TarotCraft Lesson 204.00: Introduction to the Suite of Swords

The alchemical symbol for the Element of Air, an upward pointing triangle with a horizontal line across the middle, extending past the downward arms of the triangle.

The only one of the four Elements we truly control is the mind/Air. We alone are responsible for what happens between our ears, how we react to it, and what we do with it. We can’t help the emotional reaction to being hurt by another (Cups), but we can control how we respond to that hurt, and whether or not we return that hurt through our (s)words.

The Suite of Cups represents:

• The Element of Air
• Intellect
• Thoughts
• Learning
• Worries
• Afflictions

 
Swords are related to Winter, typically a time of introspection and planning rather than physical action. They represent the astrological Air signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.

The Suite of Cups reflects what is happening on an emotional level; the Suite of Swords points out what is happening on a mental level. This is the difference between what you think (Swords), what you feel (Cups).

This Suite reflects the things we worry about, planning, learning, studying - anything that goes on in our mind. In a nutshell, Swords represent (s)words. The words we say to ourselves, to others, and that others say to us.

Traditionally bad news is associated with Swords cards. Still, even though a sword can cut you, it can also “cut” through illusions and problems. 

Reversed or negatively aspected Swords can show confusion, clouded thinking and anxiety. Restrictions, losses and separations can also be indicated, along with isolation and inner turmoil. 

Swords cards can suggest illness, afflictions, and things out of balance.

Without the Element of Air, we can’t survive our first moments outside of the womb. That first breath is our first action in the physical world. It’s the moment we begin to take in what is happening around us, begin to form opinions about it, and begin to have conversations with ourselves and others about it.

The Element of Air represents our search for truth and meaning. We use the Sword to cut through illusion and to cut away that which is no longer helpful. We also cut ourselves and one another with our (s)words. The Sword is our weapon against self-deception and the self-pity of suffering.

The only one of the four Elements we truly control is the mind/Air. We alone are responsible for what happens between our ears, how we react to it, and what we do with it. We can’t help the emotional reaction to being hurt by another (Cups), but we can control how we respond to that hurt, and whether or not we return that hurt through our (s)words.

Click to go to next lesson 204.01 The Ace of Swords

Click to go to previous lesson 203.10 The 10 of Cups