(The above image is a copy of The Two of Swords card in a standard Rider-Waite Tarot deck. The 6 symbols pointed out above are explained below.)
Card Description
The Two of Swords depicts a a blindfolded figure wielding two swords. The card illustrates trust in one's own intellect and a balance in one's psyche. The Two of Swords appears whenever you are facing a difficult decision in your life.
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For more information about The Two of Swords card, check out A. E. Waite’s description here.
Point 1 – FIGURE
The figure in the Two of Swords sits with their arms crossed and their legs squarely apart. This posture suggests a strong defensive stance with a strong flow of energy throughout the body. With swords at the ready, the figure is far from helpless despite the blindfold.
Point 2 – BLINDFOLD
This figure is notably blindfolded. This reveals that the power of the mind are is not limited to sight and sense perception. The blindfold also reiterates the traditional blinded figure of lady justice; the figure is unbiased in their judgement.
Point 3 – SWORDS
The swords that the figure carries importantly extend beyond the limits of the card. This illustrates just how authoritative the swords are. It also reiterates the responsibility required of the sword wielder
Point 4 – WHITE SPOT ON HEAD
Above the figure’s blindfold there is a white spot near the center of the figure’s forehead. This spot symbolizes the spiritual third eye that the figure sees from. Devoid of physical sight, the figure relies solely on their intelligence.
Point 5 – WATERS
Behind the figure is a vast ocean. Like water found in the cups suit, the water here represents the subconscious. Devoid of sight, the figure is having to rely on an intellect rooted in their psyche.
Point 6 – MOON
The sickle moon in the sky, like the one found in The Moon card, illustrates the subconscious. The night sky is reflective of the figure’s lack of sight. The moon also compliments the ocean in painting a picture of the figure’s psyche.
Tarot Reading
Upright
An Upright Two of Swords suggests that you are facing a difficult decision between two choices. Perhaps you are deciding on a job or where to live. In times like this, it is important to trust your intuition and intellect. Blind yourself to any distracting noise and focus on what you truly want.
Reverse
A Reverse Two of Swords suggests an impasse or stalemate in your decision-making process. Perhaps you do not have enough relevant information to help you make a decision. Perhaps the involved parties are not seeing eye to eye on a certain issue. When these problems arise, it is important to seek out all of the necessary information and to ultimately trust your gut when things don’t seem clear.
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.
