Neptune's Dolphins

 

The Two of Swords is in the First Decan of Libra, a cardinal Sign, whose energies are decisive and quick. While the Moon rules this Decan, the Planet Venus rules this Sign. Both Rulers work together to achieve a moment of quiet calm. As she holds her swords, the blindfolded woman stills her mind. Kenner suggests that the blindfold in this case is a search for inner peace.

 

The Eight of Swords is in the First Decan of Gemini, of mutable transitions. This Sign is ruled by Mercury, while the Decan is ruled by Jupiter. The pairing of the largest and smallest Planets creates awkwardness as Jupiter is in detriment in Gemini. Overwhelmed by the plethora of choices, the blindfolded woman struggles to hear her inner voice.

 

Water is featured often in the Swords. Depicted as either the sea or river, water plays a subtle role. For example, ripples in the water are the troubles of the unconscious. In contrast, the calm surface of the sea speaks of serenity. Moreover, rivers hold the power of replenishing and purifying the emotions.

 

The Six and Ten of Swords depict calm waters. (The Six of Swords also has choppy waters.) The Ten of Swords lies in the Third Decan of Gemini. While this Sign is ruled by Mercury, the Third Decan is ruled by the Sun. Superseding these two Heavenly Bodies is Saturn, which rules the Tens. However, Mercury allows the Sun and Saturn to coexist. Therefore, the turmoil of the dead is over, and calmness reigns.

 

The Five and Six of Swords are in the Decans of Aquarius, which is ruled by Saturn and Uranus. Venus rules the First Decan and Mercury, the Second. Since Saturn and Venus are in conflict, the water is choppy in the Five of Swords. The water reflects the unstable actions of the sword claimer. The Six of Swords features both choppy and smooth waters. In this Decan, Mercury enhances the unpredictability of Uranus and the boundaries of Saturn.

 

In a small group of Major and Minor Arcana cards, nights are prominently featured. The colors of the night range from an inky blackness that bodes no hope to a deep indigo that whispers hope is coming. Since the Swords is of the mind, the night becomes the world beyond the waking one.

 

In the Two of Swords, a waxing crescent moon rises in a royal blue night. The Moon is well placed with Venus. Therefore, the night suggests for the blindfolded woman, a fruitful meditative process.

 

Night in the Nine of Swords is a pitiless black. The Nine of Swords is in the Second Decan of Gemini, which is ruled by Mars. Meanwhile, Mercury rules Gemini, which concerns the mind. This merciless Mars forces the dreamer deep into the dark recesses of their mind. The frightened sleeper is awakened by a nightmare brought by Mars.

 

The Ten of Swords features an ebony night with a pale-yellow dawn. As the Sun begins to assert its power, the dawn gradually lightens the sky. The mutable energies of Gemini allow for the man, who has been stabbed with swords, to transition from death to rebirth.

 

Works Used:

Chang, T. Susan and M.M. Meleen, “Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot.” 2021. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).

Drury, Nevill, “The Tarot Workbook.” 2004. Thunder Bay Press: San Diego (CA).

Kenner, Corrine, “Tarot and Astrology.” 2011. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).

Greer, Mary “21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card.” 2006. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).

Hall, Judy, “The Astrology Bible.” 2005. Sterling: New York.

Louis, Anthony, “Tarot: Beyond the Basics.” 2014. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).