Throwing Light on The Three of Swords

What's a lightworker to do when faced with the Three of Swords in a reading? :O

It came up this week in the Weekly Reading and so I got to thinking about how it can make us a little freaked out.

Death, the Tower and this guy are probably the last cards I want to see in a reading, honestly.

But I do really think people freak out way more about the Three of Swords than they need to. 

I'll admit, three swords sticking through a heart does look pretty bad. But let's throw some light on this heart-breaker and have a look at what else this card can mean when it gets turned over in your reading. #NoMoreFreakOuts! x

Healing

One of my favourite ways to look at this card is that it's about healing.

I read reversals and so reversed it's even more healing - the swords are coming out! Wheee!

But even upright there is a lot of healing energy in this card.

You've been hurt, we can see that. But ask any human being on the planet if they've ever been hurt and guess what? We've all had a few (or more!) Three of Swords moments in our lives.

Not everyone opens up their heart to healing however, but you will, and you'll be back to yourself in no time because of it. 

Let your heart take some time for healing.

It's a great excuse to watch a lot of Adam Sandler rom coms and eat stupid amounts of ice-cream. See? Suddenly already not so bad!

Coping

You know how you read those stories about someone who got a metal pole stuck through their body, but they walked around for ages and seemed totally fine (OK, definitely not "fine", but you know, they were able to function) before they got it out?

Seeing the swords in there is almost like hey you, you're actually going through this incredibly difficult thing, but you're sitting here doing a reading, or getting your cards read.

You're totally coping, and that's pretty incredible.

Power + Strength

You've got swords in your heart and you're still getting on with your life.

Holy woah, you're a powerful and strong being!

Honestly, a lot of people are the Nine of Swords at this point.

You're stronger than you think you are you know.

The Three of Swords chic from the Starchild Tarot is totally rocking her own power! x

Feeling your feelings

My good friend Louise Androlia is always talking about how we need to feel our feelings. She's so totally right of course (because she always is).

When you pull the Three of Swords it's totally OK to flip out like - OMG I'm STABBED IN THE HEEEARRRRRT!

Ball your eyes out, throw stuff, get really drunk and do stupid dance moves and flirt with really inappropriate men (don't go  home with them though), go watch Heartland (honestly can't stop obsessing over Heartland #SorryNotSorry) and do whatever else you need to do.

Feel that shit. Really feel it and don't censor your feelings. 

You'll feel so much better when you do. 

Self Love + Self Care

Too often this card isn't about heartbreak at all, but about you not looking after yourself.

Stress, anxiety, guilt, it's not good for your heart honey.

When you see this card take it as a sign to look after yourself and your energy.

Ask yourself when you see it "what do I really need right now?" Make sure you follow the guidance you get. 

Remember treating yourself mean doesn't keep anyone keen. 

Remember what comes next

In numbers, four comes after three, and in Tarot the Four of Swords comes after the Three of Swords.

The Four of Swords is all about taking a rest and chilling out and making time for yourself.

Sleeping in, having a duvet day. Letting go of guilt and remembering you're awesome so it's OK to give yourself a break.

There's no reason at all why you can't start bringing that energy in right now!

This is my favourite Four of Swords AKA Duvet Day from the Russian Tarot of St. Petersburg x

So next time the Three of Swords comes up, instead of freaking out, give yourself a great big hug. Remember you're awesome for getting through your stuff and then reach for the ice-cream, get comfy on the couch and do what you gotta do. 

With love, light and heart healing vibes!

Vix

x

WTF Court Cards: Queen Elizabeth II - Queen of Swords

See? I told you I'd keep working on the WTF Court Cards series! Why WTF Court Cards? Well, because when you learn tarot and first ask questions like "will I get the job?" and you pull the Queen of Swords it's like -" WTF Court Cards?!" Why couldn't I just pull a nice Ace of Pentacles or something?! Argh! It's enough to make even the most psychically gifted gal to go running to back to her magic 8 ball. I love magic 8 balls. I wonder if I can get one on Amazon...

Today in Pop Culture Tarot Queen Elizabeth II stars as the Queen of Swords!

WTF? You may be asking. How can Queen Elizabeth II an actual Queen represent a Queen in the tarot, because aren't all the Queens a Queen?! Good question. But no, not all Queens are created equal. Some are emotional wrecks, some are fiery war mongers while others prefer to sit on their thrones quietly and run the lands 'properly'. Liz is one of those ones. She doesn't dash about in her pants, take centre stage like Beyonce or pick up a wand first chance she gets to go into battle. Oh no, this queen rules using her intellect and logic - you know, the whole 'swords thing'.

Now love her or loathe her (I happen to love her), you have to admit Queen Liz has pretty much never put a foot wrong in her fifty-something years on the throne. I mean seriously, do you think the other queens would last that long without messing up or causing a scene or going losing it over the costumes for the 44th world tour? Lizzie stays level headed in all types of crises and always puts her people above all. As Queen, her job is simple - look after your subjects. Do the best thing for them and their country, even if they think it sucks at the time. She's like the dedicated teacher who spends hours planning so she can give you loads of extra homework and you get totally pissed, but then realise later that actually, you learnt a hell of a lot in that class. 

Swords people aren't really into affection and they definitely aren't huggers. I mean hugging is just so - emotional, ick! Only super emo people hug. How about holding hands or kissing your hubby when out and about? Maybe a couple of times every 100 years or so. If Queen Elizabeth doesn't hug you back, it's not because she doesn't like you, it's just that one must stay professional and regal at all times and never show weakness. Affection is for weaklings! I don't need a hug! I'm the Queen of England! I don't even hug my baby, we just shake hands!

She doesn't even give Prince Harry a cuddle, although he's always being naughty so maybe you can kind of understand it, but he's just soooo hugable am I right girls, am I right? I mean come on, you must have a heart of steel to resist pinching these cheeks...

Sorry where were we? Oh yes, so she's quite steely really, and she totally believes in honour and tradition. She goes to church and does all the other weird things that you are 'supposed' to do if you are Queen. While other members of the monarchy are rocking a hipster chilled out approach to being royal, Liz sticks with the tried and true. You'd never see her in a tabloid, dancing naked on a table or dressing up in a highly inappropriate costume for Halloween. It just isn't done! But she doesn't make a fuss (at least not in public!) about other members of the royal family doing their do, and for that we give her clicks!

The Queen of Swords is known for ability to give brilliant advice. She knows a hell of a lot and has seen enough to know what works, what doesn't work, what's going to get you where you want to go, and what's going to hold you back. But her advice will always be somewhat 'sensible'. If you ask her about whether you should get a real job or blow all your cash backpacking through the UK she's probably going to tell you to get a real job. But sometimes you need that person in your life, to tell you what's sensible, what's a 'good idea' and what's the 'right' thing to do for the greatest good, for others and for yourself. Although she may seem to lack any kind of emotional bone in her body, she really does look out for everyone else over herself. I mean come on, she's spent over 50 years as Queen. She's followed the rules, toed the line and has she ever complained about it? Don't think so. She's got on with it, for the benefit of everyone, and she'll encourage you to do the same.

Upright you can trust her completely and tell her everything. Reversed though this woman can be seriously manipulative and weave a web of lies that is so well thought out it's almost impossible to really catch her out. She can be truly heartless and ice cold, sharp and cutting with her words and basically just really, really mean.

Queen of Swords/Queen Elizabeth II Cheat Sheet:

<3 steely <3 logical <3 clever <3 intelligent <3 not affectionate <3 awesome ruler <3 likes tradition <3 honour <3 cold <3 icy <3 manipulative <3 calculating  <3 advice <3 professional <3 regal <3 devoted <3 sensible <3 knowledgeable <3 good at speeches <3 leader <3 ruler

So now the big question - how does this all help you in your readings? Perhaps this card can represent someone that you know, or an aspect of yourself, or the person you are reading for. It can mean you are being too logical and not thinking with your heart enough, or it could be that you should get into counselling, after all, counsellors have to have an element of the Queen of Swords within them. You can't be in a counselling session with crazy passionate opinions or balling your eyes out! When asking about a relationship - perhaps you need to be more affectionate. Asking about a job - stay professional and show your true leadership abilities! What about pulling the Queen reversed when asking if you should buy that round the world ticket - hmmm, might not be the most 'sensible' thing to do right now... but of course you are welcome to use your free will and go anyway!

Whenever you are feeling too emo or scattered try channelling your inner Queen of Swords and see if she can bring you back into your body and your brain and start making good solid choices again. After all, not every decision in life should be made with the fiery passion of the Wands or the heart-felt Cups. Sometimes we all need a little Swords energy around us to get things into perspective and use some logic occasionally!

Can you think of anyone in your own life or any other pop culture persons who are also Queen of Swords types? I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas, please come on over to Facebook and say Hi!

<3 Love, light and logical decisions <3

Vix