(The above image is a copy of The Page of Swords card in a standard Rider-Waite Tarot deck. The 4 symbols pointed out above are explained below.)
Card Description
The Page of Swords uses the swords as a weapon for the exploration of thought. When this card enters the deck, it is an encouragement to seek out new experiences and to take risks. With the page's flowing hair and with the birds in the background, it also lays the groundwork for the other face cards to illustrate the element of air.
If you are looking for a deck of Tarot cards, check out our standard Rider-Waite deck here or check out one of our recent arrivals here.
For more information about The Page of Swords card, check out A. E. Waite’s description here.
Point 1 – PAGE
The page’s posture is one of the many paradoxes found in Tarot. His body is facing the right of the card while his head is facing the left of the card. The page is thus in the past and future, mimicking the figure in the Seven of Swords without the underlying thievery. The page also sets an example for the other face cards, for, despite his small frame, he is able to wield the sword like a master.
Point 2 – FEET
Similar to his posture, the page’s feet are a paradox. One foot is planted firmly on the ground while the other one is free to move around. This reveals the page’s agility and grace. He can be on the offensive with his sword as well as on the defensive with evasive maneuvers.
Point 3 – HAIR
The page’s hair waves gloriously in the wind. This illustrates the element of wind found throughout the sword’s suit. It also reiterates the page’s agility previously seen through his feet. The page is as light as air and as powerful as wind.
Point 4 – SWORD
As previously mentioned, despite the page’s small frame, he wields the sword like a master. This is more impressive when one considers the size difference between the page and the sword. Extending beyond the limits of the card, the sword is larger than life.
Tarot Reading
Upright
An Upright Page of Swords bursts into your tarot reading with energy and potential. It suggests you are exploring new ideas or ways of thinking. An Upright Page of Swords encourages you to try new things. Get out of your comfort zone. Take risks. It asks you to take on life with enthusiasm and curiosity.
Reverse
A Reverse Page of Swords appears when you are hesitant to jump into the arena and speak your mind. Perhaps you are timid in front of an audience or are having trouble articulating your opinions. A Reverse Page of Swords encourages you to meditate on your thoughts and to have confidence in your ability to communicate.
For more Tarot Card Meanings, check out our blog here.
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About the author: Jim Daley and his wife Natalie are the owners of Joker’s and Fools in Lake Wales, Florida, where they serve the Central Florida tarot community with a thoughtfully curated selection of Tarot and Oracle cards. Jim holds a B.A. in History from Tufts University and brings both academic insight and a deep appreciation for the symbolic tradition of the cards to his work.
