Seven of Disks: Failure
Failure: Self-loathing, Corruption, and Loss
The Seven of Disks. Failure. Losing. Being Spoiled. Trickery. Corruption. Theft. Self-loathing. Disappointment. Loss of Work. Not Succeeding. Frustration. The Seven of Disks corresponds to the Sefirot of Netzach; Bliss and the Degenerate Weakness of the Suit of Disks. This card then represents what happens materially when one gives into degenerativity, and that is Failure. When one who has power and wealth – as one who has been successful in the area of Disks has – gives in to degenerate weakness, he becomes Corrupt. One who is successful materially isSpoiled. This card represents what comes after Success if one stops working, and that is Not Succeeding. One might Lose the Work that they strove so hard to accomplish before, it having been Stolen from them. Things might not come to you as they once did, leading to Frustration and Disappointment.
This card, in addition to representing the corruption one often devolves into after Success, also can be seen as the full representation of the second half of the implied dichotomy of the Six of Disks. This card allows you to examine the flipside of Success – Failure – in full, showing the reader the lower – and many would say greater – part of inequality. In this sense, this card also representsLosing, Self-loathing and Disappointment at not being able to succeed, unable to get to where you want to be due to Corruption or Trickery, and Frustration at your Hard Work Failing Accomplish what you desire. The Seven of Disks, then, has two meanings: the failure one has when they can no longer sustain their success, and the failure one has when they never were able to achieve success.
The Rider-Waite art does not at all reflect this meaning of the card, showing a man leaning on a staff and surveying the fruits of his labor. This card in the Rider-Waite tradition merely illustrates the aspect of the Six of Pentacles pertaining to success through hard work. The Thoth art shows seven disks – representing coins and wealth – lying forgotten on a field of black feathers – probably those of the raven, the harbringer of bad news.
In a reading, this card asks you to examine the role of failure in your life or the situation. Did you do all you could to succeed? Did you make a poor decision and lose all you had? Do you beat yourself up for not doing as well as you would like? Reversed, this card’s energies are blocked, hidden, or twisted somehow; perhaps your apparent success is not what it seems to be, or perhaps your failure is undeserved.
Six of Disks: Success
Success: Hard-Won Possession of Resources, Knowledge, and Respect
The Six of Disks. Success. Power. Wealth. Resources. Knowledge. Respect. Reward After Work. Inequality. Quiet Triumph. Reassessment. The Six of Disks corresponds to the Sefirot of Tiphareth; the Conscious Harmony of the suit of Disks and the element of Experience. Tiphareth represents the central balance of the Suit, being located at the center of the Tree of Life. This card, then represents the harmonious nature of the Suit of Disks, and that which is achieved through experience, taking both of the meanings of the Sefirot literally (as is in the spirit of Disks). When one with experience goes out into the world to live their life, what do they often manage to do? Achieve Success. This card represents what one might possess after achieving material and practical success; Wealth,Power, Resources, and Respect. It represents also the idea of receiving a Reward After Hard Work. It encompasses many of the previous themes of the Suit of Disks, and represents what one can expect if one works with the element of Earth under the guiding light of Kether. This card represents also a sort of Quiet Triumph; success can certainly be considered a triumph, but is rarely celebrated like a military victory would be. The kind of triumph this card represents is the more common form of triumph in the real world; that of living comfortably after hard work.
On a slightly darker note, this card also represents Inequality. Not everyone succeeds; many fail. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction; for everyone who succeeds, there is someone who fails. In many cases, in our hypercapitalist world, success is achieved at the expense of another. It is important to keep this thought in mind; while this card indicates worldy (not heavenly or spiritually, mind) success, it also points out the existence of the next card in the Suit; Failure. It points out that a dichotomy does exist, and advises us to be wary of it.
The Rider-Waite art best illustrates the concept of inequality; a wealthy man (with the appearance of a merchant, who worked for his wealth) stands above two less fortunate men who are kneeling, giving each of them gold, while also carrying a scale; the wealthy and successful man has obtained material resources and power over those who have been less successful in life’s endeavors. The presence of the two poor men also directly points out the inequality inherent in life, and the existence of the complement of Success. The Thoth art shows Six Disks arranged in a stable hexagonal pattern surrounding a flower blooming (plants grow only after hard work in caring for them) at the center of a cross (representing dedication and sacrifice to get to where you are). These six Disks, in turn, rest upon six larger, more stable Disks, indicating a degree of stability and a sense of power. The idea of Success is also here directly, as there are in fact twelve Disks on this card, rather than six.
In a reading, this card suggests that you examine the role of success, respect, justly earned reward, power, knowledge, and wealth in your life. It asks you to look at your life and think about why you have been successful (or not successful). It advises you to work hard to obtain your reward; lounging around won’t get you anywhere. Are you respected? Do you have any power? Knowledge? Reversed, this card’s energies are twisted, blocked, or hidden somehow. This card could indicate that you need to Reassess your current life-path or situation, or stop and consider if you are where you want to be. When reversed, this card also can emphasize the nature of inequality, and bring your attention to the idea of failure in terms of the opposite of success.
Five of Disks: Worry
Worry: Instability, Despair, and Helplessness
The Five of Disks. Worry. Rejection. Hard Times. Ill Health. Instability. Strain. Inaction. Helplessness. Despair. The Five of Disks corresponds to the Sefirot of Gebyuah: Motion that upsets the balance. Geburah as a Sefirot represents instability, and the Suit of Disks at its best represents stability. As such, the Five of Disks is the unstable aspect of stability; essentially, it represents the effects of one’s stability being taken away from them. It is the energy associated with being thrown out of the Fortress of the Four of Disks; a physical movement with dire consequences. Without the protection and defense of Power, one is Helpless; they have fallen on Hard Times and may be suffering from some form of Ill Health. After being Rejected by the Fortress, your life becomes Unstable, and a lot of Strain is put on your life. You may be paralyzed by Inaction. This card, essentially, represents one’s life without any support and stability; this is the card of the lame beggar.
Indeed, the Rider-Waite art depicts a lame man and old woman out in the snow, outside the lighted windows of the Church; they have been Rejected and are clearly suffering from Ill Health and Hard Times. The Thoth illustration shows five large, heavy, dark Disks bound together by strings in the shape of an inverted pentacle, indicating Instability, which is the primary emphasis of this card. The arrangement of Disks seems to be precariously dangling over a pool of lava, giving a sense of constant danger and therefore Strain.
In a reading, the Five of Disks asks you to examine the roles that helplessness, rejection, and rough times may have in your life. Have you been down on your luck lately? Felt powerless? Were rejected by friends or family? Given in to a sense of despair? Reversed, this card’s energies are blocked, hidden, or twisted somehow; maybe you are not as helpless as you appear, or your powerful position masks the inability to make choices (such as Londo Mollari’s comment inBabylon 5: “And now I have all the power I could ever want and no choices at all”).
Four of Disks: Power
Power: Control, Impenetrability, and Stubborness
The Four of Disks. Power. Authority. Law. Order. Defense. Stubborness. Impenetrability. Blocked Change. Immobility. Display of Strength. Control. Possessiveness. The Four of Disks corresponds to the Sefirot of Chesed: Growth, condensation, stability, and matter. The Four of Disks is the spot where the energy of the Suit of Disks – having been given birth to in Binah – condenses and materializes into its first recognizable form – that of Power. The Works of Three have finally been created, and the result of this potential was the Four of Disks. This card represents what most people think of as “Earth” – Stubborness,Impenetrability, Defense, and Immobility. This card is extremely Solid, and is a good basis for Authority; it is extremely Ordered and can also represent the inflexible rule of the Law. This card also represents the Visible Strength of the Earth, and its inability to give in or yield. This card’s stable nature is reinforced by its association with the Sefirot corresponding to Stability; this card is the stable part of Earth, which is quite sturdy, immovable, and powerful indeed.
The Rider-Waite art shows a man standing in the way of the reader, blockingthem. He also has his hands around one of the disks, holding it possessively. He stands atop two more disks, and doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere soon. The Thoth art shows a fortress made of four square disks, with high walls and only one entrance. It is very well-defended, and is a symbol and visual Display of Strength, as well as an Impenetrable fortress and definitely an Immobile andImmovable object. It will stand its ground no matter what.
In a reading, this card asks you to examine the role that stubborness, immobility, inflexibility, resistance to change, displays of strength, and ideas of possession and control play in your life. Have you been stubborn lately? Felt as if you were in control? Felt a need to show others how powerful you were? Reversed, this card’s energies are blocked or twisted somehow; the displays of strength might just be a facade, or perhaps you are not as immobile as you would believe yourself to be. Maybe, though, you have inner reserves to allow you to hold your ground that you didn’t know were there before.
Three of Disks: Works
Works:
The Three of Disks. Constructivity. Building. Designing. Planning. Accomplishment. Competence. Teamwork. Cooperation. The Three of Disks corresponds to the Sefirot of Binah; understanding, the birthing ground, and the plane. The Three of Disks is where the energy of the Suit begins to come into itself and realize some of its potential; it is where the groundwork for the subsequent numbered cards in the suit, and provides a base for them to build off of. In the case of Disks, this card is Works; it represents great accomplishments finished through Teamwork and Cooperation, as well as Competent Planning and Design, resulting in something being Built. This card represents the practical wisdom of working together with others, reflecting the duality seen in the Sefirot of Binah, and the subsequent material benefits of this action.
The Rider-Waite art shows three men in discussion, one of whom is holding what appears to be some sort of blueprint or plan. They stand beneath ornate architecture, emphasizing this card’s emphasis on Teamwork and Building. The Thoth art shows an aerial view of a pyramid amidst the desert sands; one of the greatest collaborative works ever achieved.
In a reading, this card asks you to examine the role that working with others to achieve a common goal has played in your life. Are you part of a team? Have you been working together well? Have you planned things out to accomplish your task? Reversed, this card’s energies are twisted or blocked somehow; perhaps your team is not as competent as you would have liked, or you need to rethink your plan.
Two of Disks: Change
Change: Flexibility, Balance, and Stability Through Motion
The Two of Disks. Change. Stability Through Motion. The Infinite. Whirling. Motion. Balance. Flexibility. Juggling. Steadiness Through Readjustment. Change representing the Two of Disks – at the Sefirot of Chokmah, representing the original harmony and power of creation of the element of Earth – might seem to some an odd association at first glance. Earth’s common association is with immobility and solidity, which is not an entirely accurate association. The Earthdoes, in fact, move, but at exceedingly slow paces; the drift of continents and the bursting of volcanoes are all aspects of the element of Earth. There is, then, motion present, but this motion is not violent; it is slow, and steady, and helps to keep the Earth in balance. It is this motion that the Two of Disks represents. The fiery energy of creation associated with Chokmah is also manifested through the idea of change, but it’s quick qualities are reduced by the influence of the Suit of Disks. The harmony of the Suit of Disks is achieved through slow change to maintain the balance and harmony; anything that is unable to move will not endure, and as Earth endures, movement is necessary to its survival.
The Two of Disks, then, represents the idea of Stability Through Motion, and a constant Steadiness Through Readjustment. It represents the small adjustments one makes to achieve Balance, as well as the Infinite character of the world and its motion. It represents Adaptability and Change in order to survive and endure. It also is tied to the idea of Juggling in order to maintain stability and make sure nothing happens to disrupt the order. It is the Flexiblity needed for us all to survive.
The Rider-Waite illustration shows a young man juggling two pentacles, with rope around them making the symbol of infinity. Behind him are rolling waves. The entire scene is reminiscent of the idea of steady motion and balance. The Thoth art shows a crowned snake biting its own tail, looped into the symbol of infinity around to disks, both symbols representing the concept of the infinite. The snake is also a symbol of motion of a kind that cannot be unbalanced. The crown also signifies the stability of the snake’s power and control. The two Disks on the card are Yin-Yangs, which also serve as symbols of balance and harmony.
In a reading, the Two of Disks asks you to examine the role that small adjustments to your course in life may play in said life. It advises you to be flexible and willing to yield sometimes in order to keep things going; motion is necessary to keep things from falling. It also advises you to keep moving and not stay in one place for too long, lest you become stagnant and fall into ruin and decay. Reversed, this card’s energy is blocked or twisted somehow; perhaps your needed motion is being blocked by something, or your apparent motion is not accomplishing what needs to be done.
Ace of Disks
Ace of Disks: The Realization
The Ace of Disks is the origin, root, source, and pure energy and idea of the Suit of Disks. It represents the purest and least diluted form of the Suit of Disks, and is the standard bearer of the entire suit, standing in as representing the the Suit itself. It corresponds to the Sefirot of Kether; the original emanation and perfect spirit of the Suit of Disks.
The Suit of Disks – that the Ace represents – is analogous to the element of Earth. It corresponds also to the material world, and the stability of Earth. The energy of the Suit of Disks is enduring, stable, practical, and stubborn and unyielding. The Ace is also forceful, spewing out the Suit’s energy, and represents Material Force. The Suit of Disks is Slow, Majestic, Ponderous, Cautious, and Trusting; in many ways the energy is simple. The Suit of Disks is also Prosperous.
The Suit of Disks represents the culmination of the other Suits; Wands were the Origin, Cups the Potential of that initial energy, Swords the Thought that began to shape it, and Disks are the Realization of that energy, the Origin we saw in Wands finally manifesting and materializing in reality in the Suit of Disks. Disks representReality and the Material World, and is concerned with the Physical andMaterial aspects of existence. The Suit of Disks makes up the second half of the second dichotomy present in the Tarot; that of the Abstract and Material (Swords and Disks).
The Rider-Waite art shows a hand emerging from a cloud (the spirit of EinSof), handing out the Pentacle (the Rider-Waite equivalent) to the world. It represents the gift of Material Force to the world. In the background are very earthy and green images, connecting the suit to Earth. The Thoth art shows a disk (with a Pentacle inscribed on it) resting on leafy objects. This emphasizes the Ace’s association with Earth and the material, as well as with the prosperity of growth. This is the only Ace that doesn’t seem to be emanating some energy, which represents the slower nature of this Suit; its emanation comes in the form of the growling plants it rests upon.
In a reading, this card asks you to examine the role that the Suit of Disks may play in your life. It asks you to examine how the material world manifests itself in your life, as well as the characteristics of stubbornness, practicality, and slow, ponderous motion. Are you perhaps a stubborn person? Do you always look before you leap? Are you very materialistic? Are you prosperous? Reversed, this card’s – and Suit’s – energies are hidden or twisted somehow; perhaps you are unaware of the material conditions of your life, or try actively to quell your materialistic urges.
Princess of Swords
Princess of Swords: The Problem-Solving, Clever Manager and Translator/Interpreter (of Ideas into Practice)
The Princess of Swords (Page in the Rider-Waite tradition) represents the personality that results when the watery aspect of Air becomes dominant in a person; the Earth of Air. The practical, and grounded parts of the Suit of Swords. The Princess of Swords is one who applies her abstract ideas directly into the world around her; she is an excellent manager, is able to solve conflicts (though not as well as her mother), is clever and possesses much practical wisdom; she is “street-smart.” However, sometimes her ideals are compromised by reality and she can have a sort of low cunning, and often is unworthy of great honor. She is also sometimes prone to thinking too rationally, and is prone to destructive logic, and often has no heart. However, she attempts to improve the world around her by applying her ideas to reality, and so in the process provides a birthing ground for even greater ideas.
The Rider-Waite art shows a young man with a dreamy look in his eyes haphazardly holding a sword; he looks like the kind of person who wants to go out and do things but might not be good at actually getting them done; this interpretation is more common among Rider-Waite readers, to whom the Page urges people to go and embody the suit. In the Thoth tradition, however (which the above description is with regards to), the Princess means something different. The Thoth art shows a woman standing between the sky and Earth, acting as a mediator and interpreter between the two, and changing the energy of Air into that of Earth, applying the Suit of Swords to reality.
In a reading, this card urges you to examine the roles that Princesses of Swords may play in your life; does the Prince of Swords in your life have someone able to act as a translator? Do you know anyone who is very good at managing things and possesses a great deal of practical and useful knowledge? Reversed, this card’s energies are blocked, twisted, or hidden somehow; perhaps this person’s knowledge isn’t all that practical, and they’re really a Prince of Swords? Or maybe someone’s ideas are far more practical than you had realized…
Prince of Swords
Prince of Swords: The Inaccessible, Rational Intellectual
The Prince of Swords (Knight in the Rider-Waite tradition) represents the personality that forms from the airiest part of Air; the Air of Air. He is the most abstract and principled person once can imagine. His personality is the expression of ultimate Air and Swords; he is the pinnacle of Abstraction, Principles, and Thought. He is the Philosopher and the Intellectual. He is aloof and detached from society, but not because he chooses to; he works on another plane, thinking above most others, and his ideas are so abstract that they have no practical basis. He lives in a rational fantasy, and has no clear purpose save to think. He is full of ideas, but most of them are impractical. He is inaccessible andnot understood; he is the genius who lives by himself. Often brilliant, he is unable to effectively communicate his thoughts, and his genius may then be lost to the world. Einstein was in many ways a Prince of Swords; he thought in very abstract terms and was inaccessible to most, his mind functioning on a higher plane; the KANSAS song “Portrait (He Knew)” also reflects this card.
The Rider-Waite art shows a knight charging forward, and is much more reminiscent of the Thoth Knight than the Thoth Prince. The Thoth art, however, shows a very geometrical man in an awkward position, towering above the men pulling his chariot. The thoughts of men drive his chariot onward, and yet he functions in a realm above them, ruled by his own rationality and fantasy.
In a reading, the Prince of Swords asks you to examine the role that anyone in your life that has the Prince’s personality may play. Do you know anyone who seems to be extremely gifted, but often seems lost on another plane? Someone with great ideas but no ideas for how to apply them? Reversed, this personality is hidden or blocked; perhaps one’s ideas are not so practical as they look, or maybe this person’s ideas are not as useful as they look, and they truly are misunderstood.
Queen of Swords
Queen of Swords: The Perceptive, Just Diplomat
The Queen of Swords represents the personality that results when the watery aspect of air manifests itself in a person; the intuitive, emotional, passive, intimate aspects of abstraction and ideology. The Queen of Swords is Perceptive, able to see to the heart of the matter quickly, and is Just. She is Swift and she is also Independent and an Individualist. She is Confident and Balanced, as well asGraceful and Concerned over the treatment of others. She is Beautiful and people are drawn to her for that as well as her Wisdom. She is Articulate and to the point, able to come up with Clever and Fair solutions to any problem put before her. She is the perfect Diplomat, and one of the vehicles through which the ideals of the Suit of Swords will be brought to Earth. She is very Knowledgeable in the ways of the the human mind. She can be Cruel and Superficial sometimes, as well as Unreliable and sometimes outright Deceitful. She is Focused and will do whatever it takes to bring Peace, Truth, Order, and Justice to the world. King Solomon of Judean fame was a Queen of Swords; an empath whose feelings for others were driven by inspiration from a higher plane; in his case, God.
The Rider-Waite art shows an imposing figure upon a throne, a sword in one hand and her other hand held out either as if she is expecting something or ordering others to do her bidding. She is not afraid to do what she knows is right and must be done. She is shown (unusually for the Rider-Waite Queens) in full profile, which gives her a stern air. The Thoth art shows a reclining Queen high in the sky. She is separate and believes she is above everyone else; there is an aura of untouchable beauty about her. This card also seems to emphasize her role as a judge, as she is above everyone else and can see what is going on, and dwells in the heavens, from where she can receive the divine word.
In a reading, this card asks you to examine the role that this personality may play in your life. Do you know anyone who acts as an intermediary between others? Who always comes up with compromises and fair solutions to conflict? Do you know any individualists who others gather around to admire both their beauty and intellect? Do you know anyone who seems to just be good at everything? Reversed, this personality is blocked or hidden; perhaps someone is unwittingly mediating conflicts and disputes between others, or perhaps someone is trying to stop being that person.
Knight of Swords
Knight of Swords: The Idealistic, Intelligent Martyr
The Knight of Swords. In the Rider-Waite tradition, this is the King of Swords. This card represents the personality that results from the meeting of Fire and Air; this card is then the Fiery aspect of Air. It is the fiery, passionate ideology that can consume one’s entire personality; the card that results from Cruelty and leads toRuin and martyrdom. This card represents the personality associated with a passionate ideologue.
The person who exemplifies the Knight of Swords is Intelligent, Clever, andSubtle; he is a Manipulator. He is at the same time Delicate and also veryFierce when his positions are challenged. He is Skillful, and is constantly moving forward; he represents Violent and Managed Motion; he fights for drastic changes that are heavily monitored. He is a proponent of Science and Logic. At times, though, he can be Incapable (reality can often shatter a philosopher’s ability to function capably when his ideas do not work) and Indecisive – he has a general plan, but the details aren’t fleshed out. He deals with and isDriven by Ideologies, not practicalities. He is willing to give his all to his cause, and so is prone to Martyrdom. His is the world where action meets thought; he has a vision of the world as it should be, and he seeks to make it that way.
The Rider-Waite art shows a King sitting on his throne. He has the detached air of someone prone to deep thought, yet also seems ready to act; he is a thinker who will act on his beliefs when necessary. His face is stern and appears to be willing to pass judgment on others. The Thoth art has a more dynamic image; a swiftly moving man with dragonfly wings on a steed, flying amongst the birds graces this image. He has a thin sword held forward; he pinpoints a problem and tries to fix it. He is also focused on his one issue of thought, and ignores what else is around him. This card in particular captures the idea of violent and managed motion. he also has the air of one leading a charge to his inevitable doom, reflecting the theme of martyrdom.
In a reading, this card asks you to examine the role that this personality may play in your life. Do you know anyone devoted to their ideology, who will do anything to promote it, and isn’t above manipulating others to get things to be the way they feel things should be? Are they clever and crafty, moving swiftly but in a very methodical and organized manner? Do they see themselves as a martyr? Reversed, this card’s personality is twisted or hidden somehow; perhaps they long to be like the Knight of Swords, but reality stops them. Maybe they are trying to be an ideologically driven person, or perhaps they are being prevented from being a martyr.
Ten of Swords: Ruin
Ruin: Excessive Abstraction, Downfall, and Martyrdom
The Ten of Swords. Ruin. Ungrounded Logic. Fantasies of Thought. Excessive Abstraction. Downfall. Loss. Shun. Mirage. Martyrdom. Victim Mentality. Stifling. Bottoming Out. The Ten of Swords corresponds to the Sefirot of Malkuth: Reality, the Root, the Sum, and the Origin. The Ten of Swords represents the final stage of the transformation of the energy of the Suit of Swords when it finally reaches reality and the material world. The theme if disconnect, disillusion, and despair have been themes throughout the Suit, and the Ten brings them all together and amplifies them. This card represents the ultimate disconnect between the abstract Swords and the Material Malkuth.
This card represents Excessive Abstraction, Ungrounded Logic, and Fantasies of Thought; being too lost in one’s own ideals and ponderings, and failing to see the reality before you. This card represents the state of one’s mind being lost on a different plane of thought and totally disconnected from what is going on in the ‘real” world. And what does this bring? Ruin. Downfall. Loss. Being Shunned by the sheeples of society who don’t understand. You are Stifled by the limited possibilities the world offers you. You believe yourself the Victim of the Cruelty of the world (though sometimes you may be overdramatic). You give in to the despair that the Nine of Swords brought to you, and so fall into Ruin.
The Suit of Swords can also intersect with reality in another way; if one has their head in the clouds and is devoted completely to their ideals and ideologies, they may be willing to sacrifice themselves to help others; the logical extension of some of the self-injury of the Nine of Swords. This, in turn, leads to the idea ofMartyrdom; martyrs are people whose thoughts are with abstract ideals of Truth and Justice, and when their minds interact with the world, they care not for their fleshy bodies, and will die for what they believe in.
The Rider-Waite art shows a man lying dead on the beach with ten swords on his back; the swords above his bed have fallen and killed him. He could not cope with the Cruelty of the world. In the distance, the sun rises, though, signalling that this is not the end, but only part of a cycle – which can be taken either as delegitimizing the man’s death or foretelling that life goes on. The Thoth art has ten swords all pointed relatively downwards, their blades twisted horribly out of shape around each others at the ends. The keen blade of intellect has been warped by excessive contact with reality, and the swords are all crashing down to the ground, which is already red with the blood of the world’s victims.
In a reading, this card asks you to examine the meeting place of your thoughts and the realities of life. Do they match up? Are you alienated from your own existence? Are you teetering on the bring of ruin? Have you been ruined recently? Reversed, this card’s energies are hidden or twisted somehow; perhaps your life has been thrown into shambles but you haven’t yet accepted it, or you are so far into your own fantasy that the disconnect between it and reality isn’t visible.
Nine of Swords: Cruelty
Cruelty: The Curse of Enlightenment, Anguish, and an Uncaring World
The Nine of Swords. Cruelty. Guilt. Anguish. Worry. Fear. Self-injury. Degenerate. Sadism. Despair. Uncaring. Implacable Fate. Heartless Passion. The Nine of Swords corresponds to the Sefirot of Yesod: Crystallization and the Essence of Being. The Nine, in most Suits, represents the best that the Suit of has to offer, representing the crystallization of all that is good within the suit, and the resolving of the weaknesses of Netzach and Hod. In the case of the Suit of Swords, a bleak message is sent: the best that the Suit has to offer is Cruelty. Many of the cards in the Suit of Swords are negative, and this negativity is manifested in the Nine. The Nine of Swords is very close to the Ten, which represents Swords manifested in reality. The Suit of Swords is the realm of the abstract, of thought and reason. As the Suit of Swords approaches the gates of reality, the disconnect between the material and abstract becomes ever greater, which is why the positive Swords cards tend to be earlier on, while the later cards tend to be more negative.
The Nine of Swords still does resolve the weaknesses of Seven and Eight, but not in a positive way; Futility is resolved by succumbing to the material influences of the world, and Interference is resolved in much the same way. Rather than consciously “fixing” the weaknesses above, the despair seen throughout the Suit of Swords continues into the Nine, where the mind finally gives in (the body gives in at the Ten) and surrenders to the cruelty of the world. This card represents the true and final realization that the world is imperfect, and the consequences of said realization. This card symbolizes also the emotions and mental state that lead later to the physical fall depicted in the Ten of Swords.
The Nine of Swords portrays the world as uncaring and full of heartless passion; it exists and continues to exist, but has little regard for individuals. At its heart, the world is degenerate and rife with evil and inequality. The principles of the Suit of Swords do not belong in the material world, and are incompatible with it. There is a sense of Guilt when those who come to the realization see that they cannot fix the world, and they begin to Despair about what will happen. The helplessness of Futility and Interference manifest in the more powerful idea of Implacable Fate; one man cannot usually change the world or its nature. “Enlightened” people torment themselves over their existence, and turn to self-injury. They see the Sadistic nature of the world,and they cannot stand it. The world is a Cruel place.
The Rider-Waite art emphasizes the ideas of despair, worry, guilt, and anguish. A man sits up with his head in his hands in the middle of the night, his slumber tormented by inner daemons, while swords hang over his bed; an unsafe move indicative of a lack of caring and self-injury (these swords will fall on him in the Ten of Swords). He is alone in the night, kept awake by the realization of the cruelty of the world. The Thoth art shows nine swords, all pointed downwards, glowing red. They are surrounded by what appear to be drops of fiery blood, indicating both passion and despair; but passion of a very melancholy sort, as the drops are not rising, but fallen, and are the result of a mortal wound of the mind. The blood that falls is from the injury of realization. These swords are falling, and someone at the bottom is going to be hurt.
In a reading, this card asks you to examine the role that the realization of cruelty play in your life. Have you been unhappy lately? Worried or feeling guilty about something? Feel like you are being moved along in your life while you have no agency of your own? Are you alone in a cruel world that makes you despair? These questions are prompted by the Nine of Swords. Reversed, this card’s energies are hidden or twisted; perhaps you are denying yourself this cold realization and living purposefully in a dreamlike state, retreating to the energy of Cups for safety.
Eight of Swords: Interference
Interference: Confusion, Obstacles, and Frustration
The Eight of Swords. Interference. Frustration. Annoyance. The Odds Stacked Against You. Helplessness. Restriction. Confusion. Obstacles. Hassles. The Eight of Sword corresponds to the Sefirot of Hod: the response to the weakness of Netzach that results in a weakness itself, of Thought, Knowledge, and Intellect. The energies of the Suit of Swords react strongly to the degenerate weakness ofFutility – giving in to surrender – and instead go in the opposite direction, overcompensating. Instead of surrendering, the energy continues on and attempts to fight on as much as it can – but that fight isn’t always easy, and when one does not even allow oneself to rest and tries too hard, obstacles will get in one’s way, and hassles will make progress difficult. Tjis card represents those obstacles and hassles and their effects; frustration, a sense of helplessness and a feeling that the odds are stacked against you. You may be confused (this could also be a source of these obstacles), and feel restricted. Doubtless you will become annoyed at everything that gets in your way as well. This card represents all of the things that impair your growth – mostly intellectually and morally, but in other areas as well. This card represents all of those little things that get in your way adding up to drive you crazy.
The Rider-Waite art depicts a tied up and blindfolded woman surrounded by swords. This art emphasizes the ideas of helplessness, restriction, and the odds being stacked against you, as she is all of these things. The Thoth art shows two straight swords with several less-than-straight swords running across them, literally interfering with them. Each of the interfering swords is different, representing the idea of lots of small annoyances adding up to cause a big problem.
In a reading, this card simply asks you to examine the role of annoyances, hassles, and frustrations in your life. Have you lately felt that everything was working against you and you couldn’t get anything done? Have you been irritable and felt restricted lately? Reversed, this card’s energies are twisted or hidden somehow; perhaps the reason you’ve been unhappy lately is because of these small hassles, or maybe the things interfering with you are not what you would expect.
Seven of Swords: Futility
Futility: Defeatism, Hopelessness, and Shame
The Seven of Swords. Futility. Hopelessness. Defeatism. Unfairness. Being Alone. Shame. Surrender. Appeasement. Shame. Running Away. The Seven of Swords corresponds to the Sefirot of Netzach. Bliss and the degenerate weakness of the suit of Swords. The Seven is the weak aspect of the Six that manifests itself in degenerate qualities. In many ways this card is similar to Defeat, but is different in its tone. While the Five of Swords also has a relationship the ideas of surrender and appeasement, the Five’s relationship with them takes place after a struggle to maintain the Truce has already been made. Futility’s surrender and appeasement, on the other hand, is given without a fight; it is wanton appeasement and quick surrender, with no semblance of standing up for what you believe in – the antithesis of the Suit of Swords. In those aspects, this card represents the failure of the energy of Swords.
This card also indicates hopelessness and unfairness – the sense that the world is against you. When one contemplates the realities of the world – as the Suit of Swords urges us to do – it can easily make one rather pessimistic and make them believe that their whole existence is futile, and that is also what this card is about. In this way it is similar to Sorrow, but instead of despair and a sense of betrayal, this card’s energies correspond more to a resigned surrender and a sense of shame at letting yourself just give in.
The Rider-Waite art shows a man seemingly stealing a collection of swords from a group of pavilions. He is alone and set apart, and is shaming himself by stealing swords. The Thoth art shows a single sword, with six other swords all pointed down at it. The large sword in the middle is not only beneath the other swords, but is being threatened by the others. The whole world is against it, and it is pointless for it to resist; it is all by itself in a cruel world.
In a reading, this card advises you to look at how defeatist attitudes play a role in your life. Are you ashamed for not standing up for someone? Have you just given up fighting for what you believe in? Does it feel like you’re all alone in a cruel world? Reversed, this card’s energies are blocked or hidden somehow; perhaps you are doing something that is in reality an act of surrender or giving up, but you don’t realize it. Maybe you have already given up on life but you just don’t know it yet.
Six of Swords: Science
Science: (The Search for) Truth, Progress, and Unity
The Six of Swords. Science. Progress. Unity. Achievement. Truth. Logic. Discovery. Order. Moral and Mental Balance. The Six of Swords corresponds to the Sefirot of Tiphareth: Experience and the Conscious Harmony. Science resolves the conflict between Chesed and Geburah, and restabilizes the energy of the Suit of Swords. The Truth is restored from the effects of Defeat, and Peace is restored, allowing for the furthering of Science. Science is the best that the Suit of Swords has to offer, and represents the balanced energy of the Suit. It is the ultimate of the conscious harmonies, as this card represents the hunt for the truth of the universe, guided from above by the influence of Kether. It is the ultimate positive manifestation of the ideals of the Suit of Swords: the intellectual pursuit of Truth to be used in the name of Justice. It is the ultimate in abstract thought.
This card, then, represents the discovery and progress associated with Science, as well as the unity that comes with throwing off the shackles of defeat and re-achieving Peace. It represents the intellectual achievements that lead to the world becoming a better place, often attained through the application of Logic. This card represents also the balance between morality and one’s mental state; the two both must be in prime condition to effectively pursue Science.
The Rider-Waite art shows a man rowing a cloaked woman and her child to a far shore on a boat filled with swords. She is leaving behind the falseness of her previous life and moving on to the land of truth, though the experience may be painful. The Thoth art shows six swords – all straight, as befits the “positive” Swords cards – all pointed together at a cross with a hole in the center, attempting to complete the cross as a symbol of formal knowledge and learning (from medieval symbolism, of course). The background is filled with well-ordered geometric designs, indicating the logic of it all.
In a reading, this card asks you to examine the role of scientific rationale and thought in your life. Have you been on a quest recently to discover the truth of something? Are you or someone you know extremely logical? How has progress or discovery impacted you? Reversed, this card’s energies are hidden or twisted somehow; perhaps the search for truth and justice is present on the surface, but the real motive of the questing individual is something far different and perhaps more cynical. Maybe the heart of the problem is a lack of this search, and it needs to be done to solve the issue at hand. Perhaps you are too focused on progress, and need to scale things back a bit.
Five of Swords: Defeat
Defeat: Dishonor, Selfishness, and Surrender
The Five of Swords. Defeat. Loss. Fall. Discord. Dishonor. Selfishness. Disgust. Ineffectuality. Surrender. Pacifism. The Five of Swords corresponds to the Sefirot of Geburah; the destabilizing motion that upsets the stability of Chesed. The Truce is broken by Discord and Selfishness leading to some form of conflict, and inevitably one is defeated. This card represents both the conflict that leads to the “defeat” of truce and the defeat of an individual. This card is in many ways the unstable version of Truce; instead of a ceasefire on equal terms, this card represents a Surrender on unequal terms. Both cards imply an end to a conflict, but in different ways.
This defeat is brought on by Selfishness and Ineffectuality, with perhaps a lack of will to fight and a sort of Pacifism when you need to stand up and fight, which when combined with Discord, lead a most Dishonorable loss. It is not in the interest of the being who exemplifies the Suit of Swords to give up on his position of Truth and Justice easily, and when he does, he is Dishonored by his inability to do what he believes right, and also by his own Selfishness. This card also can represent the ideals of the Suit of Swords again meeting the world, but this time in the form of greed; and so the ideals of Swords are betrayed and the Swordbearer is defeated.
The Rider-Waite art shows a man in the foreground with a smug, cruelly satisfied look on his face, picking up swords from the ground, presumably dropped by his two comrades, one of whom appears to be grieving. Yet the central figure cares not for his two comrades, and continues to selfishly gather swords. He is thus dishonored and morally defeated in this way. This card also could be read as the central figure having defeated the other two. Either way, there is certainly some sort of discord between the three figures. The Thoth art shows five swords, their points all together and pushing at each other. The swords are bent, indicating great force and conflict as the swords push each other. Around the swords is an inverted pentagram; the balance has been upset. The haphazard lines behind the swords also are reminiscent of broken glass, reinforcing the air of loss and defeat in the card.
In a reading, this card asks you to examine the role of selfishness, dishonor, discord, and even defeat or a refusal to fight when you need to in your life. It asks you to examine your relationship with others; have you been getting along? Are you not standing up for yourself? Have you been selfish? Have you been bested lately? Reversed, this card’s energies are hidden somehow; selfish intentions may be disguised as good ones, or perhaps a defeat is really a victory (or vice-versa). Perhaps one has been dishonored in the face of society, but you still hold your own personal sense of honor high.
Four of Swords: Truce
Truce: Temporary Relief, Contemplation, and Rest
The Four of Swords. Truce. Temporary Relief. Appeasement. Reassessment. Contemplation. Withdrawal. Rest. Cessation of Hostilities. The Four of Swords corresponds to the Sefirot of Chesed – stability, condensation, and the appearance of matter. The Four of Swords represents the energy of swords becoming stable after the dissatisfaction of the Three, the the calming of the initial heartbreak associated with the realization that the world is not perfect. This is achieved through contemplation and withdrawal; meditation that allows you to accept calmly the fact that the world is not perfect, and lets you move on with your life. However, this card does not represent a permanent and lasting arrangement; it is instead a Temporary Relief from the sorrow of the Three of Swords, and indeed, the next card in the suit is Defeat. The energy of the Suit of Swords has become stable, if only for a little while (emphasizing the transient nature of Chesed; as it is quickly upset by Geburah). This card is a return to the Peace of Binah for a short period of time, and allows one to withdraw from open conflict and contemplate on the causes of said conflict. This card represent’s the philosopher’s pondering and self-analysis, where he comes to terms with his own emotions (analyzing them logically), and may even take some time to Rest. This card can also signify a break from active fighting, in terms of appeasement andceasefire. For example, the pre-WWII satisfying of Hitler’s demands is represented in part by this card, as granting those appeasement provided temporary relief, but did nothing to solve the real cause of conflict in the end.
The Rider-Waite illustration shows a man either sleeping or being dead, lying in a Church – which is a santuary – with the weapons of war hanging unused above and below him. He is clearly a warrior, but for the moment he is resting peacefully in either sleep or death, his conflict not troubling him. The Thoth art shows four swords all pointing at each other, above the flower of peace, which is blooming. The fact that the flower is blooming indicates that the process of peace has not finished, and is in progress; a Truce can be the first step to it. The swords are also not crossed like in Peace, but are not bent as in Sorrow; there is now force bending the blades. The swords are at rest, but have not laid themselves down completely – they were ready to move again the instant they need to, and are still pointed at each other.
In a reading, this card asks you to consider the effects that a period of withdrawal and contemplation may have on you. It encourages a cessation of hostilities, a short break, or a re-assessment of yourself. Reversed, this card’s energies are hidden or twisted; it could indicate that you are weighed down by something that does not allow you to take a break, or are so caught up in your conflicts that you cannot bring yourself to end them.
Three of Swords: Sorrow
Sorrow: Betrayal, Inner Turmoil, and Loneliness
The Three of Swords. Sorrow. Sadness. Secrecy. Heartbreak. Betrayal. Loneliness. Inner turmoil. Chaos. Disillusionment. Perversion. The Three of Swords corresponds to the Sefirot of Binah; stability, the birthing ground, and the plane. Binah is where the energy of the Suit begins to take form and gain potential. In most of the suits, this position is positive, but the Three of Swords has a distinctly negative connotation. In many ways, the Three of Swords is like Geburah (chaos of motion) come early. In the realm of the abstract, corruption and morally evil things come to the fore much more readily than in the realm of the physical: and so when the pure ideas of Swords finally reach the place where they can be born, they suffer negativity much more quickly. The abstract does not mix well with any notion of the material, and its potential, while great, is easily sullied by perversions of the mind.
And so, then, we have Sorrow. The abstract ideals of the mind, when realized, often fall far short of reality, and so then we give ourselves in to sorrow. Binah represents also duality, and when this duality is combined with the energy of Swords and its principles, is not what one expects; so the duality is betrayed, andheartbreak comes to the fore. This card is the sorrow that comes with the realization that the world is not perfect. Life is imperfect, and often brings despair. That is what this card stands for; the sadness that results from the realization that great principles cannot be applied effectively to the realities of the world, and so its potential is thwarted.
The duality betrayed leads not only to heartbreak, but to loneliness andsecrecy as well; in this way this card represents the feelings one has when one’s ideal notions of a relationship are shattered. There is a sense of betrayal that accompanies the Three of Swords as well; the world (or other person) has wronged you somehow, and not lived up to your expectations; the Peace has been shattered, and Sorrow has taken its place. No more is there the inner tranquility and calm of the Two of Swords; the inner spirit is now in turmoil, and the calm has become grief.
The Rider-Waite illustration shows a heart being pierced by three swords, while rain pours down from dark clouds. This artwork very clearly illustrates the idea of heartbreak and betrayal, as well as sadness and dreariness. The Thoth art shows three swords, not crossed to defend the peace as in the Two of Swords, but rather all points at the same target: a flower. The flower of peace is being threatened, and the geometrical designs of the Two of Swords are now less regular and more curved. Dark stormclouds loom in the background. The flower is wilting and losing its petals; it is dying slowly. This card strongly gives off the idea that the universe has betrayed the ideals of peace; the world is imperfect.
In a reading, this card asks you to examine the roles of loneliness, sorrow, heartbreak, and other dismal states of mind in your life. Does it seem like the world is out to get you? Do things never go right? Are you in anguish inside? How have secrets been affecting you? Reversed, it asks you to look for this card in ways you might not expect; it reinforces the idea of Inner turmoil, maybe hidden from the outside. Is someone’s sorrow contained within them? Is your own sorrow hidden from yourself?
Two of Swords: Peace
Peace: Inner Tranquility, Putting Aside Differences and Conflict to Improve the Future, and Blocking Emotions
The Two of Swords. Peace. Calm. Inner Tranquility. Putting Aside Differences. Avoiding Conflict. Blocking Emotions. The Two of Swords corresponds to the Sefirot of Chokmah; the first manifestation of the seed of Kether, and the original harmony and power of creation. It is the energy and idea of the Suit of Swords given original harmonious form; it is the first appearance of logic and abstract thought and ideals. What better way to express abstract ideals of truth and justice than through the idea of Peace? By putting aside differences and avoiding conflict, thinkers can come together and help build the world, making it a better place. Peace allows for thought to grow, and is the result of the application of the principles associated with the Suit of Swords.
The card’s association with inner tranquility also is the representative card of the philosopher and thinker; those individuals who commonly exemplify the Suit of Swords. These logical thinkers must block out the influence of their emotions of their thought is to be true, and so often this tranquility is emotionless. This card embodies the mental state – the abstract ideas – associated with the suit of Swords with regards to oneself, and so is the mental harmony of Swords: that is, Peace.
The Rider-Waite illustration shows a woman sitting on a stone bench, blindfolded and holding two swords across her chest defensively. She is blocking herself from others, and is focused on herself and not her environment, as is seen from the blindfold. She is peaceful and calm, and also alone – she does not let her surroundings disturb her sense of calm. Behind her is the sea, which is also extremely calm. The Thoth art shows two crossed swords piercing the center of a flower and keeping it suspended and stable, while not actually breaking or destroying it; the background shows many angular geometrical patterns, emphasizing the stability and logicality of it all. Below and above this central motif are smaller swords. This card emphasizes the idea of calmness and tranquility, and self-examination and lack of conflict; the swords are not locked together to fight, but to make peace.
In a reading, this card asks you to examine your own mental state; are you calm internally? Are you blocking your emotions? It also asks you to look at your environment; is it free of conflict? Should you put aside your differences and work together with someone else to build a better future? Reversed, this card’s energies are present but hidden or twisted in some way; does a particularly rambunctious individual actually know internally where he stands? Is the banter and apparent conflict at your workplace really actually signs of putting aside differences and peace and well-being?
Ace of Swords
The Thought: Truth/Justice, Abstraction, and Mental Force
The Ace of Swords. It is associated with the element of Air and the Sefirot of Kether. As the part of the Suit of Swords that corresponds to Kether, the Ace of Swords represents the pure idea, emanation, and creation of the suit of Swords. It represents everything that the Suit of Swords stands for, untarnished and untouched by the lower Sefirot and the effectss of the material world. It is the pure abstract thought and idea that corresponds to Air and the suit of Swords.
And what is this idea? The Suit of Swords represents Principle, Reason, and Ideology. The Swords are the harbringers of Justice and Truth. They areIntellect and Abstraction, and the realm of Thought and Philosophy. Swords forms the first part of the second dichotomy found within the Tarot: that between the abstract (Swords) and the material (Disks/Coins/Pentalces). The suit of Swords represents the power of the mind, and so its Ace is representative ofMental Force; the suit of Swords is the suit of idealists, philosophers, scientists, and scholars. The Ace is the best that the suit has to offer, and so represents the best ideals of mankind; Truth, Justice, and Reason, in addition to representing the mind of man and its power.
The Rider-Waite art shows a cloud with a hand extending out of it, bearing a sword which is topped by a golden crown and an ivy wreath/crown. The cloud, as with the other Aces, represents EinSof, giving the reader the power of the Suit of Swords through the Ace. The crown and ivy are both symbols of peace, power, strength, and idealism. The sword is an instrument of justice and a sign of culture; this combined with the crown and ivy symbolize the abstractedness of the suit of Swords. The Thoth art is similar, showing an upright sword with a crown near its tip, which sprays out light in many directions, symbolizing the clarity of mind. The sword is surrounded by clouds fleeing from the clarity of the mind, and so represents mental strength as well as ideology.
In a reading, the Ace of Swords encourages the reader or querent to embody the qualities of the suit of Swords, or to examine how the suit itself is present in your life; how have Justice and Truth shown themselves? How has abstract thought and principle? Does intellect play a role on your life? Do you spend a lot of time just thinking about things? Reversed, this suit’s energy is present in the situation, but it might be hidden; perhaps larger ideals do play a role in your life but do so behind walls, or perhaps you think more than… well, you think.
Princess of Cups
Princess of Cups: The Caring, Mystical Hedonist
The Princess (Page in the Rider-Waite tradition) of Cups is the court card associated representing the personality than emerges from the Earthy (Malkuth) aspect of Water. This card is the Earth of Water, and represents what is solid, practical, and material in the suit of Cups as manifested in a personality. She is water given birth.
As such, the Princess of Cups is how emotion and sensuality manifest themselves in reality. She is sweet, gentle, and tender. She is gracious and romantic, in the feminine sense of the word (as opposed to the masculine sense, which is embodied by the Prince of Wands). Emotions and feelings mean a great deal to her, and she is often affectionate as well. She also reflects some of the Queen’s mystique, and often is exploring herself, and may cause others to do the same. She acts as a mystic much of the time, trying everything she can to find out who she is. She is also, however, given to the earthy pleasures of the world, and so often is given to moments of wild abandon, where she will let herself go, and also can be in a state of perpetual rapture, having given in to the pleasures of life. She is very in tune with her own feelings and those of others, and isn’t afraid of gratifying them.
The Rider-Waite illustration shows a young man (a Page), looking content and staring at a fish in the cup he’s holding. This image best represents the idea of contentment through the Suit of Cups. The Thoth art, on the other hand, represents best the idea of perpetual rapture; her head is thrown back and eyes closed in ecstasy, floating in a dream world, yet bearing in her hand a tortoise, a symbol of Earth.
In a reading, this card asks you to examine the roles of personalities like the Princess in your life. Do you know anyone who is introspective, philosophical, meditative, who genuinely cares for others and does their best to help everyone. They are not afraid of losing themselves in the moment, and may be prone to taking drugs and living a lifestyle of constant abandon. They think life is good, and will try to spread their cheer to others. They may even use drugs as a means to self-enlightenment; hippies are prime examples of the Princess of Cups. Reversed, this personality is hidden somehow or is expressing itself in different ways; is there someone you know who wants to be able to just live their life as if only the moment mattered, but can’t? Is there someone who gives in to the hedonistic lifestyle in order to hide from something?
Prince of Cups
Prince of Cups: The Aloof, Genius Artist
The Prince (or Knight in the Rider-Waite tradition) of Cups is the court card that represents the personality that emerges from the airy aspect of Water; this card is the Air of Water. It is where the intellect and logical abstraction of Air and Swords finds expression through the medium of Water. In this personality, one can find someone who lives their life by the principles associated with the suit of Water. They experience emotions, but in a detached, almost logical way; the are oftenself-absorbed, seeking knowledge, power, and wisdom. They are aloof, oftenartistic and full of secrets that they prefer to keep to themselves. They are often very talented, and so are mistrustful of those around them of lesser skill. As such, they are often incomprehensible and emotionally distant from others, though they are often ruled by emotional ideologies in which they will express great compassion, but when asked to express this compassion in a more “real” sense, may have problems doing so. They are often subtle and can be manipulative. They wear a face of placid calm – like still water – but below the surface they churn and burn with a passion. They are full of disconnects and detachments from reality; they are the public speaker seeking to gain power by appealing to the people, promising to help them while at the same time putting himself above them. He is a genius, who operates on an entirely different plane of existence from most people, and so is then alone.
The Rider-Waite image shows a trotting horse bearing a knight with a cup moving forward; this captures the man’s stature and sense of calm aloofness, but says little else about him. The Thoth illustration shows the Prince on a flying chariot, calm and composed, flying above the water below him. He is lost in contemplation over the cup in his hand, and seems to pay little attention to what is going on around him. A snake rises out of his cup, showing his subtlety and hidden passion.
In a reading, this card asks for you to look at the role such personalities play in your life; is there anyone you know who seems to think on a different plane than everyone else, who often is elitist and arrogant, who speaks in broad terms about the good of everyone, yet himself rarely stoops down to actually help others? He has the good of all in his mind, yet fails to see the true reality behind it all? Is he ambitious, talented, and selfish? Reversed, this card indicates that this personality is hidden or twisted somehow; perhaps this person may appear to be a Prince of Cups, when in reality they truly do help others on a practical level, or their self-absorption and power for hunger is masked by an apparent compassion.
Queen of Cups
Queen of Cups: The Intuitive, Passive Dreamer
The Queen of Cups is the court card representing the personality that occurs when one looks at the aspect of water within water. The Queen, then, is the Water of Water; she is the Binah of Binah. She is the ultimate personality of water; she exemplifies the aspects of the suit of Cups as they may be found in a person, but she does not transmit these qualities like the Knight; instead, she merely embodies them.
As such, the Queen of Cups is very in tune with others’ emotions; she is intuitive,psychic, calm, and peaceful. She knows how other people feel and how to best solve their problem. She is calm, and can easily calm down others. She has the ability of water to reflect a person’s self back onto them, either with or without distortion. She is the blank slate upon which creation is born. She is tranquil andpeaceful, and will listen kindly and compassionately to the woes of those around her. At the same time, however, she is sometimes disconnected from reality, leaving in her own fantasy world, unable to bear the harsh realities of the world around her. She can be dreamy and easily led and influenced by others; she has very little will of her own. She is the ultimate in passivity, and will allow others to guide her. Like the Knight, she is also innocent and trusting.
The Rider-Waite card shows a Queen upon her throne, contemplating the cup before her, lost in its intricacies and details. She understands the complexity of life, yet sits on her own island, separate from it; she is both at once in tune with and out of sync with her surroundings; she is the silent observer on the outside. The Thoth art shows the Queen sitting before a pool of water, exemplifying the idea of creation and the blank slate, while the Queen herself is hidden behind a veil, her face not completely seen; she seems mystical, with symbolism similar to that of the High Priestess (II). She knows secrets about the world, she ismysterious, and yet she is also separate from it, existing in her own ideal world behind the veil. On the outside, she just goes through the motions.
In a reading, this card asks you to examine the role of people with the personality of the Queen of Cups; a passive, dreamy person who is willing to help others when asked – and only when asked – but who spends most of their time disconnected from reality. By her sheer lack of any other personality, she can help others discover who they are. She is easily led and therefore easily abused, but is also understanding and often knows what to do, even if she might not actually do it. Reversed, this personality may be blocked or expressing itself in unusual ways; is the personality of someone you know just a “front” for the hidden personality of the Queen, which they keep locked away so that others cannot see it?
EsoTarot 
