The Psychology of the Tarot - Suit of Swords

The Suit of Swords relates to the element of air and the realm of thought. It explores perception, reason, communication and the search for truth.

The numbered cards chart the development of the intellect, revealing both the creative and destructive power of the mind. The court cards describe different expressions of intellectual maturity, from curiosity and learning through to wisdom, discernment and clear judgment.

Overview

The Tarot is far more than a tool of divination, a means of discerning “the will of the gods.” At its deepest level, it is a symbolic map of the psyche.

Whereas the Major Arcana tells the story of the soul’s great journey, the Minor Arcana reveals how that journey is lived from day to day. Through the four suits—Cups, Swords, Coins and Wands—we encounter the ordinary experiences that shape us: our relationships, our thoughts, our work and our aspirations. These seemingly commonplace moments become the arena in which the deeper archetypal patterns of the Major Arcana are embodied and transformed.