Ace of Swords

Alt names: Truth
Keywords: Logic, objectivity, intellect, choice
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Range of meanings

Light: Making objective decisions. Applying logic. Reasoning your way out of a difficult situation. Solving puzzles. Thinking things through. Emphasizing the facts. Clearing your mind. Seeking clarity.

Shadow: Applying ruthless or twisted logic. Gloating over your own superior intellect. Using quick thinking to deceive or confuse others. Confusing snap judgments with quick thinking. Making decisions without thinking through consequences.

Questions to ask

  1. If your question were asked of your Higher Self, freed from petty, earthly concerns, what answer might be given?
  2. When you see this Ace of Swords, what’s your first impression? Is the Sword being offered as a gift, or wielded as a weapon? What higher authority for truth does it point to? Is it too heavy to bear, or something you could manage?
  3. If I made my decision purely based on reason and logic, what would my decision be?
  4. What do I think about my own problem-solving ability?
  5. Who can supply me with the pure and simple facts?

Advice

Personal Growth: At some point, we must go from seeking advice to making our own decisions. Gather information, draw on the experience of mentors, and get the facts…but be prepared, as a mature individual, to make decisions and own the consequences.

Work: Cut through emotionalism and get to the facts. In this situation, the devil’s in the details. What happened and when? Slay some sacred cows, stop the blame game, and get down to brass tacks. What are the objectives? Where are you in relationship to your goals?

Relationships: Set your emotions aside for the moment and look at your relationship from an objective point of view. Would a judge or jury say this relationship is performing as it should? You’re facing a difficult decision; make it with your head, not your heart.

Spirituality: Your relationship with Spirit should inform all your decisions. Here’s an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in your inner life to decisions that impact your outer life. If you were to make this decision for someone else, what verdict would you render?

Fortune-Telling: The time to make a choice is now. Stop wavering and do what you know is best.

Associations

Astrological: Libra, Aquarius, Gemini

Fool's Journey: The main character must make an important decision that will determine his or her ultimate fate.

The Number 1: Origins, unity, seeds.

Nature of the Ace: Compressed into the Ace are all the qualities of all the other cards of the suit. In this way, the Ace can be said to be the “root” or “seed” of its suit.

Swords: One of the four suits of the tarot. Also sometimes called blades, knives or athames. Represents logic, objectivity, intellect, and choice. Along with the responsibility such talents bring. Swords suggest logic, clarity, and decision-making. Remember the story of wise King Solomon, who once offered to slice a baby in half in order to resolve a dispute over motherhood? Swords cut through confusion, revealing our agendas in the process.

Hand of God: On the Aces in Marseilles and RWS-inspired decks, a heavenly hand extends from the clouds, offering the viewer the suit’s distinctive marker. When opportunity comes your way, take advantage of it; the hand that extends an offer can always withdraw it.

Decorated Crown: The Ace of Swords in the Tarot of Marseilles and RWS-inspired decks picture the Sword topped by a decorated crown representing how the intellect is blessed with power over so many parts of the world.

Content generously licensed from Mark McElroy via TarotTools.com.