The Suit of Swords   

 As some of you may already know Grand Tarot Master Rachel Pollack has scheduled her next intensive
for March. This intensive is the next in a series of talks about the Minor Arcana and  will be on the suit of
Swords. In preparation for this intensive I thought it might be informative to do a wisdom reading on the suit.
A wisdom reading, which I first learned about in Rachels once a month tarot class, is one in which you ask
the tarot about themselves. I used the Quest Tarot by Joseph Martin for this reading. The deck has colorful
computer generated art and is based on the Rider Waite deck but with lots of extras.

                                                                 The Reading

1. What does the suit of Swords teach us about? The Wheel of Fortune Reversed. Chance
   Swords teach us not to be afraid of taking charge of our lives. Life is not chance. Energy follows thought
so what words, ideas, thoughts do you put energy into? Bring your ideas down to earth so they can work
with experiences towards personal growth and understanding, then you will be better prepared no matter
which way the wheel turns.

2. How does Swords see itself in relation to the other suits? Mother of Swords. Complex Intelligence
   Swords see themselves as  strong and balanced mental, Air energy. Mental energy that can cut through
the illusion of all the other suits. They do not shy away from the truth however the truth as they see it can
disguise as well as reveal. They realize they are not always so popular with the other suits as they
sometimes look down from their mountain of intellect.

3. When is the suit of Swords seen at it's worst? Father of Swords. Leadership
   When the suit leads through dominance and a lack of flexibility. There can be a tendency to be quick to
judge and be authoritarian. The suit at full strength is used to getting it's own way. Retaliation for perceived
slights can be swift and a bit extreme.

4. When is the suit seen at it's best? The Hermit Reversed. Reflection
   When it speaks its truth however painful it might be to hear. When it thinks things through before taking
action. Swords are at its best when blended with the other suits to express the integrated mind.

 For more information on Rachel Pollack's upcoming intensive:
Please contact Zoe, Rachels business manager, by e-mailing her at Rhinebeckia@hvc.rr.com.