Card 53 • swords

Four of Swords

Brief Description

The Four of Swords represents a period of rest and recovery after a time of challenge, with the promise of more action to come, urging the necessity of mental peace and the adaptation to change. It signifies stabilizing thoughts and embracing evolution in ideas, suggesting that although our beliefs and thoughts may be challenged, it's essential to adapt and evolve. Trusting the inner voice and adapting to the new realities with all defenses ready is crucial.

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No 'Happily Ever After'

The number four stands for stability, and swords are the suit of intellect. This represents the calm and stillness we relish when our mind is balanced. However, just like water's surface that's destined to be disturbed by wind, the mind—a stream of thoughts, recognitions, logical conclusions, and new information—is prone to upheaval.

The Scene

A woman sleeps... or does she? A man with villain's gloves approaches her bed, with three swords ominously hovering over his head. The woman firmly holds the fourth sword. What happens when an idea you nurtured, loved, and believed in fails to work? How do you adapt when stability is threatened? Can you face the truth head-on? Old ideas die, and new ones must replace them. This is the essence of evolution. All means of defense are at your disposal. The strength to adapt will find you once your mind is properly tuned. Trust your inner voice. Listen to those who whisper the truth to you. Know what you know. Respond accordingly. Sleep soundly.

MEANING

A need for fresh stories, narratives, and unique ideas. Balanced, logical thoughts. Rest with a plan of action in place. Once a task is accomplished, something happens that opens new and interesting paths for you. Believe what you know, not what you see.

SHADOW

What happens when we realize that our most solid beliefs have lost all meaning? Will you cling to an outdated worldview because it's comfortable, or will you take all available tools and boldly move into a future of your own making? Many ideas we've absorbed were only right for past generations with their specific needs and circumstances. An evolving consciousness opens up new perspectives. What do you still believe in? What needs to change?

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✍️ Deck author(s): Sasha Graham, Abigail Larson (Art)

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All card images and descriptions are taken from public sources. They are used for review purposes only. All rights to these images and descriptions belong to their creators. If you believe there is a copyright infringement, please contact us at [email protected].