Below are definitions of each of the Minor Arcana cards, including standard or traditional meanings, and my unique slant on the meanings of these cards. Please feel free to use these definitions to aid you in your study of the Tarot. In time, you will develop your own ideas and meanings for each of the cards, which will further enrich your experience with them. I wish you luck on your journey toward spiritual enlightenment.......Blessed Be!!!

ACE OF SWORDS - The Ace of Swords represents determination, mental energy, courage, a sense of power, the beginnings of success, inevitable change, focus, strength, discipline, and legal matters. The seeds of success are now taking root, and you now possess tremendous power which is available for use in any area in which you choose. Swords represent strife, conflict, and difficulty, so the Ace of Swords often represents a promising venture that develops out of adversity. In its reversed position, the Ace of Swords can symbolize threats, excessive force, bullying, obstacles, illusions, opposition which may lead to delays, destructiveness, cruel or unjust treatment, or legal problems. There may be tense relations and emotional conflicts. You will most likely achieve success, but the success may not bring the results you desired, and oftentimes there are disastrous results.

TWO OF SWORDS - The Two of Swords signifies a stalemate, an impasse, and a feeling of uncertainty about which direction to turn. It also represents restriction, delay, waiting, and the suppression of feelings. You may be avoiding facing your feelings about an issue to avoid pain. In the reversed position this card shows you that things are happening now. The tension that you were experiencing is now broken. You may be feeling more decisive. Change is on the way...your life can now go forward.

THREE OF SWORDS - This card generally represents heartache. Infidelity (possibly a love triangle), sorrow, loss, emotional pain, severe relationship conflicts, stress, illness, miscarriage, abortion, severance, separation, or even divorce are all possibilities. You may need to let go of a relationship with only brings you pain. In its reversed position, the Three of Swords can represent a heartache, as in its upright position, however the heartache will not be as painful. Alternately, the Three of Swords (R) signals that the pain will soon end, and that the worst is over. You may still experience hurt for a time, but it will gradually lessen, and recovery will inevitably take place. You need to stop dwelling on past hurts and move forward.

FOUR OF SWORDS - The Four of Swords represents rest and relaxation, recuperation, convalescense, recovery, and relief from stress. You may be feeling inordinately stressed, and in desperate need of solitude and quiet, a vacation or retreat to calm your mind and revitalize you. Do not neglect your needs. Take the necessary time to give yourself the rest and refreshment that you need. Meditation is also a wonderful to deal with stress. In the reversed position, the Four of Swords signifies healing. Your need for rest and recuperation is over and it is time to get back to work and back into the swing of things. You are feeling refreshed and revitalized after a period of stress or illness.

FIVE OF SWORDS - The Five of Swords symbolizes a hollow victory, embarrassment, wounded pride, betrayal, malicious gossip, disputes, sabotage, misfortune, defeat, or a sneak attack. Someone may be trying to sabotage you behind your back. Be careful who you trust. There may be a troublemaker working against you at this time. The Five of Swords reversed indicates the end of gossip, slander, or attack. It signals vindication...the traitor will be exposed. In an otherwise negative spread, the Five of Swords may also indicate defeat, despair, suspicion, or paranoia.

SIX OF SWORDS - This card is symbolic of "smooth sailing", of leaving your troubles behind. Peace of mind is now restored and the tension is eased after a long period of stress and/or conflict. Difficulties are coming to an end...you are leaving a significant period of worry, strain, and anxiety. The Six of Swords may indicate an actual trip or move. In its reverse position, the Six of Swords indicates "rough waters" ahead. Be ready for delay. You may feel an inability to leave a bad situation, lack of progress, difficulties, delays, stress, one problem after another, or a feeling of being trapped or restricted. The Six of Swords reversed may also indicate a change in travel plans or the return from a journey.

SEVEN OF SWORDS - The Seven of Swords represents cunning, trickery, cleverness, insincerity, sabotage, or taking advantage of someone. Theft, robbery, or being cheated are possibilities. Someone may be trying to "pull one over on you", or you may be betrayed or victimized. You may be feeling cheated or uneasy about something that you have done. You may have a guilty conscience. In the reversed position, the Seven of Swords signifies constructive criticism, an apology, receiving back something which belongs to you, or appreciation. In a negative reading, the Seven of Swords (R) would indicate missed opportunities, dwelling on the past, lack of skill or cunning, indecision, or "chickening out".

EIGHT OF SWORDS - The Eight of Swords signifies fear, blockage, and limitation which are often self-imposed. This card also represents restriction, a feeling of being trapped, lack of empowerment, bondage, forced restraint, lack of self-assertion, fear of the unknown, lacking confidence, problems with communication, indecision, and paralysis. In its reversed position, the Eight of Swords would indicate removal of the obstruction, release, a new beginning, overcoming fear, breaking free, relief, and empowerment.

NINE OF SWORDS - The Nine of Swords signifies despair, worry, extreme stress and pressure, guilt, torment, anxiety, pain, anguish, depression, a feeling of being overwhelmed, and hopelessness. In its reversed position, the Nine of Swords represents that the "nightmare" is over. It signals a renewal of faith, trust, promise, and an end to the suffering that you have been experiencing. It can also indicate that something you are worrying excessively about is based on unfounded fears. You may still be suffering the aftermath of a painful situation, but the worst is over.

TEN OF SWORDS - The Ten of Swords represents ruin, failure, defeat, death of an illusion, separation, pain, distress, negative thinking, unhappiness, depression, loss, devastation, and bankruptcy. You have hit bottom...it just can't get any worse than this. There is absolutely nothing that you can do to change the situation. On the bright side, the only place you have to go now is up!!! The Ten of Swords reversed indicates that the worst is over. Your problems will begin to lessen, and you will experience a new beginning. You are emerging from an emotional period of hurt and sadness. You must realize that the worst is over and that your problems are beginning to resolve.

PAGE OF SWORDS - The Page of Swords represents unexpected or upsetting news, decisiveness, exciting changes, forceful communication, or penetrating insight. It may also suggest curiosity, discretion, logic, or fairness. Many times it can indicate contracts, agreements, legal summons, news about conflict or problems, or a message bringing change. You may find yourself in a situation where decisiveness and quick action are necessary. In an otherwise negative spread, someone may be spreading lies or rumors about you or gossipping behind your back. In the reversed position, the Page of Swords represents upsetting news, gossip, attack, blackmail, problems, deceit, suspicion or cynicism. Unexpected problems may surface and misunderstandings are likely.

KNIGHT OF SWORDS - The Knight of Swords symbolizes sudden changes, movement, unexpected situations arising, new people or experiences, swift or impulsive action, aggressiveness, ambition, or assertiveness. You may enter into a difficult situation relating to a conflict, only to have it pass quickly out of your life. Be strong and decisive, and seek professional advice if necessary. In its reversed position, the Knight of Swords indicates upset, harsh words, injustice, bad judgement, quarrels, confrontation, and disagreement. Do not start a new project at this time. Your own thinking may be scattered at this time.

QUEEN OF SWORDS - The Queen of Swords represents strong will, sarcasm, ambition, perceptiveness, keen insight, right decisions, and communication. This card is symbolic of a woman who can stand up for herself, is determined, and offers good counsel. Now is the time to stand up for yourself and to be clear of your wants and needs. You are capable of being independent and taking care of yourself. The Queen of Swords reversed suggests sarcasm, intolerance, misery, resentment, emotional blackmail, unreliability, rigidity, and pettiness. She is a real "bitch". Someone with no regard for you or your feelings may be giving you a hard time.

KING OF SWORDS - The King of Swords suggests truth, control, balanced judgment, sound advice, ambition, authority, drive, objectivity, and law and order. If you have been awaiting a decision, it will be fair and impartial. Someone in a professional capacity may give you sound business or legal advice. Alternately, you may be having difficulty in a relationship due to being out of touch with your feelings and an overly cool manner of dealing with people. In its reversed position, the King of Swords would indicate an unfair decision, suspicion, deviousness, injustice, unfairness, cynicism, manipulation, or intimidation. You may be suffering an injustice. You may also be the victim of an unfair verdict in a legal proceeding.

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