Ten of Swords

Today’s card — the Ten of Swords — is traditionally associated with the concept of surrender. And with Venus inconjuncting Saturn right now, you may very well feel like throwing in the towel.

This aspect can see you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your own self-worth. Do you dare ask for help and risk the possibility of rejection? Do you make more work for yourself because you’re afraid to even ask? Or do you give up entirely and figure “what’s the use?”

These are questions you want to ask yourself as you can see from the image in this card — from the beautiful Pearls of Wisdom Tarot. The central figure is so beaten down and defeated — with the traditional Ten Swords all plunged into his back — that he probably doesn’t realize there’s salvation to be had.

His prone figure lies at the edge of a cliff, with his legs and feet hanging over. He could accept defeat and allow himself to fall into the abyss. Or he could rise above — where the air is cleaner and the landscape much more inviting.

Notice the spiral of energy that envelops him from above. It seems to emanate from the Moon at the top of the card, which combined with the clouds look like an angel reaching down to comfort and protect him. It encircles him and encourages him to rise up and extricate himself from his predicament.

You may have to face a painful reality today. You may have to let something go. But whatever it is, you will know that it’s no longer serving its purpose. There are indications here — just as there are in every version of this card — that the worst is over.

As hard as it is, you know what you’re up against: there’s no more fretting and worrying about the future (as that was left to the Nine of Swords). The Ten of Swords tells you that it’s time to put the past behind you, pick up the pieces and begin the process of moving on.
 

Continue Reading…