Before we dive into the Suit of Swords within tarot, it’s important that we first understand the two, main parts of the deck. These two parts are what is known as the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Suit of Swords can be found as one of the four suits contained within the Minor Arcana.
The Suit of Wands, Suit of Pentacles, Suit of Swords, and Suit of Cups are what make up the Minor Arcana. As already mentioned in a previous post, the four suits within the Minor Arcana each represent an element. Obviously, these elements are air, water, fire, and earth.
Likewise, each one is symbolically linked to an integral part of every day, human experience. These are thoughts, feelings, actions, and materials. Today, however, we are focusing on the Suit of Swords.
Symbolism of the Suit of Swords
Representing the air element, the Suit of Swords regard our thoughts. That means that each sword card indicates something involving our thinking. Some of these cards are positive, while others feel more negative.
If you take a look at the images of the swords cards, you may notice that the swords are depicted as facing in different directions, depending on the card. The reason for this is likely due to the specific meaning of that card. For example, in the Ten of Swords, each of the swords are pointed downward and into a body. This symbolizes being thwarted by our own mind.
Conversely, some swords are facing upward, in a more optimistic position. Others are somewhat moderate as they face the side. Lastly, swords that cut through something, such as a heart as seen in the Three of Swords, could say that our thoughts have greatly influenced whatever the swords are cutting through.
The Suit of Swords isn’t simply limited to thoughts alone. They sometimes involve similar areas, such as our communication, intelligence, logic, and perception. On the other hand, Swords cards can also involve deceit, manipulation, gossip, and confusion.
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can be destructive too. Our words and thoughts are powerful. The words we speak have the potential to cut deeply. Air can be complicated, like a double-edged sword.
The Suit of Swords and Air
The most interesting thing about air, in my opinion, is that it can’t be seen. It is only the tangible evidence that the wind carries with it that we are able to sense. During a storm, it isn’t the wind we see, but rather the leaves that blow within it.
Like our thoughts, air is swiftly moving, impossible to hold onto, and sometimes still and silent. They can be as gentle as a soft, summer breeze or as harsh as a brisk, winter wind. Thoughts, like wind, can be both painful and/or welcomed.
Tornadoes, twisters, hurricanes, dust storms, and other types of extremely heavy wind all involve the air element. The Suit of Swords and the working of our own minds can feel as dangerous as threatening wind speeds. With a healthy mind, our thoughts feel as natural as the air we breathe.
Suit of Swords Interpretations
Like all the suits, the Suit of Swords has a total of fourteen cards within it. The first ten are numbered ace (one) through ten and the last four are Court Cards.
Let’s take a look at their most basic meanings below.
The Suit of Swords Cards
Ace of Swords: Newfound mental clarity, focus/being single-minded, and realization.
Two of Swords: Uncertainty, not knowing which side to stand on, and inner turmoil.
Three of Swords: Third party involved, shocking stab to heart, creative talks of sorrow
Four of Swords: Regaining energy/strength, retreating to inner world, period of rest.
Five of Swords: Disagreements from pride, playing dirty, and competitive distraction.
Six of Swords: Bittersweet change, letting go of something, and acceptance of past pain.
Seven of Swords: Sliding under the radar, cautious manipulation; and self-protection.
Eight of Swords: Projection and denial of guilt, self-loathing, and playing the victim.
Nine of Swords: Nowhere to turn, fueled by fear, and falling into depressive state.
Ten of Swords: Rock-bottom, facing a crisis, and finally facing a personal demon.
Page of Swords: Finding a way to communicate, new thoughts forming, and curiosity.
Knight of Swords: Finding drive to learn, rapid wave of ideas, and harnessing potential.
Queen of Swords: Setting boundaries, cutting through falsities, and urgency to speak.
King of Swords: Sharp-tongue, knowing the truth, and not sharing personal power.
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