Thoth Tarot: Balance, Allowing and The Queen of Swords

The Great Sword of the Magus sits in the position of significator in this reading. The root of the powers of Elemental Air, the Ace of Swords cuts through illusion, bringing clarity to any situation or concern. The Great Sword sits in front of the brilliant gold light of Source Energy, breaking through and standing above the clouds of illusion, clarity its final crown.

A variation on an Awen spread, the significator determines the presence of the reading, in this case, the intellectual presence of Swords and our triumph over difficult odds. The next three cards are read using that as a basis, reflecting influences related to the Air Element including challenges, communication, and the way we see the world.

Beginning on the left, the Emperor provides the structure necessary for a successful outcome. He sits on his throne, his shield and a lamb at his feet. Two rams representing Aries look over the Emperor’s shoulders. He assumes the same position as The Hanged Man, only sitting, with his right leg positioned across his lap. Representing Mars energy, the Emperor embodies catalytic and swift action.

The Queen of Disks looks off into the distance, staff in one hand, her world in the other, in quiet reflection. The ram sits below her, looking curious. Disks represents Elemental Earth, and our material presence in the world. She represents the Earth Mother, intelligent and wise. Her practicality guides and tempers her ambition.

In the final position sits The Hanged Man who hangs from the World Tree representing descent into matter and the choices the individual faces. Surrender is the focus of this card to matters beyond our control, asking us to let go of what no longer serves us. This card also represents rune magick.

So now for how these three cards influence our intellectual presence. A sword suggests balance and I find significance in the fact that both the Queen is surrounded by both the Emperor and the Hanged Man. As I mentioned previously, the two men assume similar positions, although at opposite ends of the spectrum. Catalytic and swift energy versus allowing and surrender. It’s the balance the Queen of Disks must strike to remain in control, knowing when to act and when to allow, and it’s one she makes easily. She does whatever needs to be done.

I’ve always viewed the suit of Swords as far more positive than other interpretations might give it. The negative side of our minds can result in interesting problems with communication. The 3 of Swords in any deck seems to represent the drama triangle or heartbreak. And the 9 of Swords seems to suggest complete sorrow. But that’s only true if we forget who we are and fully participate in the human experience without remembering we are Source Energy. There is no drama or sorrow in alignment. Curiosity and choice perhaps about everything happening around us, but no reason for sorrow because we extend no judgment.

The universe and humanity are a focus of collective consciousness or thought, hence my more positive view of Swords. Through balance and alignment with our nonphysical Source Energy, we continue moving forward, experiencing our lives in nonresistance, appreciating everything about our experience in form. When our focus shifts without our remaining centered, then we become distracted from our purpose, becoming stuck in someone else’s vision. Instead of observing, we react to what we see around us. And if we then judge what we see, we’re even more stuck there.

So finding our center, as the Queen of Disks has done, is key to successfully navigating this experience of physical form. She becomes involved only when necessary, at peace with herself and comfortable in her own power.

~ Blessed Be the Wisdom of the Crone!