Page of Swords

Upright meaning

Watchfulness, questioning, and an alert mind. Useful curiosity can turn into suspicion without enough evidence.

Something to consider

Ask the question you have been circling around. Check the answer carefully without turning every uncertainty into a reason to stay on alert.

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Historical texts

Waite: the card

A lithe, active figure holds a sword upright in both hands, while in the act of swift walking. He is passing over rugged land, and about his way the clouds are collocated wildly. He is alert and lithe, looking this way and that, as if an expected enemy might appear at any moment.

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

Waite: divinatory meaning

Authority, overseeing, secret service, vigilance, spying, examination, and the qualities thereto belonging.

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

Waite: reversed

More evil side of these qualities; what is unforeseen, unprepared state; sickness is also intimated.

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

Mathers: meaning

53. Knave of Swords.-A Spy, Overlooking, Authority; R. That which is unforeseen, Vigilance, Support.

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