The Healing Power of the Suit of Swords

The Tarot suit of Swords is most often associated with the element of Air, although some traditions use Fire for Swords and Air for Wands.

When we think of the Swords as connected to the element of Air, we understand the suit of Swords to relate to thought, communication, and integrity.

While all tarot cards can speak in unique ways within specific readings, it is helpful to have some framework through which to understand the cards generally.

Beyond helping us with our tarot divination vocabulary, our understanding of each card can serve as a guide in understanding ourselves.

When we think of the Suit of Swords as related to Air, and therefore the powers of mind, we find within that suit the power to heal the mind from its greatest hurts.

Those hurts are illustrated in the cards themselves – the sorrow of the Three of Swords, for instance, or the anxiety of the Eight.

Indeed, we can see each of the Swords cards as illustrative of a particular state of mind.

The Ace of Swords can depict a fresh new idea, or a clear communication, or a strong commitment to the truth. This card reminds us to do the right thing, and to say the true thing.

At the same time, the Ace of Swords can depict the mindset that pigheadedly believes it is correct without question.

The Two of Swords is the card of “Peace” in the Crowley-Harris Thoth Tarot. In the Waite-Smith image, we see a blind-folded person who has crossed off her heart, and is balancing two different ideas. This card can remind us to be at peace, even during times of indecision. Sometimes, this card can indicate our own unwillingness to take a stand, or to make a choice.

The Three of Swords is typically the card of “sorrow”. It’s often the card of the lover’s triangle, depicting a sense of betrayal. Sometimes this card can indicate a choice to hang on to our wounds, rather than to let them heal.

The Four of Swords is the card of rest and retreat. Often this card will appear to tell you to let something rest, rather than to continue picking at it with your mind or words.

Unlike the previous card, Five of Swords calls us to battle. Sometimes, we must sharpen our minds for a fight. This card tells us to prepare to fight to win, and to not back down.

The Six of Swords reminds us that a logical mind makes better choices than an emotional mind.

With the Seven of Swords, we begin the most painful journey of the suit. The Seven of Swords is traditionally the “Thieves’ Card,” and suggests a lack of trust. This card can depict a lack of trust for a person or a situation. It can also indicate a sense of not trusting oneself, or even a feeling of guilt.

Typically, people can feel guilt for their human behaviors. Sometimes the Seven of Swords reveals that sense of self-loathing, or a lack of self-acceptance.

This can lead to the crippling anxiety that we see in the Eight of Swords, and the depression, worry and insomnia that we see in the Nine of Swords.

In the Ten of Swords, we see the damage created by unkind words, negative thoughts and unhelpful beliefs.

We can work with the suit of Swords by meditating with a card that describes our current state of mind, and visualizing our solution within the image. For instance, picture yourself in the Nine of Swords, reach up from your bed, grab a sword, get out of bed, and face your demons!

We can work with the suit of Swords by considering the advice that each card gives us. For instance, The Two, Four and Six caution us to be even-tempered and fair-minded.

We can use the difficult cards of the suit of Swords to acknowledge our wounds – a first step in healing.

How do you use the Swords to facilitate healing?

Answers to your Questions about Tarot: The Two of Swords

Jamie has requested that I talk a bit about the Two of Swords. The request grew out the video I made for the Two of Wands.

We’ll begin by looking at the Two of Swords in comparison to the Two of Wands.

Two, in Tarot, is a number of balance, partnership and decisions. In Major Arcana two, the High Priestess, we see a state of serenity. The High Priestess is a card of introspection rather than action; she is caught in a perfect balance.

This aspect of the energy of “two” is present in both the Two of Wands and the Two of Swords. Like the High Priestess, neither card calls for action. Like the High Priestess, both cards discuss a state of inner exploration.

The Two of Wands is exploring the possibilities and making plans for the future.

What is the Two of Swords exploring?

We can see the two Swords as two possible ideas, perhaps in conflict with one another. Often this card indicates decision-making. However, there does not seem to be any hurry. The image speaks to the decision at hand, and neither offers a preference nor suggests a need for speed.

Generally the seated figure is blindfolded. The opinions of others are not helpful. The person must look within to make a decision.

The heart chakra is crossed off. This is not a decision to be made with the heart, but rather with the logic and rationale of the airy Swords.

In the Crowley-Harris-Thoth deck the key word for the Two of Swords is “peace.” Sometimes we need to be at peace with not knowing, not choosing and not being sure. Sometimes we must exist in a state where we know we will make a decision in the future, but for now must simply be at peace with what is.

Enjoy the video. If you have a question about tarot, please email me.

Christiana Answers a Question about the Two of Swords

Video of Christiana Answers a Question about the Two of Swords

Answers to your Questions about Tarot: The Suit of Swords

How can I interpret the Suit of Swords?

Hello folks! I am back from my travels and ready to return to my video series “Answers to your Questions about Tarot.”

I have a few questions waiting, but please don’t hesitate to submit your questions too. I promise I will get to them all.

This week’s question comes from Colleen. Colleen has been studying tarot for many years and still has trouble with the suit of Swords.

Colleen, you are not alone. There is probably some irony in the fact that the suit of Swords is the “mental” suit, and it is the one we most often have a hard time wrapping our brains around.

I think the reason for this is that the most devastating images in the deck occur within the suit of Swords. The Three, Nine and Ten of Swords are tough images, and tough cards.

It is important not to define the suit solely by these images.

Many tarot readers and teachers see this suit as the suit of pain, or the suit of fighting. It may be better for us to make the elemental association with this suit.

The suit of Swords is generally associated with the element of Air. Air is related to the power of mind. This includes intelligence, integrity, curiosity, logic and communication. The difficult images and energies come when we are unable to communicate effectively, when integrity is lacking, when our beliefs don’t serve us and when we torture ourselves by thinking too much.

Enjoy the video, and email me with your questions about tarot!

Christiana Answers a Question about the Suit of Swords

Video of Christiana Answers a Question about the Suit of Swords