Ace of Swords
„transcending borders in a fruitful endeavor“
symbols: birth and renewal, bright and active choices, awareness
expression: Kether through Yetzirah
element: air
The flaming sword on this card pierces through the spheres. The veils open up and its tip cracks open a crowned egg.
The veils are not cut but slip aside to open the way. This means, that the sword is not a weapon which brings harm, but an instrument, which fulfils its purpose. It’s the sword, which represents the dignity of the chosen king in the tale of king Arthur. There, it is as much a symbol of hope, as it represents the ability to assert ourselves against the inner blockades and bring forth an outcome.
However, it is important, that this opening of the veils shall not be forced, neither by the own mind, nor by action.
It may be possible to violate all borders and reach the goal anyway. But in this case, the result would be tainted by this act of malpractice and would surely have dire consequences.
If the veils will not open, or the obstacles won’t resolve themselves at first try, it can be helpful to take a step back. Everything should go easy at this point or it is a sign, that the direction of the path should may be altered and rectified.
The word „easy“ means not, that we can relax and watch the plot to resolve on its own in a positive way. Quite the contrary is the case. The sword need to be actively mastered and lead into the right direction.
The term „TAT SAT AUM“, engraved on the handle is a hinduistic mantra of the highest order and means (in short) „All that is“. The action taken should lead to unity, salvation and the realization of a greater connectivity with the „all“. This gives us the idea, that the endeavor shall be productive, fruitful and what is considered to be „the highest good“ from our own perspective. Since there is no ultimate good thing, this can only count for the intentions, never as a term, describing the action itself.
The „G“ within a pentagram is the letter for „Gnosis“, which should reinforce the notion of transcending our borders. The pentagram emblematizes the true and righteous will, which engages in our endeavor.
The orphic egg in the upper part of the card is crowned and a symbol for birth and renewal. A thought or plot is ready to be released into the world.
The borders, represented by the black and white circles, are reality itself. Sometimes it is necessary to materialize the own truth, even if the borders of reality seem to be in the way. „Against all odds“, true will is able to write the story in a new way. Mostly quite better, then passively bear the weight of the illusion, which is called actuality.
However, the base of the endeavor must be solid, like the lower part of the card. Nothing can grow from floating around in the air – the earth must already to be fertile to bear fruits.
The serpents, which support the handle are shaped as a circle and as an infinity symbol. This means, that the spirit of knowledge, truth and the cycles of life are aligned with the will to change – now is the right time to do, what must be done. The way up to the egg is guarded by two cherubim and the flaming sword: „… and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life“. Gen 3.24.
In a kabbalistic context, they represent the guardians and trials, which have to be passed (within), before reaching a further step to enlightenment.
Even if these trials of the cherubim are passed, there is still the test of „mind“ or the sword. Whatever that means in practical work is for everyone on his own to interpret, since this part of the path is a very personal and solitary one.
The blade is decorated by the double helix of the DNA. In the lower part it wiggles in the right shape, while in the upper part it starts to align symmetrical and then dissolves completely. These three stages can be described as 1, being in unity with the laws of the physical world -> 2, inner balance and transcending the laws which bind the will -> 3, dissolving into a stream of alignment with the cosmos. In this stage, the inner will corresponds with the will of the universe and „all is one“. The spiritual challenge of this card is, to may become able to be an instrument of the „whole“, if the conditions allow this to happen.
