Page of Swords: modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
‘The Page of Swords’, Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.
Upright Page of Swords Meanings
Keywords
Curiosity, New Ideas, Truth-seeking, Mental Energy, Communication, Watchfulness
Generally
The Page of Swords represents a burst of new mental energy, curiosity, and a thirst for knowledge and truth. This card embodies a young, restless intellect, eager to ask questions, learn new things, and communicate ideas. The energy is one of inquiry, fact-finding, and seeing the world with a sharp, analytical mind. It signifies a time of new ideas, new plans, and a desire to cut through illusion to get to the heart of a matter.
In a Love Context
In a love reading, this card can signify a relationship where communication is paramount. It can point to a partner who is witty, a great conversationalist, and intellectually stimulating, but perhaps a bit emotionally detached. It can also represent a period of asking difficult questions about a relationship or a desire for more honest and direct communication. Be wary of a tendency towards gossip or speaking without thinking.
In a Money/Career Context
This card represents a new idea or project that excites your intellect. It can signify a period of study, training, or research. You are mentally sharp, full of questions, and eager to learn the skills necessary for a new role or venture. It is a good time for brainstorming, planning, and communicating your ideas to others, though you may lack the experience to fully execute them yet.
In a Spiritual Context
Spiritually, the Page of Swords represents a period of intense questioning and a search for intellectual truth. You are challenging old dogmas and are not satisfied with easy answers. It is a time for study, reading, and exploring different philosophies with a critical and analytical mind. This is the beginning of a quest for a truth that satisfies your intellect.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Ask questions. Seek the truth. Stay curious and be open to new ideas. Communicate your thoughts clearly and honestly.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
The discovery of a new idea or a crucial piece of information. A period of learning and intellectual growth.
As Obstacles
Analysis paralysis; you are all talk and no action. A tendency to be argumentative or create drama through gossip.
As Hidden Energy
A powerful, unexpressed curiosity is driving the situation. A new idea is on the verge of being discovered.
As Resources/Alliances
Your own inquisitive mind and sharp intellect. A young, curious, and communicative person. An important message.
‘The Page of Swords’ Reversed
Keywords
Gossip, Deceit, Hasty Words, Scattered Energy, Paranoia, Defensiveness
Generally
Reversed, the Page of Swords' energy becomes scattered, unproductive, and often malicious. The quest for truth turns into paranoia and suspicion. Communication becomes gossip, lies, or hurtful, cutting remarks spoken without thought. This card warns of mental energy that is unfocused, leading to half-baked ideas, broken promises, and intellectual arrogance. It can also point to being spied upon or receiving bad news.
In a Love Context
In a love reading, this card reversed warns of hurtful communication, arguments, and gossip that can damage a relationship. It can represent a partner who is defensive, sarcastic, or verbally deceptive. There may be a lack of trust, leading to spying or paranoid accusations. Communication is being used as a weapon rather than a tool for connection.
In a Money/Career Context
This card warns of spreading rumors or engaging in office gossip. It can also signify projects that fail because of a lack of focus or planning—ideas that are all talk and no substance. Be cautious about contracts and communications, as there may be deceit or misinformation at play. It can also represent feeling intellectually inadequate or defensive at work.
In a Spiritual Context
Spiritually, this card reversed represents a closed-off or overly cynical mind. You may be using your intellect to tear down others' beliefs without being open to any truth yourself. It can also signify a mind scattered by too much information, leading to spiritual confusion and an inability to find a clear path.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Think before you speak. Do not engage in gossip. Focus your mental energy on one thing at a time.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
Hurt feelings due to careless words. A project will fail due to a lack of focus. Deception will be revealed.
As Obstacles
Gossip, lies, and paranoid thinking are the primary hindrances. Your own scattered and unfocused mind is preventing progress.
As Hidden Energy
A secret is being kept, or someone is being deceptive. An unacknowledged fear is leading to defensive and paranoid behavior.
As Resources/Alliances
The realization that gossip and negativity are unproductive. The clarity that comes from discovering a lie.
Additional Notes on The RWS ‘Page of Swords’
Waite’s Divinatory Meanings of The Page of Swords
"Authority, overseeing, secret service, vigilance, spying, examination, and the qualities thereto belonging. Reversed: More evil side of these qualities; what is unforeseen, an unprepared state; sickness is also intimated." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911)
RWS Page of Swords Symbolism
A.E. Waite’s Page of Swords depicts a young person standing on a windy, uneven patch of ground, holding a large sword with both hands. Their body is turned one way, but their head looks in the opposite direction, symbolizing a mind that is alert and watchful in all directions. The sky is full of clouds and birds, representing the constant flow of thoughts and ideas. The entire scene is an allegory for a mind that is active, curious, and on high alert, ready to engage with new ideas and defend its position.
Meditations On The Page of Swords
Who is this Page of Swords in my life?
Is their communication truthful and clear or hasty and mischievious?
Are they using discernment or taking things at face value?
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