The Hermetic Tarot today, and
the theme of discomfort continues with the Seven of Swords reversed and the
Nine of Swords.
The Seven of
Swords (Moon, feelings and emotions, illusion, imagination, in Aquarius, “I
know,” friendships, cause-oriented, the group, aloofness), which I had the
other day in an upright position, tells of the effort to maintain things as we
want them, often through the use of deception and without considering the wants
or needs of others. Trying to keep
things the same is an exercise in futility, but sometimes we get so caught up
in our own story that we forget we are affecting others.
The Hermetic
Tarot Seven of Swords is called the Lord of Unstable Effort, and the image
reflects this. Seven Swords of
varying heights, widths and shapes attempt to meet at one point at the top of
the card, with mixed success. All
seven Swords do touch, but not all of them touch at the designated place. There is a rose in the center of
this card, similar to the Six of Swords except one of the Swords pierces the
rose. This progression is
presented in a similar way in the image of the Two of Swords (which contains a
rose) and the Three of Swords (where the rose is cut and petals are
falling). This progression is
clear: the success of the Six of Swords is being held over beyond its time. The Seven also tells of yielding or
surrendering before the end result is accomplished, and of being distracted by
abundance or compliments.
Reversed, the Hermetic Tarot Seven of Swords tells of spying and
vacillation, and the betrayal of confidences, either on purpose or
accidentally.
The Nine of Swords
(Mars, action, spontaneity, aggression, in Gemini, “I think,” curious,
talkative, social, dual) represents brooding and worrying, usually self-caused,
and usually unproductive. Often
the worrying attached to this card is connected to insecurity or suspicion, or
it is connected to things that are over and done with, and thus
unchangeable. Thankfully my card
is reversed, so I should be able to avoid the agony of the mind that is
needless worry.
The Hermetic
Tarot Nine of Swords is a nightmare; every part of this image is distorted or
decayed. Eight of the Swords in
the image are rusted, distorted, bent or broken each in its own way, and the
flower has become 12-tentacled monster.
The ninth Sword rises up from the bottom of the card, wickedly curving
and coming to a sharp and deadly point.
Called the Lord of Despair and Cruelty, the name of this card describes
perfectly its meaning. It tells of
loss, misery, and suffering, burdens and oppression, and lying, slander and
dishonesty. There is an obedience
laced through this card, as if we can’t help but continue the despair and
cruelty that is manifesting.
So, what does
this mean for today? I do need to
be aware of the fact that my thoughts, words or deeds carry with them the
tendency to perhaps betray or harm.
Knowledge is power, and if I strive to keep my intentions pure and for
the highest good of all, I just might prevent any bad stuff from
happening. I should think about
the big picture rather than my own personal needs, and maybe even keep my brain
busy with some good things.
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