Swords and Embroidery

The card of the day was the Page of Swords Reversed.

A lot of newbies — and some old-timers — get stumped when they run across court cards. One way of interpreting them is to think of them as a third-party interjecting themselves between the reader the questioner. Put another way, we could stop and say “this young person has something they want to say” and then allow them to speak.

So what would our upside down Page tell us?

I want to make a good impression and therefore I am quick to offer my opinions, but be warned as I may not have the experience or knowledge required to offer good ones. In my lack, but wishing to still look good, I may embroider the truth. Needles are kind of sword, aren’t they? So let me apologize in advance if my embellishments and pretending to be someone I am not cause you any trouble.

Ornamentation can be function as well as beautiful. A needle pulling thread through fabric can sew pieces together, mend a tear, patch a hole; but then the ornamentation should be honest with its intentions. Look! I am made whole again! It should not be used to hide shoddy work, or worse cover up an existing problem.

So when you run across the Page of Swords, Reversed, ask of yourself and others:

• Is this description of events an honest recounting of events?
• Do I know what I am talking about or do I need to do some research first?
• Am I feeling the Impostor Syndrome?
• What else do I need to do to prepare myself?
• Is now the time to admit “I don’t know?”