Five of Swords
The Five of Swords describes the balance between striking and holding back, symbolized by a sword thrower skilled in missing his target. It notes the thrill and slight addiction of the spectacle and the responsibility of the thrower to remain level-headed. As a challenge, the card warns against showing off or acting on ego-driven impulses that could cause harm and regrets. It urges restraint, focus on larger goals, and a pause before acting.
Keywords
Ally
Knowing how to miss your mark is just as important as knowing how to hit it. There are times when you want to show you mean business without causing harm. Then there are other times when that sword is going to draw blood. Lessons are all taught differently. Our sword thrower is skilled in missing his target. Not slicing the performer pinned to the wheel is what the show is all about, but that doesn't mean it is without tension, excitement, and expectancy. There is a thrill to this act, which keeps people coming back. It is a thrill that creates a feeling, which is slightly addictive. The person who needs to understand the power of this addiction is the person throwing the swords, for they are the ones who need to keep a level head and to keep missing the mark.
Challenger
It may be tempting to show off and to draw blood just because you can. Maybe caution isn't what you are going for right now, even though that is exactly how you should proceed, carefully. Now more than ever you need to get control of your mind. Stay focused on the larger goal, and don't allow the needs of the ego to run over the desires of the soul. Before you do something you may end up regretting, take a moment and pause.
Visual Description
A large golden circular stage or medallion fills the center of the image, decorated with petal-like motifs. A small jester-like figure stands with arms outstretched in the middle of the circle while a trapeze artist in blue is captured mid-swing, legs extended and body angled across the foreground. Thin ropes attach to the trapeze and cut diagonally across the scene, and ghostly sword-shaped silhouettes appear to fall or glide around the circle. Deep purple curtains and a fringe of stars form the backdrop, and a red scroll at the bottom reads “FIVE OF SWORDS.”
Cirque du Tarot
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