Apr 11 | 2023 — II of Swords
Any time we have a Swords card, I know we’re in for a pointed adventure (pun intended). If you remember, the suit of Swords represents our logical mind: intelligence, knowledge, wisdom, thoughts, communication, words, ideas, and beliefs. I mean, the storytelling that can happen with the suit of Swords is incredible. And it really all starts with today’s card: the II of Swords.
The II of Swords is commonly known as the card of indecision. It is the diet version of the VIII of Swords, where indecision has caused immobility. But let’s be clear — this card is not something like “Should I bake sugar or chocolate chip cookies?” (I mean, it could be, I guess — you do you.) To me, this card is about indecision with loaded options. The choice is being put off because there is potentially a lot at stake and the decision is just too fucking hard to come to terms with.
That’s the thing with the Swords. They’re 100% logical. Black and white. Guilty or Innocent. There is no room (or desire) for emotional interference. When we look at the card, we see some obvious things: a blindfolded woman holding two balanced swords at equal positions with crossed arms. She sits with her face looking away from a body of water behind her, and that water is broken by rocking outcroppings that interrupt the stillness of the water’s surface. Above the figure, a crescent moon traverses the sky. If we use the basics of Tarot symbolism, we know that water is often a reference to emotion, and in this case, the emotional state is disrupted by doubts or other troubles. The crescent moon is a reference to intuition. With the figure facing away from both emotion and intuition, we can see they are leaning on logic to make this difficult decision.
Message of the Day: We are all, unfortunately, forced to deal with the II of Swords at some point in our lives. I feel like the weight of this card oftentimes can feel like it’s leading to a Tower moment where there is a loss of all control and everything just crashes around you. That’s not always the case, but let’s look at some of the situations that are top of mind.
This past Sunday was Easter and I have (shocker) quite a few friends who don’t hold the holiday in high regard. I had several conversations with friends who were venting because their phones were blowing up with “He is Risen!” and “He died for your sins!” texts. The II of Swords in this case: how to respond when beliefs aren’t shared, the texts feel hypocritical, or comments are aggressive (bordering on being offensive). Do you disrupt the smooth waters of family history and expectations or stand up for yourself? It really is a heavy decision, because on one hand you can keep the peace and be unhappy/suffer in silence, or you can respond with your truth and potentially drive a wedge in family relations, upend someone’s (potentially) spiritual day. It is just one day, after all (until Christmas… and then until next Easter…).
I know I’ve mentioned this before as well with the VIII of Swords, but being queer and feeling the need to come out is another one of these situations. It’s like two ends of a sharp, pointy stick but both ends are covered in shit and ants. No one wants to play in that circus, but what do you do? On one hand, you keep it to yourself and live in secret. On other hand, you expose yourself and leave yourself completely vulnerable to the worst kind of attacks hoping that your loved ones will respond in a supportive way, but may, alternatively, reject you and emotionally destroy you.
So what can we do when we’re presented with a II of Swords moment? I think there are some lessons from other Tarot cards we can learn from.
- The Hanged Man: Take the time to look at the situation from a different angle. As long as the decision isn’t pressing, taking the time to reflect and look at things from an alternate perspective can possibly provide some other avenues to handle the decision. Wait. Reflect more. Make an educated decision.
- III of Pentacles: If we are unsure, perhaps we should seek out guidance from someone familiar with the situation. Rather than dropping a bomb into a text chain, talk with a family member about your feelings and ask for advice.
- VIII of Cups: Perhaps the decision itself is to not make a decision, but move on, seeking the higher road. Yes, there are emotions that have been stirred, but perhaps being the “better person” means leaving the feelings associated with choice behind and heading for higher ground. This can feel like self-sacrifice, and maybe so. We don’t — and shouldn’t — always get what we want.
- Strength: Remember that this situation is only temporary and having the courage and strength to endure will help move through with minimal damage. Sometimes you just need to grit your teeth and rip the band-aid off. It is not uncalculated, but remember who you are and what you stand for. Remember your personal value and embrace your worth. Showing strength not only helps you shoulder the load but can inspire and help others to feel comfortable expressing themselves. Have confidence that you have made the best choice for yourself.
- Knight of Wands: Of course, there’s always the option to burn it all down, which is exactly what the Knight of Wands would do. He charges ahead with his own passion and reckless abandon. Relationships will be harmed by this path, but perhaps it is needed in order for things to change and grow.
When the II of Swords shows its face, I feel like it’s very easy to play the shrinking violet and shy away from it. Finding the confidence and fortitude to be true to yourself is important for not only your happiness but your continued self-growth. Removing someone from your life who holds you back; ending suffering; putting yourself in a position to pursue new opportunities and growth… this is what the II of Swords COULD be about if you are willing to remove the blindfold and choose a sword.
Are you living in the II of Swords right now? What are the options in front of you? What are the emotions that back up your options that are making this so difficult to decide? Your intuition is a part of this as well; what does your gut say?
Decks shown above:
- Welcome to Night Vale (Deck 2)
- The Modern Way Tarot
- The Chromatic Fates Tarot
Originally published at https://www.pixel-tarot.com on April 11, 2023.
