In this series of posts, I plan to discuss all of the Tarot cards in order, using a different deck for each card. Today I'm exploring the ACE OF SWORDS from Tarot of the Hidden Folk by Giacinto Gaudenzi published by Lo Scarabeo).
Ace of Swords
(Root of the Powers of Air)
This is the vital cold current which
transports nourishment, seeds, pollen, ideas.
(from the LWB)
The LWB for this deck tells us that the Root of Air "concerns psycho-physical health and spiritual well-being." Also called "the Force of Eternal Wind," the Ace of Swords represents "the breath which gives form to every word and thought."
Like all Swords cards in this deck, the Ace has a pale blue background, a color commonly associated with the element Air. Swords take various forms in this deck B a cutlass, a dagger, or a straight sword like the one on the Ace.
The first thing I notice about this sword is that the tip has broken off, and there are a few nicks in the blade. According to Jack Tresidder in his Dictionary of Symbols (Chronicle Books), a broken sword can represent failure. This seems like an odd interpretation for a card like the Ace of Swords, especially when the card also features a butterfly (rebirth) and a vine (regeneration). In my Tarot system, the Ace of any suit suggests a beginning, a fresh start, the core or vital energy of the suit, potential, and opportunity. Why, then, would the sword on the Ace be broken?
The sword is missing its point, which brings to mind the expression "missing the point." Is it possible that the broken sword tip on this card is encouraging us to make sure we "get the point" of an idea or undertaking before we embark on a new venture? Or could it imply that we may not "get the point" of something until we get farther along the path? I also get a sense that perhaps we are being shown that a sword doesn't have to be brand new, shiny, and smooth in order for it to be useful. Book T* notes that the Ace of Swords represents "strength through trouble."
*Book T The Tarot, Comprising Manuscripts N, O, P, Q, R, and an Unlettered Theoricus Adeptus Minor Instruction. A Description of the Cards of the Tarot with their Attributions; Including a Method of Divination by Their Use. A public domain manuscript.
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About the deck: The cards in Tarot of the Hidden Folk "deal with magic tied to the forces of nature, to the essence of the world itself which surrounds us and which the writers of fairy tales call the Secret Realm." (from the LWB)
That's a great point, Zanna (LOL, no pun intended). I think this is a new and refreshing interpretation to the Ace of Swords -- to help us not miss the point of something that needs us to be aware.
ReplyDeleteVelvet
Thanks for stopping by, Velvet. I'm glad you found the post useful.
ReplyDeleteIf you accept the suggestion that the ace of swords indicates "a new beginning" or a new thought, then the broken tip could suggest that current methedology is no longer available and the throw suggests "the traveller" is blocking a logical path by way of a well developed plan introduced at the beginning of time.
ReplyDeleteI saw a portrait of Richard III online with broken sword and website says that "tudors painted Richard as villian". Perhaps the broken sword suggests a carry over of the "things are not as they seem" idea of the 2 swords. Perhaps broken sword in painting of Richard III shows intentional misrepresentation of situation. I guess this goes back to point that old data is faulty or corrupt so new plan needed.
ReplyDeleteI can see what you mean, and how your interpretation might rise to the surface during a reading about a specific situation.
ReplyDeleteIf a broken sword is symbolic of failure, then perhaps this Ace of Swords is subtly alluding to a previous cycle of mental activity that resulted in the devastating Ten of Swords. It may be saying that no matter how hard things have been, the querent can certainly find the strength and resolve to begin again, wiser and just a little worse for wear.
ReplyDeleteEmily
I appreciate your insights, Emily!
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