X of Swords

The Final Blow

After succumbing to the harshness of reality, hope for a new beginning still lingers. There’s no where to go from the bottom but up.

The X of Swords is symbolic of a logical end. In the Hermetic Tarot it is known as the “Lord of Ruin.” A crumpled figure kneels at the bottom with nine swords in their back representing circumstances outside of their control, and one through their gut by their own hand representing martyrdom and their own involvement in their inevitable suffering. However, the setting is beautiful and serene, a reminder that everything will be OK again.

This card oversees the third decan of Gemini and is ruled by the Sun.

In a reading, this card may reflect a time of devastating change in your life. The rug has been pulled out from your feet and you’ve hit rock bottom. This could be due to a betrayal, a lost opportunity, or bad news. You may feel compelled towards self pity or victimization, but take comfort in the fact that there is nowhere to go but up from here. Find the purpose in your pain. What lesson can be learned?

The reversed may indicate that your suffering is near an end and you’re ready to heal. It’s a reminder not to dwell on past trauma and accept inevitable change. The more you resist the harder it will be to heal. Let go of what isn’t serving you to move on to better things.