objective decisions
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Tarot Alley uses the Rider Waite type of deck for our meanings, symbols, interpretations, etc.
When determining the Ace of Swords tarot card meaning, you should consider that it’s a Swords card and an Ace. The Suit of Swords represents knowledge and intellect. Aces represent new beginnings, opportunities, or starts.
In this way, we can determine that the Ace of Swords represents objective decision-making.
Take a look at the Rider-Waite Ace of Swords displayed to the left (or above).
What is your first impression?
Is the Sword being offered as a gift or held as a threat? What does the direction of the sword mean to you? Is it heavy, manageable, or light?
There’s no right or wrong answer here, just your interpretation.
Astrology: Libra, Aquarius, Gemini
Element: Air
Numerology: 1
Common Symbols
- A Hand (often viewed as the Hand of God) to represent an offering. But remember, offers can be withdrawn so don’t dilly dally about your decision.
- A Festooned Crown: to represent decisions made by your higher self.
Keywords & Concepts
- Choice
- Intellect
- Logic
- Objectivity
The Ace of Swords for Personal Growth
Affirmation: I take the time to think things through.
Seeking advice is all well and good but at some point you have to make decisions. That point is now. Gather information, seek out the opinion of experts and mentors, get the facts, then make your decision and own the rewards and the consequences.
Ask Yourself:
- If I made my decision purely based on reason and logic, what would my decision be?
- What do I think about my own problem-solving abilities?
- Who can supply me with the pure and simple facts?
Interpreting the Ace of Swords
Generally, the Ace of Swords represents objective decision-making. The Ace of Swords uses logic and reasoning to make decisions.
The facts are what’s important, not speed of decision making. The Ace of Swords uses a clear mind to think things through and arrive at objective decisions.
The Reversed Ace of Swords
How you read reversals is a personal choice. You can ignore reversals and read them as if the card is upright (this is what I often choose to do) or you can interpret reversals as variations of what they would mean upright. There are 3 common ways to read reversals: as a negative interpretation, as an opposite interpretation, or as a block on the upright interpretation. Check out How to Read Reversals for more information.
Typically, a reversed Ace of Swords represents the absense or twisting of logic. Examples include:
- Using twisted logic to make or influence decisions
- Using quick thinking instead of objective thinking
- Attempts to use false logic to deceive or confuse others
- Making decisions without considering the consequences
Examples of the Ace of Swords
Specific Interpretations
Specific situations are the general interpretation (from above) used for a specific situation (love, career, etc). There is no need to memorize these (or even look them up) if you understand the general interpretation. However, here are some basic interpretations for some specific situations:
Romantically
Look at your relationship from an objective point of view. Is it performing as it should? Set your heart aside (for now) and make your decisions with your head.
Professionally
Follow the facts because (as the saying goes), “the devil’s in the details.” What are the objectives? What happened? Are things in line with the ultimate goal?
Spiritually
Spirituality and logic might not seem like they go together, but they do. Logic doesn’t mean abandoning faith. Use what you’ve learned spiritually by applying it to the rest of your life.
the Ace of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
The Ace of Swords tarot card meaning is all about objective decision-making. The time to make a choice is now so stop wavering and make the most logical decision.
Once you feel comfortable with the Ace of Swords tarot card meaning, check out the next card in the tarot deck: the Two of Swords Tarot Card Meaning.