MINOR ARCANA

THE SWORDS

The suit of Swords are generally regarded as having the element of Air as their influence.  This indicates that the minor arcana cards that are in this suit symbolise and represent the mind, mental ability but also, they are the most negative cards in the tarot, and can suggest great mental torment, heartache, problems and crisis situations.  All negative events that will challenge your inner strength and mental strength. 

THE ACE OF SWORDS:   This card indicates intellect, clear thinking and fair judgments.  Decisions will need to be made, legal matters or important documents may also be indicated.  A time for analysing.    Mental power is important, and the ability to deal with life effectively.  This card also suggests that emotions can be stirred up in the mind, and you must let the troubled waters settle in order to think clearly and decisively again. 

2 OF SWORDS:  Indicates peace and tranquility.  There may be a difficult situation, but you should remain calm to keep the uneasy balance.  It may be a time for compromise, try and keep arguments at bay.  You may find yourself being the Peacemaker, and their are likely to be minor quarrels around the situation.  You should remain serene.  

3 OF SWORDS:  This card is very similar to the death card of the major arcana.  Although it symbolises change, it is rather a negative card in that the situation may bring sorrow or tears, and perhaps painful or difficult experiences.  The process of change may be rather unpleasant but conflicts should be coming to an end.  There may also be illness, heartache or even mourning.  On an emotional level, this card can indicate that a situation has left you feeling wounded inside.

4 OF SWORDS:  Time for a truce.  Take a rest from stresses and troubles of everyday life.  It's time to recuperate so take a well deserved holiday and attend to your personal needs.  The period in the present situation is likely to be slow, as if life is suspended.  Make use of this time to take a break from anxiety.

5 OF SWORDS:  This card is negative, it indicated an oppressive situation of possible instability, defeat, embarrassment and being made a fool of.  There may be ruined plans and arguments are likely.  This card may also indicate a breakdown in relationships if surrounded by like cards.  Things will change, but you may have to let this negative streak run it's course before you can pick yourself up again.

6 OF SWORDS:  A time of discovery - this card indicates that you are now moving away from problems.  Travel and journeys are also indicated.  Success comes after anxiety, there is a need for honesty and an objective view.  This card is also connected with science, whether that be discovering new technology or something within the field of science.  You will discover deeper meanings in situations, and discover the truth is out there!

7 OF SWORDS:  This card represents uselessness.  You may find yourself in a difficult situation where you are confused and vision is blurred.  This situation if prolonged can lead to depression.  You may feel powerless or out of control.  Something is not right in the situation, but you must find out whether the events are happening beyond your control, or whether there is a source to the problems that you can deal with.  You might feel let down, frustrated, tired and angry all at once.  Use your intelligence to deal with the problems and find a way out.  Sometimes eccentric behaviour can bring positive results!  Whatever you do, deal with these problems with some care and thought.

8 OF SWORDS:  This card usually represents restriction of some kind, whether that be physical or emotional.  Only small improvements can be made at this time.  There may be people interfering in your life, or too many people influencing your path in life.  This card can represent someone feeling imprisoned, or even being in prison/jail.  Help and advice may be required. 

9 OF SWORDS:  This card represents cruelty - you are either dealing out or receiving cruel action.  There may be negative influences from past events or experiences that still influence the present, either the influence is still there in some way, or you are afraid of a repeat performance.  Anxiety, paranoia, worry, nervousness, depression, mental anguish and morbid thoughts are all possible with this card.  A pessimistic attitude can take hold, which makes things appear much worse. 

10 OF SWORDS:  Another negative influence card, which can suggest crisis, difficulties and ruin.  However, when this card appears, the worst has probably already happened, so improvements will follow.  A time of sadness, anguish, tears, misfortune and confusion.  Be careful of being led to a trap or being let down badly by a loved one.  Although this card is traumatic, there is hope and renewal will follow.  It is alright to feel bad and this gets out of your system all your built up emotions or grief, but you must focus on moving away from this negative influence and try not to prolong the negativity.  

PAGE/VALET OF SWORDS:  The personality represented by this card is usually an intelligent, perceptive and decisive person, who has sound judgment and a cautious nature.  This person has great self belief and will not seek approval from others.  The situation represented by this card is a time where alertness and clear thinking is essential.  All options should be considered carefully, caution and tact may also be required.  There is also a connection or influence of spiritual powers, love, dance and theatre. 

KNIGHT OF SWORDS:  The personality represented by this card is someone who is intelligent, and confronts obstacles in a direct fashion.  This person is strong and controlled, and is more likely to be a male influence.  The situation represented by this card suggests a time of conflicts with others, but a firm and rational approach will be needed to overcome the opposition.

QUEEN OF SWORDS:  This feminine influence card indicates someone who is intelligent and ambitious, this is a career lady who is more likely to be career minded than motherly.  However, this card also indicates someone who is perhaps lonely and looking for companionship.  She has experienced loss and sorrow, but finds it very difficult to show her feelings and become close to others.  She is a mysterious individual, and is devoted. She keeps very much to herself and gives great respect to those who respect and understand her.  However, there is a tendency to be blunt, and sometimes even a bit bitchy or vindictive.  This lady has so many wonderful qualities and abilities, but people can be jealous of her and she may find that people will resent her.

KING OF SWORDS:  This masculine influence indicates an intelligent man, who is very logical, powerful and usually in a position of authority or high up the business ladder.  This is an ambitious man, who is very professional and rational.  Legal matters can be indicated, perhaps a Lawyer, Financial Advisor or Solicitor.  He has an analytical mind, but is fair and will listen. 

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