Interpretation
Visually, this sword looks like a stalactite. As a whole, the inverted aces can act as a warning or reminder that you do not have control in a situation. Inverted aces often suggest delays or require some sort of transformation of the element. Is this ace calling to you to put down your sword, surrender control, or turn your sword into a plowshare?
When you get this card, some of your power (or perceived power) has been removed. You might feel the urge to run away, or cut off a relationship. If you’re a writer, this could be writer’s block. If you are concerned about your health, this might indicate migraine headaches, mental stress, or nervous conditions. Or you might be consciously relinquishing control to a higher power.
Whatever the situation, the air element is out of balance, and that imbalance is keeping you from starting something. It’s time to introduce more water, earth, and fire into your situation. Water can be introduced through a shower, bath, cup of tea, or doing laundry or dishes. Earth is encouraged through gardening, going for a walk, or a clay facial. To introduce fire, light a candle, sit by a safely-contained fire, or bake or roast something delicious. Drawing your energy and focus to other elements can give you some perspective, which may allow you to start something really special.
Interactions
Major Arcana
Lovers: When the Ace of Swords comes after the Lovers, it indicates a relationship will end.
Minor Arcana
King of Rods (Clubs, Wands, or Staves): The Ace of Swords in combination with the King of Rods (Clubs, Wands, or Staves in other decks) is explosive.
The Suit — Swords or Spades
The sword cuts and dissects. Swords represents the element of air. They are intellect. They are double-sided, which allows them to both damage and heal. The images in the suit might be alarming to some, but they are not simply aggressive. Yes, we can use blades to inflict pain, but we also use them to carve, shave, and trim.
The Number — Ace or 1
It all begins with one, the self.
The Inversion
There is nothing to fear with an inversion. Mary K. Greer explains in her book, The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals, that an inverted card may be interpreted in one or more of these twelve ways:
- Blocked or Resisted
- Projected
- Delayed, Difficult, Unavailable
- Inner, Unconscious, Private
- New or Dark Moon (if you are reading cards from a round deck)
- Breaking Through, Overturning, Refusing, Changing Direction
- The Opposite of the Upright Meaning, or Lacking
- Excessively
- Misused or Misdirected
- The Upright Meaning Backward
- A Rectification or Cure
- Magical, Unconventional, or Humorous
Follow me on Twitter!
Elizabeth Howe 