Tarot Swords

About Tarot Swords Meaning

Although each of the suits hold equal value, the Tarot swords are often misunderstood due to their nefarious reputation.

Admittedly, this suit can appear to have a somber tone. Lay all the swords out before you, and you will pick up on many subtle variables of energy.

Swords rule the unseen realm of air. Therefore, their symbolism deals with matters of thought and mind. Many scholars consider the swords to represent challenges or difficulties. This is a valid point and can be put to good use in a reading.

However, I tend to resist the urge of labels that classify an aspect of the Tarot as “good” or “bad.” Just as many schools of thought would recognize a challenge as an opportunity, the Tarot swords represent a window into the realm of intangibles.

On the surface, the suit of swords represents:

• The Mind
• Perception
• Observation
• Self-Image (ego)

We all know the mind can be slippery. In this light, we begin to understand its sometimes morose, moody, or mysterious looking illustrations in many deck renditions. Furthermore, most decks depict the Tarot swords in dark backdrop hues (usually deep blues or purples) with starkly contrasting steely gray blades striking out at our intuitive senses.

Therein lies the common representation of challenges or obstacles when discussing Tarot sword symbolism. The mind, although a perfectly wondrous tool if used rightly, also holds the potential for sinister mutilation to self and others.

Some deeper symbolic meanings of the Tarot swords include:

• Control
• Clarity
• Decisive
• Analytical
• Forthright
• Intelligence
• Assurance
• Confidence
• Uncertainty

Within the “gray matter” of our mind are various twists, turns, and labyrinths of directional thought. The Tarot swords reflect these directions quite clearly. Take another look at the whole sword suit and you will see an intuitive angle on all the common mind traps into which we are all prone to fall.

Nevertheless, I would encourage you to see past these prickly points of the suit, and instead, look sharply upon the solidarity and unity the sword imagery conjures. Nothing escapes the cutting edges of the sword. Those thoughts which tend to bind us such as negativity, self-delusion, unhealthy dependencies, and false beliefs can be cut away from our reality.

	Swords
A.K.A.:	Blades, Athame
Symbolism:	Thought Challenge Observation
Colors:	Indigo
Seasons:	Winter
Zodiac:	Gemini Libra Aquarius
Elements:	Air
Realm:	Mind
Playing Card:	Spades
Gender:	Male
Directions:	North

We must not allow our mind to rule over us in an unhealthy overlord fashion. Rather, the double-edge of the sword serves as a symbolic message that we are capable of allowing temperance and even-mindedness be the ruler of our reality.

Furthermore, allow your intuitive self to absorb the concept of straight and narrow presented in the swords peering out to you from the cards. There is impressive strength in following the straightest path. In other words, do not allow the mind to wander – keep a close watch, and a tight rein on it. This practice will serve you well.

Tarot swords play a crucial role in the human saga presented in the Tarot. They remind us that although like the air, our thoughts are quite invisible – their influence is very much real.

Other related links on Tarot Teachings:

Overview & Chart of All Tarot Suit Meanings

Ace of swords Meaning / 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

• Chart of Tarot Suit Meanings
• Meaning of Swords
• Aspects of Reading Tarot
• More About Three of Swords Meaning