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2.5 Ten, Princess, Knight

Activity

Spend time with each of the Swords below to generate your “tarot encyclopedia” notecard for each. I recommend the following process, which only takes ~10 minutes per card. You do not need to complete all (or any) card in a single sitting.

  1. Look at the image on the card and examine its details.
  2. Read the page in the companion book for that card.
  3. Read the description provided here.
  4. OPTIONAL: Read other descriptions of that card online or in other books.
  5. Reflect on the questions posed.
  6. Write down the details of the image that have meaning to you and the 2 or 3 interpretations (perhaps 1 heavenly, 1 upright earthly, and 1 reversed earthly) that resonate most strongly for you. Feel free to write down your own interpretations based on what comes to you!

Ten of Swords

Name: Ruin

Astrological Correspondence: Sun in Gemini

Position on The Tree: Pluto of Air. Kingdom in the Formative World

Notes to Consider: And the predicted end has come. It’s been too much. The mind left unchecked has claimed another victim. Yet, the sun rises. In life’s path, we go through numerous death cycles and can get better at “death and resurrection.” After having been completely identified and caught up in some situations (especially ones around our thoughts and beliefs), we need to let some precious part of us die. As we do, the new day dawns. Yes, there is grief and pain in the loss of something we held precious. Yes, that loss opens us up to something new; a rebirth. Surrendering that precious thing allows us to choose a more authentic identity.

Is Ruin ruination or rebirth?
This card becomes the Ace of Pentacles.

Princess of Swords

Name: Researcher

Astrology: Season of Winter (Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces)
Element: Earth of Air

Position on The Tree: Kingdom Force of Earth in the Formative World. Throne to the Ace.

Notes to Consider: Notice how she stands guard over the black stone on the double cube pedestal, symbolizing the material, spiritual, and pure essence. Her legs are mist, ethereal, showing the unreal nature of thoughts despite their power. The Princess collects information and is incessantly curious. Through her research she makes clear and solid that which is obscure and vague. She brings the world of ideas into reality with her pragmatism. Graceful and dignified.

If she is unsupported or in unfavorable conditions, this energy can become frivolous, mocking, scattered, and turn her intellect toward only self-serving ends.

Knight of Swords

Name: Activist

Astrology: May 11 – Jun 10
Element: Specific Fire of Primal Air

Position on The Tree: Wisdom Force of Fire in the Formative World.

Notes to Consider: Ideas and beliefs given the driving force and power of will, the activist asserts their position with absolute certainty. This can be great and powerful, energizing through their enthusiasm. It’s also possible that these ideas are built on partial understandings and not given enough structure. The Knight rushes in and about without, compelled by thoughts and beliefs instead of deliberate in their actions. Getting in their way and asking them to sit or collaborate may be risky; this energy can be tyrannical, crafty, and manipulative to get what they want in their pride.

Is he really sure about his course of action or is he just rushing in headfirst? Are his motivations noble or based on over-valuing the wrong things?