Friday, January 20, 2012

Tarot Card Symbolism: The Six of Swords Reversed

If you are one of the many Tarot readers who reads reversed meanings into those cards that appear upside down in a reading, then the Six of Swords in its reversed position is a warning. You might experience travel delays, so try to be patient. Disappointment may also be on your horizon, so keep your eyes open. This card also implies that there will be losses purely due to carelessness, yours or someone else's. Be a little more careful if you want to avoid any potential problems.

Tarot Card Symbolism: The Six of Swords of the Minor Arcana

The Six of Swords of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the sixth card of the Suit of Swords. It follows the Five of Swords. It is the embodiment of gradual change and overcoming obstacles.

The Symbolism of the Six of Swords Tarot Card

This card is represented by a man in a small skiff, accompanied by a woman and child. He guides them across a wide lake, presumably away from danger. The woman is shrouded, appearing to be hunched over in pain. The child huddles at her side.

In the boat are six upright swords. The far shore seems to be a haven, calm and safe, and out of reach of anything or anyone who might pursue.

The General Interpretation of the Six of Swords Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies a very gradual change. It may be so gradual as to go unnoticed except by the most observant of individuals. The Six of Swords tells the individual to be very aware, and to watch for this change, for it may be too subtle to notice at first.

The Six of Swords is also an indicator of movement or travel. This is not necessarily by boat, but may be by many means, and may even be a symbolic journey. In general, it does mean fleeing from difficulties or dangers, seen and unseen.

The Inner Meaning of the Six of Swords in Tarot

The Six of Swords is the image of long journeys and travels. With this card, it is important to note the huddled figures of the woman and child. They are obviously unhappy. They could be said to be in some pain. And so, this card can represent the passage out of pain. In other words, it could mean fleeing a situation that is painful, either literally or metaphorically.

This card is also representative of solutions to problems that are fairly recent. The specific problem this refers to usually involves some type of leaving or fleeing as a solution. The classic example is leaving an abusive relationship, but this is not the only interpretation. It could mean leaving a job that just wasn’t working, or moving because the old home was falling apart. The Six of Swords, in the end, represents the overcoming of obstacles to create a better situation.

The Seven of Swords follows this card.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Tarot Card Symbolism: The Five of Swords Reversed

When the Five of Swords appears reversed in a Tarot spread, it can be difficult to interpret. It is best to examine the cards in the rest of the spread for an exact meaning. Generally, this card in its reversed position can indicate that a long battle will come to an end and animosities will be resolved. You are encouraged to bury the hatchet and try to get along with those you thought were your enemies. Sometimes the foulest of enemies can become the greatest of friends.

Tarot Card Symbolism: The Five of Swords of the Minor Arcana

The Five of Swords of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the fifth card of the Suit of Swords. It follows the Four of Swords. It is the embodiment of victory and confidence.

The Symbolism of the Five of Swords Tarot Card

This card is represented by a man who appears to be victorious in battle. He is holding three swords, which he may have taken from those he has defeated. These people are seen retreating from the battlefield in the background. Two more swords can be seen on the ground at the feet of the victor.

This battle appears to have occurred on a beach. The waters may be calm, but the sky is ragged-looking, perhaps implying this battle wasn’t completely just.

The General Interpretation of the Five of Swords Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies some kind of victory after a battle. It is likely that this victory was indeed hard-won, and that the losing parties were defeated with great effort. This may be a literal or symbolic battle, depending on the circumstances.

The Five of Swords also indicates that this battle was not won by luck alone. Instead, this victory was achieved through proper preparation and planning. This preparation inspired confidence in the individual. And it was this confidence that truly won the battle.

The Inner Meaning of the Five of Swords is Tarot

The Five of Swords is the image of potent victory, achieved by defeating opposing parties. This is not a card that inspires cooperation. Rather, it is a card of battle, and victory. And, wherever there is a victory, there must be a defeat.

The defeat parties are disillusioned after the battle. The sky above is torn and ragged-looking. This might imply that the battle was not a just one, that perhaps it could have been avoid by a moment of reflection and consideration. The Five of Swords brings a warning that one should be wary of engaging in a battle, literal or symbolic, before all the facts are obtained and considered.

Finally, this card may imply some unwilling and unnecessary contributions from the losing parties. Again, this is a warning: one ought to behave honorably towards those who have been defeated. This is an important lesson, one which should not be ignored.

The Six of Swords follows this card.