Ace of Swords

Upright meaning

A moment of mental clarity. A truth, decision, or direct conversation cuts through confusion.

Something to consider

A clear sentence may cut through a lot of confusion. Write down what you know, what you need to ask, and what you are ready to say.

What is on your mind? Begin a reading →

Historical texts

Waite: the card

A hand issues from a cloud, grasping a sword, the point of which is encircled by a crown.

Source: The Pictorial Key to the Tarot — A. E. Waite (1922) · Public domain

Waite: divinatory meaning

Triumph, the excessive degree in everything, conquest, triumph of force. It is a card of great force, in love as well as in hatred. The crown may carry a much higher significance than comes usually within the sphere of fortune-telling.

Source: The Pictorial Key to the Tarot — A. E. Waite (1922) · Public domain

Waite: reversed

The same, but the results are disastrous; another account says—conception, childbirth, augmentation, multiplicity.

Source: The Pictorial Key to the Tarot — A. E. Waite (1922) · Public domain

Mathers: meaning

63. Ace of Swords.-Triumph, Fecundity, Fertility, Prosperity; R. Embarrassment, Foolish and Hopeless Love, Obstacle, Hindrance.

Source: The Tarot: Its Occult Signification, Use in Fortune-Telling, and Method of Play — S. L. MacGregor Mathers (1888) · Public domain