Stepping back onto the decan walk after a hiatus! We’re about to dive into the 3rd decan of Aquarius with the 7 of Swords starting on the 9th of February.
For those new to decans, be sure to check out this post here for more information explaining them and what a “decan walk” is.
7 of Swords « Lord of Futility »
Over the past few days I’ve spent quite a bit of time with the 7 of Swords (specifically in the Thoth system), it’s a card often dubbed “deception” but I have always felt it was much more than that. We are dealing with a Swords card, one of intellect, thought and communication. One of my favorite interpretations of this card came to me the other night - you can be a thief of your own thoughts. I find that to be so true at times. Sometimes it’s ourselves that we are cheating.
The broken central sword is blocked by 6 other smaller swords. It’s like a gam of chess and it’s currently your move. Do you cheat to finish the game quickly and hope no one catches you? Or do you take your time to think about your options and play more honestly? You will get there one way or another, which route do you take?
My favorite aspect of this card is the planetary symbols on the hilt of the swords. The Sun is being represented on the center sword hilt while the Moon looms at the tip. Each of the planets on the 6 swords represents a discouraging thought that hinders you from moving forward or taking action:
Neptune: Indecisiveness due to feeling unclear
Venus: Too good to be true
Mars: Zero motivation, letting in ridiculous excuses
Jupiter: Being overwhelmed
Mercury: Confusion on how to explain
Saturn: Meh, it’s too much work - not worth doing
Based on all of that, it might give you a better idea of what I mean when I say you can be a thief of your own thoughts. I’m pretty sure I’ve fallen trap to many of these, if not all.
In a reading, I look at the cards surrounding the 7 of Swords to give me a better idea of what might be going on. This card could also be something simple as meaning broken communication (based on the broken center sword) or being stuck in a lie (swords blocking).
How do you read the 7 of Swords? No wrong answers, share below in the comments!
“The trick - there is always a trick - is to learn to use its machinations to your advantage.” - 36 Secrets (pg. 245)
[Dates]
• Starts: February 8/9
• Ends: February 17/18
[Astrological Information]
• Decan: Aquarius lll • 20° to 30°
• Decan Ruler: Moon
• Major Arcana: The High Priestess (Moon) + The Star (Aquarius)
[Qabalah Information]
• Formula: 7 (Netzach) of Swords (Yetzirah) + Moon in Aquarius = Futility
• Prince Scale for Netzach: Bright Yellow Green
• Four Scales for Moon: Blue, Silver, Cold Pale Blue, Silver rayed Sky Blue
• Four Scales for Aquarius: Violet, Sky Blue, Bluish Mauve, White tinged Purple
Decks Shown:
Crowley-Harris Thoth Tarot
Tabula Mundi
Dark Exact Tarot
Book:
36 Secrets: A Decanic Journey through the Minor Arcana of the Tarot by T. Susan Chang
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