TAROTPage of Swords
Upright
Intellectual communication. Ideas and a thirst for knowledge.
New ways of thinking, ideas and learning.
Clear communication and honesty.
Being prepared for the future through planning and preparation.
New experiences
Intuition
Notice that the figure on the card (Hyacinthus) is almost a mirror image of the Ace of Swords (Apollo) except that on this card, the figure is far less balanced in his posture such that he could quickly move in any direction.
Reversed
Lack of a plan. Confusion and misinformation.
Not thinking clearly or not communicating clearly.
A lack of drive in decision making that results in hesitancy or inertia.
Lack of creativity or intellect in your thinking
Lies or gossip.
Astrologia
Problem solving that is grounded in reality. Socially gregarious. Good with collaboration through being very diplomatic. Can become stuck in a routine, be too self-critical or lack emotional depth.
Page of Swords
The Page of Swords stands on the top of a mountain and points a sword upwards. His position represents the meeting of Earth and Air. He bridges higher, airy abstract ideas and thoughts with the more solid earthy practicalities of getting things done.
The Page of Swords is interested in new ideas but also their application in our lives and how the intellect can change us for the better by broadening our horizons.
His posture looks comfortable yet a closer look reveals he is actually unbalanced and he must move to stay upright. One leg is on solid ground but the other is treading air, but it has to be like this otherwise he would lose his balance. This posture allows him to move quickly from one vantage point to another, twisting and turning to see the next thing.
One arm holds a sword to the sky, denoting his striving higher intellectually, yet his other arm is held low. Again this is part of his balancing act between Earth and Air. The lower arm add practicality and realism to balance out his striving raised arm. Without both arms in their current position, he would soon fall from his peak.
The one thing that would lead to the Page falling is inertia. Any pause (or even just standing still) would cause a tumble.
The Page does not mind this balancing act. He needs to be here so he can see and explore the far horizons. Whilst others would see his position as dangerous, he sees it as exciting and exhilarating. He has to constantly move and there is never a dull moment when you put yourself at this height!
His high position means he is both seen and heard. He is a good communicator.
Another good communicator with a similar outlook to ideas appears in the Ace of Swords as the God Apollo. It is no coincidence that the character on the current card is associated with Apollo.
Hyacinthus
Hyacinthus was a young and handsome Spartan prince. He was a love interest of Zephyrus and Boreas, Gods of the West and North winds respectively, as well as the human musician Thamyris, and the God Apollo.
Choosing Apollo over the others, the two fell deeply in love. Over time, Apollo taught Hyacinthus some of the finer arts.
Whilst teaching Hyacinthus the use of the discus tragedy struck. In a fit of jealousy, Zephyrus caused a discus thrown forcefully by Apollo to swerve and fatally hit Hyacinthus. Inconsolable by this loss, Apollo eventually made Hyacinthus immortal.
Description and Symbology
The Page of Swords represents the meeting of Earth and Air; thoughts and ideas with transformative ability.
The Page of Swords represents the meeting of Earth and Air; thoughts and ideas with transformative ability.
This happens because such ideas are not vague and abstract, but deeply practical (via the influence of Earth).
The Page’s sword
The Page’s sword is held high, signifying progression upwards through intellect and communication.
The Page’s position
The page balances on a high mountain peak partway between Earth and Air. The two elements mingle to form thoughts that are both revolutionary yet practical. Ideas of this pedigree can be life-changing.
The Page’s stance
The Page’s stance is not stable. He has to constantly change position to maintain balance but that is just as he prefers. He is constantly moving, and looking in different directions, because that is the only way we will ever learn. He hates the inertia of standing still.
The Page’s visibility
The Page’s position high up means he is seen by many and can therefore speak to many. This makes him a good communicator.
Tips for Readings
The following table shows the upright and reverse meanings for general questions. The last row ('Yes/No') is useful when you are picking a single card to decide a yes or no decision.
Upright
Reversed
Communication and sharing of ideas will be high. Now is the time to consider new plans together. Be wary of the feelings of others through. Your ability to create ideas and plans or think strategically is high but intuition will be taking a back seat!
Don’t go so all-in on the idea of something new that you forget other people!
Be wary of coming across as undecided or cold in any discussions.
Both your analytical judgement and communication skills will be low. Spend more time thinking through all your plans before presenting them to a significant other or your team. Be prepared for arguments if and when your ideas have holes blown into them!
Now is the time to be receptive to new opportunities or promoting new ideas. This may be by learning new skills, looking for a change of company or simply being more forward with your ideas in discussions.
You will also be strong on communication and getting your ideas across. If there’s a discussion you have been putting off then now is a good time to have it.
A lack of clarity or getting the big ideas wrong (through incorrect communication or a lack of detailed thought) may cause slowdown and lost work.
It is important to check the details and be clear on what is being asked.
Any job applications may come back with bad news or less than expected terms.
A good time to read up on the latest health ideas for lifestyle, diet and exercise. A trip to the library or bookshop rather than your usual workout at the gym may be just as useful for your health. Learning and discerning are some of your top skills at the moment - as well as putting them into practice!
Sometimes the body is willing but the mind is weak. This is one of those times. You will be prone to reach the wrong conclusions, picking fads over good health advice or simply not getting your act together through confused messages.
You may receive some bad news regarding any recent test or things will seem to take longer than they should.
A curious nature and a need to understand truths and ideas may lead you to make changes or see your beliefs in a different way. Hopefully this will deepen your faith, but be prepared for it to take you in new directions.
Your ability to spot wishful thinking from truths may be degraded through reaching false conclusions, bad communication or wishful thinking of your own.
Now is a good time to make decisions at the strategic level about your finances. Your current mindset will make you better at appreciating the goals, ideas and aims of different products and investments. Learning the fundamentals of assessing investment opportunities and running the numbers may not be as daunting as they may have been in the past!
This is not the best time to change anything to do with finances as you may be prone to exuberance or fear-selling. Not reading the important fine-print (or reading it incorrectly) will be a problem.
It is best to leave major financial decisions (that can be delayed) for a short while.
For those that need a decision, look at the details carefully!
Yes through embracing ideas and sharing them with others.
No through confusion and poor communication.
Reading the Card
Like all court cards, the Page of Swords can represent people or things other than yourself:
- An intellectual pursuit with a practical outcome such as career-specific learning or learning a new language.
- New ideas and ways of living coming into your life, especially technology, exploring culturally different perspectives, or a new career that requires new ways of working or skills.
- A student or anyone learning a new subject n fields requiring creativity aimed at problem solving with a practical outcome; technology, design, medicine and science. The subject may also be related to the media and the communication of ideas, thoughts or views.
- A young person (often technically minded) who is full of abstract ideas and forward looking concepts.
- Someone new in your life who works with ideas and abstractions, possibly someone in a technical or design discipline.
- A new person with very similar interests to you, especially in ideas and design, or is a good communicator. This person will challenge you intellectually with subjects and events you would not normally consider.
When reading the ‘upright card’ and ‘reversal’ sections below, note that although the text refers to you it could actually be any of the above. The question being asked (or your first thoughts when you see the card) will suggest who or what the card refers to.
The upright card
The upright Page of Swords represents the intellectually adventurous person, idea or project that has the ability to change things, break inertia or create something new and novel.
It could represent:
- Someone studying to change their own life.
- A project that has the ability to make major change to the company
- Replacing your environment from one that looks backwards to your past for one that represents a break and looks ahead to the future.
Whatever this card is signifying, it asks you to be bold in your ideas whilst also making sure they are not so abstract to be impractical. Your analytical skills and ability to think strategically will be high. The aim will be not for empty concepts or copied ideas but for real change by adding something new.
What also comes with change is understanding and the communication that underpins it. Ideas need to be communicated. Without this they can never move from your head and be planted into the earth of the real world.
The reversal
The reversed Page of Swords represents confused or impractical ideas, or ideas you do not have any confidence in. It means your ideas or projects are likely to fail or take more effort and time to realize.
The reversed card can also represent a failure to communicate your ideas or failure to plan for every eventuality. It can represent negative ideas, gossip or fabrication. In a reading this can come through as bad news, delays to your plans or people moving against your proposals for change.
Card Design Process
The aim of the card design was to create a Page that was positioned much higher than is usually depicted. The Page is literally half way between the earth and sky. The best way to make this happen was to have the Page balancing on a high mountain peak.
Final Words
The Page of Swords is all about intellectual clarity, new ideas, curiosity and communication. At its best the Page of Swords means being an ideas powerhouse or a great speaker. At worst he signifies being prone to muddled thinking or being easily led by fads and charlatans offering the latest snake-oil.
