The Minor Arcana/ The Swords
The swords represent the element of Air. Here are where ideas lay and take shape. They represent our thoughts from our bright ideas to our worst imaginings.
Ace
Upright: New Ideas and beginnings. Mental Clarity and the ability to focus. Making the right choice
Reversed: Not being able to communicate clearly. Thoughts clouded, forgetfulness.
Two
Upright: Peace, things in balance. Being at a crossroads. Thoughts balanced in the tension of opposites
Reversed: Inability to make a decision. Delays, setbacks and overwhelming fear/anxiety.
Three
Upright: Emotional pain. Loneliness, heartbreak, grief. Conflict, disillusionment and serious misunderstandings
Reversed: The release of pain and conflict. Forgiveness and healing. Reconciliation.
Four
Upright: A time to rest and recuperate. Meditation and introspection. Healing and a planning for the future
Reversed: Losing faith. Hitting the wall, burn out and mental exhaustion.
Five
Upright: Defeat and surrender. Discord, aggression and lack of communication.
Reversed: A peaceful resolution to a conflict. Releasing stress and overcoming a challenge
Six
Upright: Recovery and moving forward. Calmer waters. A time to pause and take stock. Moving onwards.
Reversed: A lack of progress. Out of the frying pan into the fire. Abandoning an plan or idea:
Seven
Upright: Trickery and mental manipulation. Avoidance and sly behaviour
Reversed: Coming clean. Guilty conscious. Being the one outsmarted or outmanoeuvred
Eight
Upright: Feeling trapped or restricted by our thoughts Backed into a corner and loss of control. Silenced.
Reversed: Taking back control. Finding release from bonds. Facing our fears and overcoming them.: .
Nine
Upright: Anguish and cruelty. Fear and anxiety. Inability to cope or face life. Overthinking
Reversed Learning to cope. Facing life head on, opening up and accepting help when needed. Calming the mind.:
Ten
Upright: Betrayal, Martyrdom. Failed plans and ideas. End of cycle. Closing doors.
Reversed: Being saved, surviving. Learning from the past.
King of Swords
Upright: Cold, detached logic. Head over heart. Self disciplined and level headed.
Reversed: Controlling, aggression. Power hungry. A lack of discipline.
Queen of Swords
Upright: Strong and witty. Self Reliant. Protective and principled. Honest and truthful
Reversed: Being overly critical and pessimistic. Unforgiving, unbending. A lack of empathy:
Prince of Swords
Upright: Ambitious and a risk taker. Rebellion against the status quo. Courageous and single minded.
Reversed: Out of control and restless. Self obsessed, unfocused.
Princess of Swords
Upright: New ways of communication. Vigilant and guarded. Thinking through an idea. Mental agility
Reversed: Delayed/ Disappointing news. Scattered throughs and head in the clouds. Lack of clarity in the messaging.