Two of Swords
Two of Swords
The Two of Swords depicts a young, blindfolded woman who holds a long sword in each hand. She is sitting before a sea filled with rocks and crags which are obstacles to clear passage for ships.In the Rider Tarot, the two shows a woman in a grey gown sitting on a grey bench in front of an ocean beach with rocks in the water. She is blindfolded and holds two crossed swords, point upwards. The moon in the sky is waxing.
The woman is blindfolded, showing that she is confused about her situation. She cannot see the problem or the solution clearly. The swords are perfectly balanced, showing a balanced and stable mind. The water signifies emotions, and the rocks show tension. One of the divinatory meanings of this card is tension in a relationship, needing a cool head to solve the problem. A need to look at both sides of the situation. The waxing moon shows a new beginning arising out of the solutions found for this problem. The preponderance of grey shows a need to be neutral, and to look at both sides of the situation. The balanced crossed swords signify the same thing. Crossed swords, in Native symbology, is a symbol of truce. A truce needs to be called, and the problem needs to be resolved using logic (the suit of swords deals with logic and the use of the intellect). Both sides of the situation need to be addressed.
This is a card of choice, of the difficulty of indecision. The woman in this card is intentionally blinding herself in avoidance of a very difficult choice which must be made. Her avoidance brings her what appears to be a certain peace of mind, for she is very calm and seems somewhat relaxed despite the difficulty of her situation. Occasionally when we are face with difficult choices we attempt to hide from them and pretend to ourselves and others that if we ignore them long enough they will go away of their own accord. However, the decision will not leave us simply by our willing it to depart; the attempt to play at ignorance is not bliss. Our conscience will eventually force us into facing our refusal to deal directly with the situation.If you encounter the Two of Swords in a reading, there is the general indication that you are faced with a decision and that perhaps you are in a state of denial about the importance of your choice. Life's decisions are frequently quite difficult and raise the possibility of painful consequences, yet not to decide at all is a decision in itself. We must "take the bull by the horns" and make our decisions with our best intentions, fully aware of the possible consequences. The avoidance will ultimately only lead to a greater conflict in the end.
Balance. You need to take a break from your usual way of thinking, seeing and doing to consider alternative ideas and viewpoints. Rest and relaxation are important now. Be diplomatic. Compromise or let things stand as they are.
On the two of Swords, we see a young woman who has put a barrier of swords across her heart. Her rigid posture tells us of her struggle to keep her feelings under control. Sometimes we are fending off any approach from the outside. "Nothing comes in, and nothing goes out." The Two of Swords is about the barriers we put up between ourselves and others and those we create within ourselves. Internally, we block off emotions and refuse to feel them. We avoid looking at the truth and pretend that everything's OK. We think one way, but feel another. In countless ways, we divide off parts of ourselves and try to maintain them even when we know they need to be reconciled. Outwardly, we have an armistice of sorts. The irresolute, undecided situation is a result of the power-struggle being at a par. What we need today is a reconciliation, both internally and externally. Accept the truth about yourself or the situation. What are you really feeling? Are you resisting tender feelings because you might be hurt? Are you furious even though you're smiling? What are you refusing to look at?
Notice the blindfold on this woman. She can't look at the truth or even acknowledge that there is trouble. The most common barrier is a closed heart. When we cut ourselves off emotionally, we sever the connection that allows our love to flow outward. Sometimes this action is necessary, but it always comes at a great price. Every time we close off our heart, we find it more difficult to open again. Another barrier between people is a deadlocked situation. When two parties are set in their positions - cut off from each other - there is a stalemate. To break it, the "opponents" must come out from behind their swords and listen to each other. The lesson of the Two of Swords is that barriers are not the answer. We must stay open if we are to find peace and wholeness. Well-balanced judgement and action is called for.
The Two of Swords represents the contest which is in stalemate. There will be no loser or winner. The situation may represent the coming to terms with situations and compromises being made. In any case, the peace is once again achieved. Want to move ahead without restriction, and want a lover or romance. Expect a surprise in your business and personal affairs. The past is on its way out and a new element is about to emerge that will make the old way obsolete.
There is a need for well balanced emotions. A stalemate in one's affairs. Temporary truce in family quarrel. The querent is seeking direction and must be impartial.
An alliance, a favorable friendship/mutual interest, suspending judgment, making peace, a choice made, a good time to resolve any outstanding differences. An end to pain (physically and emotionally), end to quarrels. Balance. Friendship during adversity. A decision has to be made logically. A balance between equally matched opponents. A duel. Blocked emotions. Tension. Holding in emotions. Defensiveness.
Release, movement in ones affairs. But in wrong direction. Lies, treachery, and dishonor are evident.
Repeat these phrases often as necessary when you lack direction or feel that you have suffered an injustice. " I have faith the balance will be restored and my answer will come when I am ready. I am at peace with myself. There is no need to struggle now. Justice will be done in its own time."