#swords arcana

[astrojulia]

Exploring the Depths of Swords Arcana

~ Insights and Interpretations

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Introduction to Swords Arcana

The sword's essence truly manifests itself within the crucible of combat and dueling. Envisioning "lightweight" scenes would undermine its inherent purpose, for the sword's function thrives in battle and warfare. These blades seek conflict, striving for victory on the battlefield. Crafted with dual blades, the metal embodies a cutting edge and a dualistic universe. These symbols of warriors endeavor to convey their perspective, even enduring pain, where survival often hinges on a kill-or-be-killed mentality.

Disclaimer: The way I learned to read tarot cards does not involve the use of upright and reversed positions. Instead, they rely on their symbology, positive and negative meanings, and the readings depend more on the spread rather than whether the card is upright or reversed. Also, the Court Cards will also have its separate post and I’m using Rider-Waite as reference.

Ace of Spades

Symbolism: The ace, denoting unity and the inception of concepts, is entwined with the Air element (yang). This synergy births the genesis of ideas, showcasing the active force behind their inception and their influence on our mental realm. Such ideas arise from fleeting moments, mirroring the sword's grasp, connecting to the phallic symbol, signifying assertion. It exhibits agility and fluidity through its form, accompanied by nobility represented by the crown.

Positive Aspects: This card signifies the emergence of impactful ideas and noble intentions. It encompasses words, plans, and ethical principles vocalized by individuals. Illuminating thoughts underscore its essence, driven by persistent contemplation. The ace heralds the commencement of fruitful conversations, dialogues, or even disagreements. A quest for righteousness is evident, guided by the urge to express what is perceived as right. Engaging in argumentation and asserting one's will takes center stage, underpinned by the necessity for courteous, direct, and noble communication.

Ace of Spades: In this context, the negative connotation reflects unfulfilled principles and groundless ideas. Such fleeting concepts are akin to a "flash in the pan," lacking in substance. Dishonorable and deceitful words accompany these notions, sowing disorder and distress. Antagonistic ideas fuel endless debates, potentially leading to harmful intentions or superficial propositions. The inability to wield a sword metaphorically signifies a lack of defense or empowerment.

2 of Swords

Symbolism: The number two emerges from the unity of one, representing a dualistic, opposing nature. The delicate equilibrium is disrupted as divergent ideas contend for supremacy. Depicted is a figure bearing the weight of swords, symbolizing the challenge of decision-making. The moon and water elements evoke emotional detachment, urging logical discernment. Blindfolded, impartiality prevails, underscoring the significance of thoughtful positioning.

Positive Aspects: This card embodies truces, agreements, and harmonious resolutions. It underscores the value of diplomacy, facilitating consensus and informed choices. The card encourages steadfastness in decision-making and the careful balance between emotional and rational faculties. Diplomatic interactions with diverse individuals and groups, along with honorable conflicts, are encouraged. Well-crafted competition and stimulating rivalry fuel intellectual growth, fostering teamwork and camaraderie. The card suggests favorable judgments and well-reasoned decisions.

Negative Aspects: On the flip side, hesitation, doubt, and emotional indecision take center stage. The impartiality, when taken to an extreme, fosters unethical behavior and truce-related challenges. Disregarding empathy for differing perspectives hinders harmony, leading to superficial interactions and a lack of understanding. The card cautions against evading responsibility and shying away from comprehensive evaluations.

3 of Spades

Symbolism: The number three signifies the synthesis of unity and duality, birthing new ideas through opposing forces. In this context, the card portrays a novel notion arising from these forces, akin to the formulation of a decisive sentence. Despite potential pain or discomfort, consensus remains crucial. The heart symbolizes the challenge, as emotional attachments might hinder logical resolution.

Positive Aspects: The card signifies relief following a resolute decision-making process. It encourages embracing responsibility, prioritizing collective well-being over personal privilege. Delving deep into the core of issues and resolving them swiftly is urged, emphasizing direct and efficient approaches. The card celebrates the courage to stand by one's values and the willingness to engage in benevolent actions, even if they entail personal sacrifice.

Negative Aspects: Anguish and despair arise from indecision and the burden of responsibility. Ineffectual attempts at problem-solving lead to mental agony. The absence of creativity, failure to achieve consensus, and inability to focus on a singular idea impede progress. The card warns against neglecting diverse perspectives, resulting in missed opportunities for growth and understanding.

4 of Swords

Symbolism: The number four introduces order to the realm of ideas, a challenge for the airy element. To become a productive force, air requires motion and direction. Thus, the card conveys a hushed tranquility, analogous to a serene church setting. It serves as a pause for strategic contemplation, a call to hone one's skills, and an invitation for introspective reconfiguration.

Positive Aspects: This card encourages introspection, thoughtful analysis, and strategic reorganization. Taking a break to rest and restore mental clarity is advised. Meditation and silence facilitate deeper reflection, allowing ideas to crystallize and insights to emerge. Prioritizing observation over discourse fosters efficient idea generation and encourages the development of practices that enhance cognitive clarity.

Negative Aspects: Stagnation, repetitiveness, and a lack of innovation permeate the air. The card warns against fixating on static, unproductive ideas. It discourages excessive sleep or detachment, which hinder effective communication and constructive action. The chasm between intention and execution is evident, underscoring the importance of aligning thoughts with tangible efforts.

5 of Swords

Symbolism: The number five signifies an attempt to transcend limitations, often leading to inexperience and failure. The card depicts a scene of defeat, where an individual encounters more adept adversaries, resulting in loss. The pursuit of reasoning with others reveals the unpreparedness, leading to a fallen argument. The imagery portrays a thwarted endeavor, highlighting the ephemeral nature of such endeavors.

Positive Aspects: Amid defeat, there's resilience and partial preservation. Although the battle is lost, the war remains. The card advises relinquishing harmful ideas, recognizing the potential for future success. Lessons learned from failures guide future actions, urging meticulous evaluation and adjustment. The card emphasizes persistence and growth despite setbacks.

Negative Aspects: Unprepared and futile attempts mar the landscape, leading to loss, frustration, and difficulty. The card cautions against hasty actions and irrational pursuits, promoting negative outcomes. Pessimism and self-sabotaging tendencies hinder progress, reinforcing the importance of measured, strategic endeavors.

6 of Swords

Symbolism: The number six embodies reparation and reconciliation, offering a chance to seek refuge and new perspectives. Depicted is the act of rescuing individuals from shame and guiding them toward safe havens. This card symbolizes the quest for harmony among conflicting ideas, advocating introspection and the mending of one's convictions.

Positive Aspects: The card heralds a period of healing, restoration, and finding solace. It encourages seeking alternative paths and viewpoints, striving for inner and external harmony. Support from others aids the journey toward clarity and resolution. Embracing change and transformation facilitates growth and renewal.

Negative Aspects: A retreat in shame, evading confrontation and hiding from self-awareness, becomes prominent. The card advises against avoidance and self-imposed isolation, which hinder growth and understanding. Dwelling on difficulties and resisting change further impede progress, promoting stagnation and personal loss.

7 of Swords

Symbolism: The number seven embodies persistence and belief, emphasizing the power of steadfastness. In the realm of air, believing is seeing. The card showcases the strength of persistence, rooted in logical reasoning and problem-solving. The imagery portrays selective focus, leaving behind unnecessary issues to address core problems.

Positive Aspects: The card urges vigilance and strategic thinking. It emphasizes using intelligence to one's advantage, remaining diplomatic, and asserting one's perspective with flexibility. The number seven symbolizes unwavering dedication to one's beliefs and employing diverse tactics to communicate and persuade.

Negative Aspects: Persisting in error or faulty beliefs takes center stage. Impulsivity and a lack of diplomacy hinder effective communication. Engaging in tangential arguments and altering points for convenience are discouraged. The card warns against adopting a cynical viewpoint, lacking trust in one's intuition, and attempting to appease others at the expense of authenticity.

8 of Swords

Symbolism: The number eight reflects a doubling of four, highlighting the establishment of order and productivity. However, it struggles to integrate effectively with the airy element. The imagery portrays an individual surrounded by diverse ideas, expressing a willingness to defend personal convictions. This card signifies a challenge to confront and assess one's beliefs.

Positive Aspects: The card emboldens one to face opposing opinions and challenges. It advocates stepping onto the stage of challenge, drawing upon inner courage to evaluate one's beliefs and actions. The number eight emphasizes introspection and self-awareness, encouraging the exploration of diverse viewpoints to refine one's perspective.

Negative Aspects: Fear-induced paralysis prevails, impeding growth and progress. The card warns against succumbing to false truths or succumbing to external pressures. Paralysis by one's own or others' opinions prevents open communication and hinders the authentic expression of thoughts. It calls for breaking free from self-imposed constraints to foster personal growth.

9 of Swords

Symbolism: The number nine symbolizes mature and evolved thought stemming from the unity of one. This card portrays an individual deep in thought, encapsulating a mature mental state where responsibilities and ideas carry weight. Astrological symbols on the quilt suggest celestial guidance, underscoring the connection between life's signs and profound inquiries.

Positive Aspects: Deep contemplation and profound meditation are the hallmarks of this card. It champions methodical problem-solving, offering a path to practical resolutions. Seeking guidance through prayer and introspection facilitates mental clarity and wise decision-making. The number nine signifies embracing responsibility and harnessing wisdom to navigate life's challenges.

Negative Aspects: The card cautions against clinging to outdated or immature perspectives. It signifies mental distress, phobias, and unsettling thoughts that hinder rational thinking. A lack of sleep, mental unrest, and a single-minded fixation on distressing thoughts pervade, hindering sound judgment and emotional well-being.

10 of Swords

Symbolism :The number ten encapsulates the culmination of experiences within the suit, often leading to a decisive outcome. The imagery depicts a figure pierced by swords, signifying a significant end or transition. While defeat may be apparent, a new day dawns, symbolized by the rising sun and a fresh sword, heralding renewal and potential growth.

Positive Aspects: This card signifies triumph and conquest, wherein opposing ideas succumb to one's convictions. Problems are resolved, and obstacles are overcome. The number ten celebrates the strength of will, organization, and focused effort. It signifies the ability to take decisive action and reap the rewards of perseverance.

Negative Aspects: The card symbolizes defeat, ruin, and the cessation of progress. Overcoming difficulties becomes a daunting task as obstacles pile up. The number ten cautions against tyrannical thinking, arrogance, and the risk of ignoring opposing perspectives. It warns against allowing fear and negativity to paralyze progress.

Extra Sources: Tarot images by comparativetarot

(CC) AstroJulia Some Rights Reserved

[tibby-art]

Page of Swords

A card I made for @the-hermit-arcana! This was an amazing project to be a part of!

Bonus WIPs under cut!

[comparativetarot]

Eight of Swords. Art by ffffjd, from Meme Tarots.

Feeling trapped, isolation, paralysed by fear or anxiety. Totally not fine.

[vantaesfairie]

𝖕𝖎𝖈𝖐 𝖆 𝖈𝖆𝖗𝖉 : 𝖜𝖍𝖊𝖓 𝖜𝖎𝖑𝖑 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖒𝖊𝖊𝖙 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖓𝖊𝖝𝖙 𝖑𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖗

atlty’s tarot readings: art commissions, paid readings, spell ritual comms open!

choose a pile below:

this is a gender neutral pac. late happy valentine's day 2024 and happy chinese new year!

pile 1, white comb:

when you leave your victim mentality behind, and stop saying things that limit your own potential growth. when you step out of this insecure energy and blossom. when you start to trust your inner voice, your gut, and learn from it. when you become a calm and aware person. when you learn to trust your intuition. when you reach an intellectual spike. when you learn to communicate well and say things without beating around the bush. when you have the mental strength to love and stand firm in your beliefs. when you break free of cycles that do not serve you.

signs: fencing, rock pools, castle, church, a woman in blue, an expansive mountain view, splitting fog, chess, a sunny day

pile 2, pink comb:

when you learn to seek joy by yourself and within yourself. when you are self sufficient and independent. when you start living a life of personal comfort and leisure. when things start getting easier for you. when you are intuitively aware of yourself. when you have grown to be mature on the inside. when you start trusting your gut (similar to pile 1). when you contemplate and learn from things that have hurt or benefitted you. when you have healed and cleared your head from pain. when you are mentally prepared to love. when you have patched yourself up on the inside.

signs: journalling, grapes, winery, robin bird, sunflowers, a crescent moon, stained glass, yoga, pilates, a tomb that stands out to you

pile 3, blue comb:

when you are making progress to where you want to be in life. when you travel. when you are committed to what you want to achieve. when you are looking forward to the future and what it can bring. when you start appreciating what or who is there for you instead of crying over spilt milk. when you step out of self pity. when you start leaving the past and regrets behind. when you start to be gentle in strength. when you master patience and compassion. when you have inner strength to be in love. when you see the positive side of things and learn to be kind to yourself.

signs: big dog, lion, garland of flowers, desert, fast flowing river / stream, chalice, a beautiful sunset, new sprouts on branch

i hope you enjoyed this pac! please consider purchasing a paid reading by sliding into my dms. reblog and share if possible! i’d love to know if this resonates to you. thank you so much! 

[bill-y]

Is the arcana fandom still alive? I'm practically quaking in my boots wanting to publish a story about my half baked oc 😔☝️

[liminaltrickster]

Have you ever heard of the decans? If not, here's what you need to know for this post:

The decans are an ancient astrological dignity scheme comprising 10° subsections of the zodiac signs, which means there are thirty-six of them in an astrological chart. They're sometimes also referred to as "faces" because of their connection to imagery. Today, I'm talking about their association with the cards of the minor arcana of the tarot. (Can you see where we're going with this?)

While I was taking a look at Ayo Edebiri's chart for that promised Show Your Work post (this isn't it), I noticed something real neat for an astro nerd like me:

In her chart, Mercury (☿) is in the second decan of Libra (♎️), aka Libra II, opposing her MC within three minutes of a degree. (That's really tight.) I'm not going to go into the specifics of Mercury in her chart, but planets that are closely configured to a point like the MC speak loudly. They often have a direct correlation to the person's career.

So, what's the minor arcana tarot card associated with Libra II?

3 of Swords, The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck

Sydney's 3 of Swords tattoo is in Ayo's chart, and lolllll at how literally it shows up.

This fandom has produced a lot of great writing about Sydney's tattoo and its associations with the Sydney-Carmy-Claire love triangle, but since we're here, let's discuss the decanic meaning of this face.

In her book 36 Secrets, T. Susan Chang calls Saturn-ruled (♄) Libra II "Ties That Bind," and she says:

"When Saturn, the lord of commitments and unbreakable bonds, combines with the legal finalities of Libra, the result is a promise. You can think of the three of swords as this: the two parties to the agreement—plus the agreement itself. The promise itself, in other words, is the third thing: the deal, the contract, the marriage, the life."

Christopher Storer and the other writers take great care with the imagery and subtext of the show, but did they know about the decans when they decided to give Sydney this tattoo? Maybe, but I doubt it... Still, I think this interpretation of Libra II is worthwhile in light of the fact that Syd still hasn't signed that friggin DocuSign.

Astrologer Austin Coppock calls this decan "Two Links of a Chain." In 36 Faces, he writes:

"This is thus a face of lasting unions and blended karma. The choice of whom to chain oneself to, and under what terms, is therefore critical. Both sacred covenants and profane deals occur here. The key to such agreements are the terms, for one may do business with the devil himself if the contract is worded well enough, while an agreement poorly made can bring strife even between the best of friends. "The contract is both weapon and armor in this decan, for it both protects and compels. The contract has been associated with Saturn since the Babylonian phase of astrology. As such, it is no surprise that there is little disagreement regarding Saturn's rulership of this face. In Libra, the slow planet is in its exaltation, and excels at the binding-together which is this decan's essential action. Yet Saturn is also infamous for distributing suffering. "Indeed, the breaking of happy marriages and fruitful alliances is as much the subject of this face as their joyful continuation."

Sydney's fear of being tied or chained to Carmy, of signing the partnership agreement, is Saturnian in that it's very wise (at least for now, while his act is decidedly not together), but it also shows a rigidity that might see her miss out on the fulfillment of a dream.

Whatever the case may be, in the context of Sydney and Carmy, I think I prefer this imagery for the 3 of Swords:

3 of Swords, The Wild Unknown Tarot

[inthefallofasparrow]

Link to video: Ace of Swords, Two of Swords, Three of Swords, Four of Swords, Five of Swords, Six of Swords, Seven of Swords, Eight of Swords, Nine of Swords, Ten of Swords, Page of Swords, Knight of Swords, Queen of Swords, King of Swords

[luciosfanpage]

[asneshiekhvoy]

A tarot card with Andalusite, 10 of swords. The swords belongs to her fallen friends.

[lukerm123]

Next up we have the suit of swords in the Tarot deck I'm working on. With exorcist Vaggie as the Page of Swords.

[nebulotics]

Ten of Swords

And a riso ver….i have a few left on my etsy! 🗡️

[krokaxe]

• QUEEN OF SWORDS •

[rysttle]

Something something blacked out and made this dont ask me abt symbolism i just thought it looks cool

[comparativetarot]

Knight of Swords. Art by Adam Oehlers, from the Heartwood Tarot.

[vantaesfairie]

𝔭𝔦𝔠𝔨 𝔞 𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔡 : 𝔴𝔥𝔞𝔱 𝔦𝔰 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔞𝔱𝔱𝔯𝔞𝔠𝔱𝔦𝔳𝔢 𝔭𝔬𝔦𝔫𝔱

atlty’s tarot readings: art commissions, paid readings, spell ritual comms open!

choose a pile below:

your personal 매력 point :)) my pacs are all gender neutral. i just like fancy dresses.

pile 1, red dress:

your attractive point is the way you radiate love. be it self love, romantic love, family love, platonic love, it is there. your aura shows off rainbows of love. people can sense it radiating off you, as well as the way you prefer harmony and goodness. people may think of you as the colour pink. also you may think a lot before you do things, which is attractive in the sense that you know how to manage and take care of yourself and your future, a grounded person. finally, your generosity and love towards those who you aren't even close with is adored. you wish for nothing but the best. it's like spring and love and rainbows and petals and clouds are shooting out of your ass. a bit of a people pleaser energy, but also a very bubble bath royalty feeling as well.

people you remind me of: fluttershy and rarity of my little pony

pile 2, green dress:

your attractive point is the way you always stand up for yourself and fight for those you love. you may attract rumours or bad people who talk badly about you, and you fight them off. you always emerge better and taller. similarly to pile 1, you are also radiating a lot of love, but this time it feels more sexy and self-loving. protective too, like a hawk protecting new chicks. you know your worth is what i am feeling. you are also a determined person to move you and your life forwards, and that intimidates people but makes you attractive. there is a lot of confidence that you show off even if you don't feel it yourself. i think that you may be very insecure or have some personal issues within you that is difficult for others to know when they get to see you at first sight.

people you remind me of: not people but like a very elegant long emerald green snake with a teensy gold crown on its head

pile 3, blue dress:

your attractive point is the way you always stand up again after a fall. no matter what type of attack you were bestowed upon, you rise up taller and it's like you rebuild yourself brick by brick and solidify your reputation as someone who never backs down. phoenix rising from the ashes. like pile 2, your energy is also much heavier than that of pile 1, but in a good way. you are also attractive in the way that you are able to balance everything. emotion vs head, work vs play. everything is always in order and will be sorted out nicely. very rational but still be able to party type of feeling.

people you remind me of: vidia and silvermist from tinkerbell

i hope you enjoyed this pac! please consider purchasing a paid reading by sliding into my dms. reblog and share if possible! i’d love to know if this resonates to you. thank you so much! 

[essseateatarot]

The Swords Suit in Tarot: Navigating the Realm of Thoughts and Challenges 🗡️

The Swords suit in tarot represents the realm of thoughts, intellect, and the challenges we face in life. It delves into the intricate web of our mental landscapes, providing insights into the conflicts, decisions, and intellectual journeys that shape our existence. From the swift and decisive Ace of Swords to the thoughtful and contemplative Ten of Swords, this suit is a guide through the intricate maze of our minds.

Keywords, Numerological Meanings & Zodiac Sign Associations

The Swords suit is closely associated with the air signs of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, infusing the cards with the qualities of these signs.

Ace of Swords

Symbolic Sentence: "Embrace clarity and decisive action." Numerological Meaning: New ideas, breakthroughs, clarity. Astrological Correspondence: Air element, representing pure thought and intellect.

Two of Swords

Symbolic Sentence: "Balancing opposing forces with a blindfolded heart." Numerological Meaning: Choices, indecision, duality. Astrological Correspondence: Moon in Libra.

Three of Swords

Symbolic Sentence: "Heartache and pain pave the path to growth." Numerological Meaning: Suffering, healing, heartbreak. Astrological Correspondence: Saturn in Libra.

Four of Swords

Symbolic Sentence: "Rest, reflection, and rejuvenation after the storm." Numerological Meaning: Rest, meditation, recuperation. Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter in Libra.

Five of Swords

Symbolic Sentence: "Victory through cunning, but at what cost?" Numerological Meaning: Conflict, conquest, manipulation. Astrological Correspondence: Venus in Aquarius.

Six of Swords

Symbolic Sentence: "Journey toward calmer waters and renewal." Numerological Meaning: Transition, moving on, change. Astrological Correspondence: Mercury in Aquarius.

Seven of Swords

Symbolic Sentence: "Deception and trickery cloud the mind." Numerological Meaning: Deception, cunning, strategy. Astrological Correspondence: Moon in Aquarius.

Eight of Swords

Symbolic Sentence: "Self-imposed limitations hinder progress." Numerological Meaning: Restriction, entrapment, self-doubt. Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter in Gemini.

Nine of Swords

Symbolic Sentence: "Anxiety and nightmares haunt the restless mind." Numerological Meaning: Fear, worry, anxiety. Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Gemini.

Ten of Swords

Symbolic Sentence: "The end of a painful cycle, paving the way for renewal." Numerological Meaning: Ruin, transformation, rock bottom. Astrological Correspondence: Sun in Gemini.

The Court Cards

The Court Cards The Page, Knight, Queen, and King of Swords serve as guides and mentors on the intellectual path, offering unique strengths and insights to navigate the challenges and complexities of the mind.

The Page of Swords: This card represents youthful curiosity, intellectual exploration, and a thirst for knowledge. It often signifies a new phase in one's intellectual development or the emergence of new ideas and perspectives.

Knight of Swords: The Knight of Swords is a dynamic and assertive force within the Swords suit, embodying the spirit of swift, decisive action in intellectual matters. It encourages courage in the face of challenges and the pursuit of intellectual goals.

Queen of Swords: The Queen of Swords exudes sharp intellect, independence, and clear discernment. She signifies intellectual maturity and the capacity to cut through the noise to find truth and clarity.

King of Swords: The King of Swords embodies the pinnacle of intellectual strength, logic, and leadership within the Swords suit. He represents intellectual mastery, a calm and analytical mind, and the ability to make wise decisions in the face of adversity.

Here's the Full Article: