The Tarot Suit of Swords

Biblical Associations

Swords represent truth, discernment, and spiritual warfare.

• Ace: Divine truth, revelation (John 8:32).
• Two: Decision-making, discernment (James 1:5).
• Three: Heartbreak, trials, sorrow (Psalm 34:18).
• Four: Rest, meditation, trust in God (Matthew 11:28).
• Five: Conflict, temptation (Ephesians 6:12).
• Six: Transition, spiritual journey (Psalm 23:3).
• Seven: Deception, stealth, God’s guidance (Proverbs 11:3).
• Eight: Restriction, bondage, deliverance (Psalm 18:19).
• Nine: Anxiety, worry, prayer (Philippians 4:6).
• Ten: Defeat, crisis, redemption (Romans 8:28).
• Page: Messenger, seeking knowledge (Luke 2:52).
• Knight: Courage in spiritual battle (2 Timothy 4:7).
• Queen: Wisdom, discernment (Proverbs 31:26).
• King: Authority, justice (Psalm 72:1–2).

 

Strengths

Sword people are intelligent masterminds who excel at brainstorming solutions. However, they can also cause problems because they insist on relying on logic and intelligence rather than on emotions and intuition. The power of their minds can unleash the power to heal or destroy. 

 

Weaknesses

Dealing with emotional issues, sickness, and pain is not easy for these people. Mental activity can make these individuals preoccupied, often leading to cyclical worrying that can confuse them and, at times, cause neurotic behavior.

 

Wellness Concerns Depending Upon the Zodiac Sign Involved

Body parts that may be affected include the brain, tongue, pupils, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, kidneys, pancreas, bladder, blood pressure, circulation, hips, thighs, calves, shins, and ankles. These individuals need regular time-outs to step away, regain perspective, and calm down.

 

 

The Tarot Suit of Swords Traditional & Health Meanings

 

Ace of Swords/Spades (Throat Chakra) – New beginnings in thoughts or beliefs, intelligent brainstorming, or feeling stuck, wrapped up too tight, and out of ideas. Reading, playing crosswords, and studying anything you're interested in will help keep your brain healthy, sharp, and free from monkey chatter that can cause stress, increase cortisol, and trigger stress-related symptoms such as insomnia. 

Keywords - New beginnings (not necessarily positive), strength in adversity, mental stimulation, fresh ideas, advancement, or blockages and conflict.

 

King of Swords/Spades (Brow/Throat Chakras) – You have a sharp, powerful mind, but don't become controlling or abusive. The King of Swords doesn't deal with emotions well (they aren't his forte), which can cause health issues, including more frequent or severe herpes outbreaks. Like your counterpart, the Queen of Swords, you tend to handle things alone most of the time. However, any health issues you're currently experiencing will likely require a well-respected doctor or specialist who can provide objective information when your emotions are getting the better of you.

Keywords - Husband, father, philosopher, leader, academic-minded, rational, objective, an expert, head over heart, or mental and verbal abuse.

 

Queen of Swords/Spades (Brow Chakra) – You've been through loneliness and sorrow and still have a sense of humor. Like your counterpart, the King of Swords, you are a survivor. Don't mourn for too long. It will strangle your emotions and cause resentment and bitterness, which may cause anxiety and depression spurred on by negative self-talk and obsessively reliving details in your mind. Use your intellect (through research and study) to choose your health remedies rather than unthinkingly following any advice.

Keywords - Woman alone (after suffering losses), wife, mother, fair, truthful, humorous, determined, thought leader, or misled and bitter.

 

Knight of Swords (Throat Chakra) – You are the hero, the protector, but you rush in like a bull, striking first and asking questions later. To avoid accidents and potential fatalities, double-check any equipment you use, ensure your saddle is securely fastened, and inspect your parachute before jumping.

Keywords - Male, swift, dramatic, defensive, impulsive, assertive, or causing injury, even with good intentions. 

Note: There are no Knights in the Suit of Spades in a deck of ordinary playing cards.

 

Page (Jack) of Swords/Spades (Throat Chakra) – A witty and clever young or young-acting person, sometimes a bit secretive (a spy). At worst, he is a troublemaker for his own entertainment. There may be learning difficulties or a refusal to learn. You're being invited to examine a situation more thoroughly. The Page of Swords may not take the idea of contracting an STD or "getting pregnant" seriously.

Keywords - Intelligent young person, an important message ( often unexpected or upsetting news), advice, change, or immaturity.

 

10 of Swords/Spades (Brow Chakra) – You have been backstabbed or have self-sabotaged as much as you can. You have reached the bottom. There's nowhere to go but up from here. Your situation, oppression, or depression may even be causing you physical pain. Your depression or oppression, self-imposed or otherwise, is making your symptoms worse than they need to be.

Keywords - Self-sabotage, pain, treachery, failure, hitting bottom, or the dark before the light.

 

9 of Swords/Spades (Brow Chakra) – Something is causing you mental nightmares (bills, guilt, negative thoughts, herpes, physical pain, fear). Anxiety and insomnia could stem from mentally rehashing something you could have or should have done differently (or better). You are probably dwelling on things far too much. Slow the mind-chatter. It may be time to use essential oils to help you relax or talk with someone who can support you. If you have no one in your life to talk to, see Resources for support.

Keywords - Nightmares, anxiety, stress (sometimes relating to environment), worry, insomnia, or endangerment.

 

8 of Swords/Spades (Brow Chakra) – You feel trapped in a prison of your own making, but there's no one watching or holding you back. The jail you're in is self-imposed. You can walk away at any time. You refuse to see it. Take off your blindfold. Anxiety and fear play a huge role in diseases related to stiffening muscles and joints, or not being able to move easily. You may also have eyesight problems. Negative emotions also contribute to more frequent illnesses and infections, such as herpes outbreaks.

Keywords - Feeling trapped, limited, confined, bound, restrained, blocked, isolated, fearful, or released.

 

7 of Swords/Spades (Throat Chakra) – This card denotes vulnerability. Examine things thoroughly. There's a need to protect yourself, and you may be called to do the unexpected. This card suggests you can defend yourself, but beware of self-deception, self-damaging habits, and self-sabotage. If you feel like doing something sneaky or retaliating, use your brain and avoid the "hurt" it might cause. Reflect and let things settle. Sometimes, this card can represent picking up the pieces and moving on without others being aware, using guile, such as when you need to leave an abusive relationship, rather than force. Find ways "around" obstacles instead of through them. The 7 of Swords can also represent someone who is deliberately trying to sabotage you.

Keywords - Discretion, betrayal, caution, slyness, cunning, using your brain, leaving something behind, a sneak, a cheat, or unfairness, denial of the need for assistance, guilt, or defensiveness.

 

6 of Swords/Spades (Brow Chakra) – You are either moving away from previous troubles or feeling more entrenched. Sometimes, this card represents the comings and goings of a trip over or around water (water represents emotions). What you may not see is that spiritual forces are protecting you (if you need protection, see Spiritual Protection). It's essential to remove yourself from those things, people, or attitudes that cause ongoing stress. Chronic stress is the number one cause of disease. Why? Because it causes inflammation. Pray to your spiritual guides (your lord, angels, ancestors, or a loved one who has crossed over). They are watching over you and will lead the way.

Keywords - Release, retreat, moving on, travel away from trouble, a journey (one that's protected), a change in attitude, or being unable to get away.

 

5 of Swords/Spades (Throat Chakra)– Underhanded tactics, spite, snide remarks, and useless arguments abound. Constant strife, upsets, and arguments are affecting your health, causing inflammation in your body, raising your blood pressure, lowering your immunity, and making you more susceptible to nervous ills and illnesses, such as IBS and viral infections, including herpes. It's time to ask yourself whether you are living in accordance with your actual values. The 5 of Swords can also represent mental conflict within yourself, which can make you feel like you're beating yourself up. It might be best to take a "rest, reflect, or accept" pause before continuing.

Keywords - Conflict, change, deception, personal attack, distrust, negative energy, spite, battle, nastiness, pain and hurt, and, when reversed, being beaten, victimized, surrender or defeat, or paranoia. 

 

4 of Swords/Spades (Brow Chakra) - It is time to rest, pray, or meditate before it is enforced upon you. You may be in contact with a patient or become one yourself. To fully recover, you must remove yourself from stressful situations and people. Quietly, tuck yourself away in your room or space with low lighting and a comfortable bed where you can be checked on every so often. There's no need to give yourself a heart attack over herpes or anything else.

Keywords - A needed rest, solitude, recuperation, prayer, a break, contemplation, peace, or, reversed, mandated recovery in a hospital-like setting.

 

3 of Swords/Spades (Heart Chakra) – You are mourning, grieving, and crying over a situation that deserves your tears. A third party may be responsible. You may feel attacked from all sides (more than your heart can bear). It may not be over yet, but when it is, it won't hurt nearly as much as you think it will. Ongoing grief may require getting professional help. See a specialist if you've been experiencing any physical symptoms related to your heart (especially pain).

Keywords - A broken heart, loss, sorrow, grief, betrayal, a necessary cutting, a third party, or possible heart problems due to mental stress. Also, a coming together (or apart) of mind, body, and spirit. 

 

2 of Swords/Spades (Throat Chakra) – You feel caught between two forces and are trying to maintain your balance while ignoring or holding off both. Sooner or later, you will have to open your eyes and make a choice. Don't let any sense of doubt or inferiority hold you back, or you'll be hit with a slew of stress-related symptoms, such as headaches, anxiety, fatigue, Fibromyalgia, IBS flare, or a cold sore.

Keywords - Stalemate, indecision, considering, waiting, truce, walking on eggshells, or being blinded and stagnant.

 

 

The Tarot Suit of Swords' Holistic Alternative Associations

 

Swords respond well to therapies involving a specialist, such as working with a counselor or psychologist, participating in a specialized group, spending time in fresh air, taking short trips, and practicing meditative breathing.

 

Food for Swords/Sanguine Temperaments

Eating YELLOW foods, such as squash, yellow peppers, pumpkin, bananas, eggs, and fish, may help. However, YELLOW food remedies are Tarot-related and may or may not align with specific conditions and remedies for your dominant temperament. Swords represent the Sanguine temperament, which may or may not be your dominant temperament. Always follow your temperament when looking to remedy an ailment. You can discover your temperament here. 

 

Herbs & Essential Oils for Swords/Sanguine Temperaments

Herbs and essential oils to strengthen Air signs are bergamot, calendula (marigold), camphor, cardamom, carrot seed, clary sage, citronella, evening primrose, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, juniper, lemon, lemon balm (melissa), lemongrass, mandarin, neroli, orange, rose absolute, sandalwood, vetiver, and ylang-ylang.

 

Stones & Crystals for Swords/Sanguine Temperaments

Stones and crystals, according to Tarot, are ones in shades of YELLOW (and possibly Orange). However, according to the Sanguine temperament, they would be white, yellow, orange, gold, or brown (see below).

Sanguine 1 (Sanguine/Yellow Personality): Golden topaz, yellow amber, yellow citrine, golden tiger's eye, yellow aragonite, yellow calcite, rhodonite, apache gold, and yellow jasper

Sanguine 2 (Sanguine/Orange Personality): Carnelian, tiger's eye, orange amber, sunstone, malachite, peach aventurine, yellow/golden topaz, orange agate, yellow jasper, moonstone, yellow fluorite, and citrine

 

Note: You'll find holistic alternatives for most of the symptoms and conditions listed above here.

 

 

Artwork: Boreas by John W. Waterhouse, 1903