Card Meaning: Ten Of Swords
General
Again a card which imagery leaves no doubt about its favourability. The
man on the card is not stabbed once, he is stabbed ten times. Can we describe
total defeat and loss any better? The black clouds are over him but on the
horizon we see good omens; blue mountains and clear sunny skies. So maybe there
is a glimpse of hope in this situation but only after we reassess our beahviour,
learn and move on. Here there is nothing more to fight for. As much as all other
Tens across the suits, this Ten of Swords also brings to the maximum what was
indicated in the Ace card of its suit. We said that in the Ace of Swords exists
the warning about misusing the power of the sword and about the consequences
that follow. Well, this card is the consequence of misuse. The dark cloudy sky above
suggest that this punishment comes from above, probably when person doesn't even
see it coming, suddenly and without warning. Here we can see the connection with
The Tower. Our ego in its arrogance assumes the role of the supreme master that
controls everything while in the reality it controls nothing and from
time to time this fact is shown to it very clearly and without any doubt. This
card reflects this situation.
Reading
Positive:
hope comes with change.
Negative: sudden misfortune that will last, dissapointment, mental anguish,
ruin, betrayal, failed plans and hopes, bottom.
A prostrate figure, pierced by all the swords belonging to the card. ve: sudden misfortune that will last, dissapointment, mental anguish, .e design; also pain,
affliction, tears, sadness, desolation. It is not especially a card of violent
death. Reversed: Advantage, profit, success, favour, but none of these
are permanent; also power and authority.
— The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, by A.E. Waite