by estellew | Aug 7, 2015 | Minor Arcana, Swords, Tarot
The Two of Swords is sometimes referred to as the Lord of Peace Restored and is aligned with Moon in Libra and represents decisions, impartiality and a ceasefire. The Moon represents the deep unconscious forces that influence our behaviour and decisions, and Libra brings the need for balance, fairness and relating to others. Swords represent the two-edged ability of the mind to harm or to heal - the Two is a conflict and it is demands a decision that must be made to resolve the impasse. Now you can make the decision either way, even though it may seem you are powerless and you are blind. There is a storm brewing, and there will be a breakthrough, although it is often a change that is resisted which results in the tension and conflict embodied in this card. You feel you need to make a compromise and yet are unwilling to do so because you don't want to get the pointy end of the pineapple. But with a choice of two options, neither of which is appealing, you would rather sit on the fence but that is no solution either, and by delaying a decision you are merely suspending the consequences of making a choice. Eventually you are going to have to jump down from the fence onto one side or the other. Remember the imagery of this card - the woman is blindfolded, and yet she has a sword in each hand and so is not powerless. The fact that she cannot see with her eyes where to make the mark means that she must use her intuition, her...
by estellew | Aug 7, 2015 | Minor Arcana, Swords, Tarot
Known also as the Lord of Peace Restored, and aligned with the Moon in Libra, the Two of Swords brings peace of mind, the ability to make decisions, especially regarding relationships with others, and empathy. The figure on the card is shown blindfolded, balancing on one leg while a maelstrom swirls around her. What does this tell us? It is possible now to intuitively reach solutions to dilemmas, and achieve balance rather than meet resistance. You have valid insight into situations that previously troubled you and this clarity will give you a sense of purpose to create your future in a better way. This is a period of ceasefire, an opportunity to regroup and make choices that will bring you more security. Whatever threats to your peace of mind that were evident before are now dormant, however don't make the mistake of thinking that the danger has passed. Instead, put measures in place now while you have the space to breath so that you ensure you don't fall into the same trap and let history repeat itself. The Two of Swords is related to the card of Justice, and as such, relates to fairness and balanced judgement in negotiations and conflicts, and so if this is in your experience right now, the outcome will be in your favour. If you find yourself in a deadlock however, there is a need to detach yourself from the emotional aspects of the situation and take a bird's eye view of things - look at both sides as if you had no other involvement but as a passerby presented with the bare facts,...
by estellew | Aug 10, 2015 | Minor Arcana, Swords, Tarot
Known also as the Lord of Sorrow, and aligned with Saturn in Libra, the Three of Swords represents worries, tensions and pain caused by words and thoughts. Saturn represents heaviness and restriction, while Libra is balance and harmony in relationships, so this card brings blocked emotions and the inability to move past hurts and restore harmony. The Three of Swords reminds us of contrast - we love to feel the good feelings of love and joy and happiness, and yet without experiencing anger, stress and worry, we don't know how precious the good feelings are and how important it is to seek these out and not waste time, energy and heartache on those negative states. There are patterns of stressful thinking and worrying, there are storms of emotion, arguments and upheavals. There may be broken ties, but as they are usually based on misinformation and jumping to conclusions, the danger of permanent separation may still be averted. The representation in the card of the Three of Swords looks dire, but if you pay attention, the birds, although black, are all flying upwards. The clouds are dark on the horizon, but they start to lighten higher up which is where the birds are heading. Even though it feels that this pain is permanent, it will always improve; life always wins in the end, and the impulse towards life will out. The Threes are about bringing in something new - the Swords are about thoughts and ideas. Sometimes we get it wrong, thoughts that are new and unfamiliar cause us to shutdown and reject new ideas and new ways of living....
by estellew | Aug 7, 2015 | Minor Arcana, Swords, Tarot
The Four of Swords is the Lord of Truce (Rest from Strife) and has the energy of Jupiter in Libra. It represents a hiatus, rest and recuperation. This card brings a reprieve from stress, especially mental stress and turmoil. There has been a period of time where you have misused your mental abilities - this is often with unnecessary worry, anxiety, and focusing on anything and everything that could go wrong. At this point, the mind says "Enough!" and so the mental tension that you have endured ends for a time and provides a mental ceasefire where you can convalesce your thoughts and bring yourself back to a state of calm from which you can again make good decisions and engage in hopeful thoughts for your future. This is a great time to go on a retreat that will release you from your everyday tensions and restore your health and your vitality. You have been burning the candle at both ends, running around on a hamster wheel and going nowhere. The toll on your health if you continue is inevitable and so this card comes as a welcome sign for you to stop, rest and look after yourself. There is a sense of protection from the world when contemplating the image on this card. The knight is lying supine on the altar, his hands in a position of prayer. Three swords are hovering above while the fourth is lying below him as if he has just laid it there. The three swords represent the struggles and turmoil he has endured, while the fourth symbolises his willingly to lay down...
by estellew | Aug 7, 2015 | Minor Arcana, Swords, Tarot
Known also as the Lord of Rest from Strife and aligned with Jupiter in Libra, the Four of Swords represents calmness, integration and expanded possibilities. Jupiter is expanded awareness, while Libra brings balance and harmony, so this card tells you that you will find out more about the situation at hand and it will provide you with perspective and reassurance. What has seemed hopeless to you before now will prove to contain the answer within - it requires your faith and belief in a positive outcome. However, do not let your guard down at this time - this card is called Rest from Strife, not Completion of Strife. There will still be battles to be fought, and you need to use this time of truce to gather together resources to assist you in the future. There is a need for you to recharge your batteries, repair what damage has been done to your emotions and be prepared for the future. You will be much better for it. The Fours are cards of early completion and strong foundations, and in the Suit of Swords this refers to your thoughts and your ability to build your future by your intentions. This card advises that you rest your mind from the turmoil that has been prevalent with worries and concerns in the world. Make your mind strong by resting from turmoil and you will be all the better for it. Meditation is advised and is crucial to restore your health which may be showing early signs of wear and tear through stress. Do what you can to alleviate stress and give your...
by estellew | Aug 7, 2015 | Minor Arcana, Swords, Tarot
Known also as the Lord of Defeat and aligned with Venus in Aquarius, the Five of Swords represents fear of failure, loss and defeat, as well as progress through difficulties. Venus is not at home in Aquarius and sits uncomfortably there as she represents personal desires and vanity while Aquarius is more interested in causes and the good of society as a whole. Five is the number of conflict and this card brings a conflict of opposing desires. There is a need to be right and also a need to get along with others, and by doing one you find it is difficult to do the other. Personal ambition and desires are set against the good of the group, whether that is a work or family or other group situation. Since the Swords represent the mental realm, this is where the conflict lies and where also it must be resolved. Weigh up decisions you must make carefully and ask yourself, if this road is followed what will the situation look like in a year, in 5 years, in 10 years? There is often an element of underhandedness in this card, in order to avoid conflict then often a path of deception is taken to pass under the radar. It appears when a difficult decision is made in order to serve one's personal desires, and while this provides short term gain, in the long run it has damaged reputations and created distance between friends and colleagues. There is a need to look at the situation clearly, see where you can make reparation and resolve your own internal conflicts which otherwise...
