Ten of Swords
The Ten of Swords symbolizes a catastrophic end, betrayal, and extreme emotional or physical pain that leaves one feeling utterly defeated. It warns of disaster, backstabbing, and the need for immediate, major positive change or heightened caution to avoid further harm. Reversed, the card indicates that disaster can be averted through swift corrective action, breaking harmful alliances, or curbing risky behavior, and it can signal narrowly escaping defeat. In magickal contexts it can be used to hasten karmic retribution or, when reversed, for curse-breaking and healing of emotional and physical wounds.
Keywords
Description
An accident; a tragedy; bad karma catches up; disaster; revenge or the desire for revenge; betrayal; backstabbing behavior; a king is overthrown; physical injury; intense emotional pain; pain that has left one feeling utterly broken and defeated; extreme sorrow; having one's friends and allies turn against them; a serious warning that great caution and watchfulness is needed; digging one's own grave; a major positive change is required in order to avoid disaster; intense pain and suffering; cursing and other forms of magickal attack; being pinned down and trapped by feelings of hurt that past or present loved ones have inflicted upon one; being selected and picked up for a new contract or other opportunity, but this symbolism is indicated only rarely and when surrounding cards support this interpretation.
Reversed
Danger and disaster will be averted only if caution is exercised and changes are made immediately; outwitting one's foes to escape defeat; guilt over one's own unsavory actions; having an ethical or moral aversion; narrowly escaping disaster; risky behaviors must be curbed; unsavory alliances must be broken; an attempt to seek revenge will bring disaster and should be abandoned; a temporary triumph in a situation that should be avoided altogether.
Magickal Uses
Use in spells to cause a person's karma to swiftly catch up with them, or for extra power when putting an end to an extremely baneful, destructive, dangerous, or threatening force. Reversed, use in curse-breaking magick and to lift the hurt of past betrayal and other emotional wounds. Also useful in the reversed position for healing charms intended to lessen or remove physical pain.
Visual Description
A man lies face down in the snow with ten swords thrust into his back. His crown has slipped forward over his head, and one sword lies in his outstretched hand on the ground. Two wolves or large dogs sniff around the fallen figure while snowflakes fall and craggy mountains rise in the background. The scene is cold, still, and final, with the muted palette of winter dominating the tableau.
Modern Spellcasters tarot
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