By Katrina Rasbold
“Tarot Talk” is a once-a-week reading with a deep exploration of the card we pull. What are some aspects of the card (as per the original Pamela Colman Smith artwork) that add extra dimensions to the interpretation? How does that tell us what to focus on in the coming week? This week’s card is…
THE PAGE OF SWORDS
Pages in the court cards of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck are always depicted youths holding a representation of their suit. In this case, a young person who is not gender defined holds a sword upright as if to swing it. They have a determined look on their face and the clouds and birds in the background gives us a feeling of the winds of change blowing. We also see a tree in the distant background with an impression of it blowing in the wind and the small amount of water in the lower right of the card shows us choppy waves while the figure stsands on solid ground.
A Deeper Look:
Pamela Colman Smith conveys a sense of motion with this card so that you can very nearly feel the wind on your face as you look at it. The figure wears red boots, so they are passionate about their path and where it takes them. They stand on one foot with the right foot slightly lifted. This could be part of their strike as they swing the sword or further testimony to the message of movement this image conveys. It is a lovely day in the picture shown, but it is also a day of change and movement.
Each of the four pages brings us a message, because that is what pages do. The message is relative to their suit and in this case, the page brings a message of action, change, and forward motion. Life goes on, with or without us. If we stand and draw our sword or sit down and refuse to move, the wind continues to move around us, changing the landscape in subtle or profound ways depending on the strength of the wind.
Because the figure is young and presumably inexperienced, we can also surpise that we do not require refined or intense resistance to the change. We only must stand ready to move with the wind of necessary and have it at our backs instead of facing into it, slowing our journey.
What to Focus On This Week:
Pay attention to which way the wind is blowing, metaphorically speaking. Work with the prevailing influences instead of against them. Pay attention to messages you receive through any means because they bring news of quick change. The change will happen with or without you. This card gives you the heads up that if you read the situation correctly, you can use the change to your advantage.
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Katrina Rasbold is a professional Witch, published author, priestess, and editor of Green Egg Magazine. She and her husband, Eric, are the creators of the CUSP spiritual path and owners of Crossroads Occult. She is the author of Tarot For Real People. You can reach her through www.katrinarasbold.com.