning experience for both of them and I would love to share some of it here.

Iconography

The Eight of Swords:

The Eight of Swords in the Rider-Waite Tarot deck depicts a woman standing amidst eight swords, bound and blindfolded. She is surrounded by a desolate landscape with a castle in the background. The swords form a cage-like barrier around her, seemingly trapping her. Despite the apparent confinement, there is an open path in front of her, suggesting that her captivity may be self imposed, isn't very hard to escape from or based on perceptions rather than actual limitations. The woman's posture and facial expression convey a sense of fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability. This card often represents feelings of restriction, powerlessness, and being trapped by one's own thoughts or circumstances. Her blinded eyes expresses that she isn't able to see the situation clearly and doesn't see the path to liberation. However, it also suggests that liberation and solutions are possible through clarity of mind and perspective.

Keywords: trapped, restricted, victimised, paralysed, helpless, powerless, imprisonment

The Nine of Swords:

In the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, the Nine of Swords portrays a figure sitting up in bed, their head cradled in their hands, surrounded by nine swords hanging ominously on the wall behind them. The person appears distraught, with a look of anguish on their face, suggesting inner turmoil and distress. The bed's design often includes a headboard with carvings representing the influence of past worries or fears. Additionally, the figure's white hair symbolizes age and wisdom, implying that the burdens they carry may have accumulated over time. This card typically signifies anxiety, nightmares, and overwhelming mental anguish, but it also offers the possibility of seeking solace and finding relief through confronting one's fears and seeking support.

Keywords: fear, anxiety, negativity, breaking point, despair, nightmares, isolation

Analysis

So, for the reading I did, for the querent, I got two cards, that were 8 of Swords, followed by the 9 of Swords. I was intuitively called to interpret both of those cards as a before-after pair. If you inspect these cards closely, you will see that there are a lot of similarities between the iconography and a lot of striking differences too.

If we look up at the iconography of the Eight of Swords, this is a scene of a woman with short hair and a red flowy gown standing on a vast field. There is water on the ground and there are eight swords arranged around her as if to act as a make-work prison, imprisoning her. But whoever made that prison did not do a really good job, because as you can see, there is a lot of room for escape. But the problem is, the woman is blindfolded and restrained, so she cannot see the condition she is in, and of course, she cannot see the path to escape either. For her she is doomed. We can see that in the background at a distance there is a castle with mighty high walls and towers for defense. It is a very symbol of security, and is in contrast to the present condition of a woman who is standing admist the swords on a seemingly uncomfortable wet ground in fear and vulnerability.

Now, if we take attention to the Nine of Swords, we see a woman, an old woman with white hair, flowy white gown, sitting on a cozy bed, with Nine of Swords hanging on the wall as exhibition. Despite being in the most comfortable condition that the medieval world has to offer, she is not happy, she is not content, and she is definitely not at peace.

There are striking similarities between the two cards for me to assume that both of these women are the same woman but a few years apart. The same short hair. The same kind of flowy gown. And the comfortable setting that she is in. I mean, if it is not a castle, where else would you find a comfort like that in the medieval world?

In my interpretation of the cards, the woman who was imprisoned in the Eight of Swords had finally managed to overcome her imprisonment and find security in the castle which was in the background. But despite the security of the castle and of no existing threats, she still could not find peace. She is still bothered by the scars of her past that still return to her as nightmares.

There is another interesting detail in the icon of Nine of Swords that I noticed. On the mural art on her bed frame:

It depicts a scene where an unarmed person sitting on the ground is being stabbed by a sword. The interpretation may differ according to the context of reading.

Like I could imagine it to be a scene of the woman defeating her adversary and finally being free. And it kind of makes sense to me because there were 8 swords that were imprisoning her. But if we take the 9 of swords with the continuation of the story, where does the extra sword come from? Perhaps the sword she used to defeat the other 8 swords. But there is another detail that bothers me. Like there is no kind of resistance you would see from the person getting stabbed. They are sitting calmly. So it kind of gives me a feeling that it could also paint a picture of betrayal. Betrayal by someone you trust, someone who is important to you. So both of these cases could be valid for interpretation.

And for the particular case I was doing a reading for, this interpretation was a bang-hit-on. They were having trouble in the past, primarily due to her family, people they trusted, and people they loved. They felt trapped. But, over the years, they managed to set themselves free and were currently in a situation which was far better than what they were before. But, those memories, those scars from past, still bother them. They get nightmares about it.