Welcome to Tarot Tuesday!
Each Tuesday I will be pulling a card from my grandmother’s tarot deck and writing about what the card could mean for the signs, broken up by element. The elements of the zodiac are Fire (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius), Earth (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn), Air (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius), and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces).
I may pull a card from the major arcana, representing our inner wisdom. Or I may pull a suit card, representing outside influences. I may even pull a court card signifying a specific person in your life. This card can help you set your intention for the rest of the week, or it can provide a visualization of your current situation. Don’t forget to check your moon and rising signs as well as your sun sign.
The Ten of Swords
This week I pulled the Ten of Swords, the card of inevitable endings. In tarot, the number ten represents the completion of our goals and endeavors. It can also represent getting rid of what is no longer needed and moving on to the next step.
Swords are the suit of communication. But the suit can also represent logic, focus, and fearfulness. When a sword card pops up in a reading, it can represent courage or the disruption of an unfair status-quo. It can also represent fears that are holding us back.
In my grandmother’s deck, the card is depicted as a masculine figure lying face down with ten swords plunged into his back. He wears a gold tunic and a red cloth is draped over his lower half. At first glance, this card can seem quite gruesome. But this card is NOT a harbinger of harm.
Though the card’s image may vary from deck to deck, the meaning is often the same. This card represents necessary endings and promising beginnings. This card often pops up if you are stuck in a dead end situation like a bad relationship or a thankless job. The Ten of Swords warns you against partners or employers who may try to manipulate you into staying where you are not celebrated.
This card can also represent good news in regards to medicine or surgery.
What This Card Means for Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)
Fire signs are ruled by their passion and drive. The Ten of Swords speaks to their need for a job or relationship that lights a fire in their soul.
Aries, you know your current situation is causing you emotional distress and is keeping you from the life that you want. If you cut the ties that need to be cut, you will see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Leo, it is time to free yourself of partners who have taken advantage of you. These partners may be platonic business partners or significant others. They are dimming your light.
Sagittarius, you have put yourself in a familial or occupational position that is causing you stress. You are unable to control your surroundings, and it’s giving you anxiety. Let go of your need for control to lessen your stress.
What This Card Means for Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)
Earth signs are ruled by their dedication and desire. The Ten of Swords speaks to their need for a job or relationship that makes them feel emotionally stable as well as financially stable.
Taurus, you have been staying in a bad situation for the sake of financial stability. Now, it is time to leave that situation to take care of your mental and emotional health.
Virgo, you have thrown yourself into your work as a distraction from your own inner turmoil. This card wants you to take some time away from work to heal your inner self.
Capricorn, much like Virgo, you have been throwing yourself into your work. Because of this, you are neglecting yourself and the ones you love. It’s time to show your loved ones and yourself some sympathy.
What This Card Means for Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)
Air signs are ruled by their compassion and independence. This card may hold more significance for you because the Swords are the suit of air. The Ten of Swords speaks to their need to free themselves from a toxic situation.
Gemini, you may feel like your mood has been a little erratic. Before you blame yourself, take a look at your surroundings. The situation around you may be causing you mental unrest.
Libra, you are putting yourself in the middle of a situation that you probably don’t need to be a part of. Acting as a mediator between two differing viewpoints is going to cause you stress. Remove yourself from the situation immediately.
Aquarius, you have been showing compassion to those who may be taking advantage of your good will and kind heart. This card wants you to keep those people at arm’s length.
What This Card Means for Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)
Water signs are ruled by their empathy and imagination. The Ten of Swords speaks to their tendency to sympathize with those who cause them distress.
Cancer, you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders and you don’t feel like there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Seeking professional help may provide you with that light.
Scorpio, you are leaving a situation that is not really negative or toxic. But the time has come to move on. You may feel sad to be leaving the ones you love, but know that those same people love and support your decision.
Pisces, like Aquarius, people are taking advantage of your empathetic nature. Your tendency towards escapism can help you in this case, because you need to get away from those people.
Tune in next week for another Tuesday Tarot Pull!
