Ace of Swords
The Ace of Swords is a card used in Latin-suited playing cards (Italian, Spanish and tarot decks). It is the ace from the suit of swords.
Tarot cards are used throughout much of Europe to play tarot card games.[1] In English-speaking countries, where the games are largely unknown, tarot cards came to be utilized primarily for divinatory purposes.[2]
Description
[edit]The card consists of a sword overtopped by a crown with which, depending on the side, an olive and a palm branch are present. These symbols represent mercy and severity.[3]
Divinatory usage
[edit]The Ace of Swords is associated with mental clarity, breakthroughs, and decisive action. It signifies a moment where truth is revealed and challenges are faced. In readings, the card suggests that clear communication and logical thinking will be key to success.
In the card illustration a white hand extends from the clouds holding a sword, the sword itself is a sign of intellect and power. In the background, we see rocky mountains that show the journey to victory might not be simple. There will be conflicts and trouble to overcome, but ultimately, you will be successful.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ Dummett (1980).
- ^ Dummett (1980); Huson (2004).
- ^ Mathers (2008), p. 5.
- ^ "Ace of Swords Tarot Card Meaning". Solis Divinity Tarot. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
Works cited
[edit]- Dummett, Michael (1980). The Game of Tarot. Gerald Duckworth and Company Ltd. ISBN 0-7156-1014-7.
- Huson, Paul (2004). Mystical Origins of the Tarot: From Ancient Roots to Modern Usage. Vermont: Destiny Books. ISBN 0-89281-190-0.
- Mathers, S. L. Macgregor (2008). The Tarot: A Short Treatise on Reading Cards. Weiser Books. ISBN 978-1-60925-571-8.
Further reading
[edit]- Crowley, Aleister (1991) [1944]. The Book of Thoth: A Short Essay on the Tarot of the Egyptians. San Francisco, CA/Newburyport, MA: Weiser Books. ISBN 978-0-87728-268-6.
- Hazel, E. (2004). Tarot Decoded: Understanding and Using Dignities and Correspondences. Red Wheel Weiser. ISBN 978-1-57863-302-9.
- Hughes-Barlow, P. (2004). The Tarot and the Magus: Opening the Key to Divination, Magick and the Holy Guardian Angel. Aeon Books. ISBN 978-1-904658-60-3.
- Place, R. M. (2021). The Tarot, Magic, Alchemy, Hermeticism, and Neoplatonism (3rd ed.). Hermes Publications. ISBN 978-1-7360688-1-6.
- Wang, R. (1987). The Qabalistic Tarot: A Textbook of Mystical Philosophy. S. Weiser. ISBN 978-0-87728-672-1.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Aces of Swords at Wikimedia Commons
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