Intellect without humanity breeds cruelty. With the current state of the world, I can imagine we’re all feeling the effects of this very concept.
Let’s see what the Nine of Swords has to say about this energy, and what can be done to remedy it.
Terminology:
Decan: A 10-degree section of an astrological chart
Domicile: Place in the zodiac where the planet is ‘home’
Detriment: Opposing sign to the ruler (domicile); uncomfortable energy
Exaltation: where a planet functions at its strongest
Fall: opposing sign to the exaltation; weakest positioning
Femininity: passive, receptive, still energy
Masculinity: active, action-oriented energy
This is the Tarot deck I’ve used for many years.
This week, we are looking into the second decan of Gemini, ruled by Mars and the Nine of Swords.
Last week, we were introduced to Gemini through the Jupiter’s lens, challenging us to stop making a big deal of the little things (shout out to Beyoncé, lol) and remember the goals we set in place. Now that Mars has taken over, we see the progression of that energy into something more primitive that now has us in a state of suffering.
What we have here is the Seeker who appears to be troubled. He is clothed in white covered by a blanket patterned with roses and various astrological symbols. Carved into the bed is an image of fencers with a clear victor. In the dark background, there are nine swords seemingly mounted on a wall with the tips out of view.
What It Means
The Nine of Swords is the carry over of the energy we experienced in the Eight of Swords, where the less significant becomes greater than need be. Those little things have now become so much more significant to the point where it’s all the Seeker sees.
See how the eyes are still covered from the Eight of Wands? From the cloth to the hands, it’s as if the Seeker doesn’t want to see. Mars is doing its best to sever and separate the Seeker from their vision (Aries, Mars-ruled, rules the eyes…seems like a fitting connection here). If those lessons aren’t learned, we find ourselves feeling isolated from our connection to God/Source/Spirit.
The Seeker’s is troubled with grief, suffering to the point where it keeps them up at night. They feel a sense of shame or guilt, leading one to believe they assumed more responsibility over what was lost than they should. The remaining clues in the card tell supports this theory.
Take a look at the blanket. If you remember rose symbolism from Taurus season, this symbolizes the mysteries of the realms. When you pair that with the astrological symbols on the blanket, it’s pointing to external forces being at play more than the Seeker may realize.
Blankets typically bring a sense of comfort or security, but the Seeker doesn’t see it that way. Where they once may have felt safe in knowing there’s more beyond the human experience, that feeling has been replaced by the limitations our grief sometimes meets us with when we’re suffering.
Thoth Tarot Integration
Crowley names this card “Cruelty”, where he describes the progression of the Swords suit as consciousness unenlightened by reason. What we have in this card is nine jagged swords dripping poisoned blood. In the background are tear droplets and shapes of crystal formations.
The blood here represents life itself. Swords are meant to pierce or cut, but when that sword is damaged, that cut isn’t as clean. So is our intellect. When we don’t sharpen or shape our intellect or our mentality by way of inner knowing, the sword becomes dull and damaged causing more harm than need be. Sloppy, yes, but damaging nonetheless.
Tears are mostly salt and water. When that water (Spirit, life force, etc.) dries out, we’re left with the crystals. It’s like drinking ocean water expecting to feel hydrated. Without that life force, we’re left with a life that can no longer sustain itself.
Being that Tarot is the culmination of esoterics, we learn through the Swords that enlightenment does not come solely through study. Intellect without humanity breeds cruelty. The remedy? I believe the Ten of Swords we’re looking into in the following article will enlighten us a bit more on that.
Final Thoughts
The Nine of Swords energy can be a bit unsettling if it ever comes up for you in a reading. The silver lining here is found when you uncover your eyes. Grant yourself permission to see beyond your purview and come back home to self. As the saying goes, “a wise man knows he knows nothing.” You’re made of the same material as the Universe, itself. Why not look around? Hope this helps.
With love,
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