As for most people, December was an extremely busy month for me. Tarot is an excellent and popular way to help gather your thoughts on wrapping up the old year and making plans for the new. I am often invited to read at holiday parties and celebrations of all kinds.
At one particularly festive and upbeat event, my line seemed to be growing as the night went on. Each guest coming to hear what hopeful and promising news I could share. A lovely young woman sat down with me and we began the initial ritual of my asking if she had ever had a reading and then if she had a particular topic or question that she would like to discuss. She shared that this was not her first reading and that a certain card has been showing up for her lately, not only in readings, but also, she once saw this card laying in the street, almost waiting to be noticed by her.
I was listening to her and watching closely as I asked, “would you mind sharing with me the card you are referencing?” She said she felt it would appear again with us that evening as she shuffled the cards. Then, just as she stated the name and turned over the top card, we both took in a breath. It was . . . the TEN OF SWORDS. Cue the twilight music!
It would be an understatement to say that this card is no picnic with rainbows and unicorns!
Just one look at this card with a man laying facing down on the ground and showing ten swords piercing his body from the base of his neck all the way down to his lower body, anyone can see his ending was not easy or pretty. Out, past where his body lies is a large body of water (an ocean?), and even further than that is a hilly/mountainous landscape. The ocean is mysterious and deep, it is strong and not something man can fight or control. The ocean appearing is about releasing control of that which we do not have the ability to influence. The sky above is dark, even black but on the horizon is a bright rising sun. The color black is the absence of light or illumination, meaning we may be in the dark to the true nature of our situation. The bright sun is a new fire-y energy, a new beginning – possibly inspiring us, possibly testing us . . . will we be able to find new faith from this loss?
Swords represent the element of air. The suit of swords cards (of which there is an ace-ten, then a page, knight, queen and king) are associated with change, action and courage. Swords are also associated with the mind and intellect – it is a very strategic/thinking suit. In the swords, action can lead to accomplishments, but it can also lead to conflict, struggle and even hostility.
The ten of swords appears to be a card of a terrible setback or failure, but, surprisingly, it often represents drama that is more theatrical than real. For example, finding the humor in a situation that you initially thought disastrous? Or, once the initial crisis has passed, realizing you have options you had not considered.
This card *can* be about hitting rock bottom. I do not want to diminish the down side of this card. There is misfortune and adversity in this world and it is no laughing matter. Feeling heavy hearted and distressed are very normal reactions. This leads to another meaning of this card, feeling the victim. Or, being the martyr. The real test of this card is not necessarily *what* happened, not everything (or I should say VERY LITTLE) is in our control. What is on our control, is *how* we move forward.
The ten of swords says it is time to check your approach, mindset, and perspective. Are you biased? Is there a new point of view to be considered? Is your temperament/demeanor right for what needs to be done?
What will your life look like when the dark sky lifts and the bright sun shines?
I have thought of this lovely woman a few times since our reading last month. Her situation was challenging, even unfair. But her attitude is what brings me back. I know she is on the right path.
What 10 of swords moments have required you to change course, get perspective or find your backbone?
Email me directly or post your feeling of solidarity on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dina-Berrin/110319915692369?ref=bookmarks I welcome your thoughts and comments.
I am available for private readings, events/parties and to speak or teach at your private event.
Until the next time . . .
