Lightning fast change, a message for you:
It’s first what you think, and then what you do.
whispered to me by the Knight this morning
Flying like the wind on this day that marks the turning of the seasons, the Knight of Swords bursts onto the scene.
As you probably know, the Swords suit corresponds to the element of Air, and is therefore associated with information, intellect, and ideas, as well as the power of thought itself. And the court cards are most likely to be actual people — either aspects of ourselves, or someone we know.
The Knights are the action heroes of the Tarot — questing, seeking, and stirring up change.
The Knight of Swords is the most aggressive of the Knights. He charges headlong into a storm, his weapon drawn and prepared for battle. Fierce, focused, and convinced he is right, he is clearly ready for the fight.
He will not take “no” for an answer, for although his horse seems to look back at him with trepidation, he is at a dead run. No wonder, for we can clearly see the long, sharp spike of the knight’s spur.
Also of interest is the speculation that this knight is actually Pamela Colman Smith’s friend and patron, famed actress and suffragette, Ellen Terry. Look closely and you will discover it is likely a woman’s face inside that armor.
Whether male or female, this knight charges forth with nothing held back, completely committed to destroying the foe — take no prisoners!
Air, of course, rules neither possessions, nor land, nor love. It is vision, attitude, communication, and perception. Thoughtful listening and diplomatic negotiations are far preferable, but the time may come when we are forced to defend what is right.
Horse and Rider
I was delighted to see this knight arrive today, because just last week, our brilliant Meetup member, nationally renowned Jennifer “ArcanaDance” Lucero-Earle, gave an especially inspiring presentation to our group (see footnote).
Based on Ruth Ann and Wald Amberstones’ classic Secret Language of the Tarot, which we are currently studying, her talk examined and expanded on Chapter 4: Horses, Suns, Banners.
Naturally, all of the Knights cards feature horses, but I was fascinated by her suggestion that the brutish, almost cruel depiction of the Knight of Swords, especially with that wicked-looking spur, is transformed by the nobility of the white horse.
Ever since prehistoric times, horses have been viewed as magical creatures, even divine in nature. For instance, in many Native American traditions, white horses are healers, and around the world, they have long been the rare, special horses reserved for kings and important leaders.
Jennifer emphasized the Amberstones’ suggestion that when there are horses and riders in the cards, they should be interpreted as one, cohesive unit. After all, this is exactly what the most talented and well-trained equestrians always aspire to be.
It is also important to note that horses, particularly white ones, traditionally symbolize purity, heroism, or death.
As one reference notes, “White is the rarest color of horse, and white horses have been associated with nobility in chivalry, with the sun in Greek mythology and with the end of the world in Christianity. They are often psychopomps, guides between the worlds of the living and of the dead.”
Thus, not only does this Knight bring a vital message, it is potentially transformational. And during this liminal time during the Wheel of the Year, it may well entail important information from the Other Worlds.
Focus, Focus, Dominocus!
Mercury stations direct on Tuesday, and by now you may be aware that the stationing days (when it turns retrograde or turns direct) are most likely to be disruptive, like when changing gears in a vehicle from forward to reverse. Thus, a sudden message may wreak havoc with plans or our routine.
One case in point, just announced minutes ago, is that dozens of American Airlines flights are being cut from major national hubs, including Chicago, Miami, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Charlotte, and our local Raleigh-Durham International.
Could anything be more Swords-y and element of Air?
In addition, the (tropical) Capricorn Full Moon, with Sun in Cancer on Thursday has prompted Annie Heese to note:
Cancer represents the origin, and Capricorn represents the goal. Neglecting either end of the axis will surely backfire on us. Ideally, a balance should be found between the two energies, and this is what the Full Moon invites us to do.
This Full Moon is about balancing our commitment to our career and families. Something has been building inside of us, and now is the time when the energy of the cosmos fairly demands that we let it out. Over the next two weeks, we will discover what this means for us. For now, we can’t sit on our feelings. We need to express them…
Of course, we might want to exercise some care while doing so, knowing that what is coming out of us is fresh, unrefined, and not particularly rational as yet.
Well, this Knight is just the one to help us do exactly that.
Pick Your Battles
The Knight of Swords’ dazzling intellect can make him believe he is infallible and superior to others, so he may not heed more tempered opinions. In fact, racing along on his high horse, he may dismiss moderation as mediocrity.
This would be a mistake.
Sometimes we must remind ourselves that there are plenty of people who are very articulate and smart, but might not be trustworthy.
I imagine we have all met people who love to argue just for fun. Or they peddle extravagant plans, talk circles around every argument, and stun all doubters with periphrastic logorrhea. They are almost always sincere – at that moment. But that does not necessarily make them wise, steadfast, or even right.
This week, there may be battles ahead. Do your homework.
Arm yourself with the facts. Organize your thoughts. Breathe. Then be ready to respond quickly.
The Knight of Swords’ gifts of daring, and his swift laser focus can empower us in highly productive ways. When he is at his best, he demonstrates that we must never shun the discomfort of discovering what is actually true.
Yet we must bear in mind that a hostile blade may attract a painful response. It is essential above all, that if we must dash headlong into the storm, we must also ensure that the blade we wield has been forged with clear vision, fairness, and justice.
☛ Did you know? North Carolina has a long-established, vibrant Tarot community. For instance, we have an exuberant Tarot Meetup study and social group with nearly 700 members, both local and global, that has been meeting every month for over 18 years.
For the past year, during this time of social distancing, and for the foreseeable future, our gatherings have been online. All levels of Tarot seekers and practitioners are welcome. There is no charge for membership.