The Meaning of
the "Page of Swords" Tarot Card
Tarot Quick Info
What is the inverted meaning of
the "Page of Swords"?
The Meaning of
Tarot Card
The Symbolism of the Page of Swords
On the Page of Swords tarot card, a young man stands outdoors holding his sword in the air. His touseled hair, and the direction he is leaning suggest that a strong wind is blowing.
As with the other court cards in the Suit of Swords, most of the background is taken up with clouds and sky. This emphasis on sky reinforces the association of the Swords suit with the element of Air — as do the birds overhead.
Beneath the Page's feet, we see bright green fields, symbolizing fertility and fresh ideas. Before him lie mountains, symbolizing challenges. The low-lying position of the mountains suggests these challenges are not daunting for the Page.
...the Page is not looking at the challenges before him, but off into the distance in the opposite direction
The most interesting visual aspect of the card is that the Page is not looking at the challenges before him, but off into the distance in the opposite direction.
As with all the cards in the Suit of Swords, the direction of the swords indicates a strong positive or negative meaning to the card. In this case, the upward direction in which the Page's sword is pointing symbolizes positivity and forward motion.
How to Interpret the Page of Swords
As with all of the court cards in the tarot deck, the Page of Swords may represent an actual person.
The Page of Swords is characterized by endearing enthusiasm and enduring energy.
The Page of Swords is characterized by endearing enthusiasm and enduring energy. He's always rearing to go with new plans and projects. His energy can be infectious, and his ability to jump from one project to another is remarkable.
When the Page of Swords isn't referencing a specific person, the card represents similar ideals to the Page himself: Energy, enthusiasm and a boundless passion for new things.
The Suit of Swords is associated with the mind and cognitive ability, so new ideas represented by the Page are often interesting and appeal to the intellect.
If the Page of Swords appears in a reading it's a positive sign for new projects, new relationships and new channels of communication. New strategies and new opportunities may also be referenced here.
Keep in mind however, that the Page might be looking over his shoulder too much and not concentrating as much as he should on the projects before him. All that enthusiasm can sometimes mean a lack of consistency.
Generally speaking, the Page of Swords is a very positive card. It also carries overtones of travel, clear communication, honesty, outdoor activities and creative ability.
The Page of Swords Inverted
The reversed Page of Swords, like the upright position, may represent a real person in your readings. And like the upright position, the reversed Page of Swords also references someone with talent and enthusiasm — unfortunately that enthusiasm ends up unfocused and scattered.
We've all known people like the reversed Page of Swords represents: They're incapable of making decisions. They're constantly changing their minds, and they swith back and forth between options in an endless cycle of indecision.
There's a decision somewhere that's just not getting the clean, clear answer it deserves.
When the Page of Swords isn't representing a person, it generally represents a similar dilemma: There's a decision somewhere that's just not getting the clean, clear answer it deserves.
Another common trait of the Page of Pentacles is that his decisions are overly influenced by others. In an effort to make everyone around him happy, he ends up having no direction of his own. His own goals take a back seat to external influences.
When the Page of Pentacles appears in an inversed position, it's often a gentle reminder that someone needs to make a clear, clean and personal decision that comes from the heart.
Don't dally, and don't let other agendas cloud inner judgement.
Common Symbols Found On the Page of Swords Card
Tarot cards often use a language of symbols to communicate hints about the cards. The Page of Swords includes at least five well-known, repeating Tarot symbols. Each of these symbols can add greater levels of meaning to the card.
The symbols which appear on the Page of Swords card are:
Birds
Birds symbolism appears on the Page of Swords card:
Birds shown on Tarot cards generally fall into one of two distinct groups: Birds that are identifiable (like doves, ibis birds, etc.) and flocks of tiny, unidentifiable birds which are shown flying far away in the distance. All the court cards in the Suit of Swords depict the latter. These tiny birds serve as a reminder that the Swords suit is bound to the primary element of Air. While each of the identifiable birds, has its own unique interpretation, birds in general all represent freedom — both a psychological freedom, and freedom from physical restraint.
Green Fields
Green fields symbolism appears on the Page of Swords card:
Green fields in Rider-Waite Tarot symbolism typically indicate possibility, financial wellbeing, wholesomeness and health. While green fields are usually linked to positivity, they are sometimes included on cards which have an overall negative message to show a contrast between negative and positive themes — in the background and foreground of the card.
NOTE: The distinctive green fields in the Page of Swords card are visually distinct from other green fields in the Rider Waite Tarot: These swirling fields are drawn fluidly. They seem to be filled with a uncontrolled, positive energy. The seeming chaos of these fields reminds us of the confidence and surefootedness of the young Page — and also suggests a swirling mix of dynamism and growth.
Mountains
Mountains symbolism appears on the Page of Swords card:
Mountains in the background are some of the most common symbols which appear in the Tarot. In most cases, mountains mean trials which must be passed, and hurdles which must be overcome. Depending on the specific Tarot card, these challenges may either reference future issues which wait along the current path, or they may remind us of past challenges and hardships which have already been encountered prior to arriving at the current state of things.
Trees
Trees symbolism appears on the Page of Swords card:
In most cases, trees accentuate a connection to natural forces and the natural world. Trees are one of the most widely used symbols in the well-known Rider-Waite tarot imagery. The specific meaning of any tree varies depending on the specific Tarot card it appears on.
Uneven Ground
Uneven ground symbolism appears on the Page of Swords card:
Uneven, rocky terrain in Tarot symbolism, represents a place or time of uncertainty and instability and the possibility of mistakes. Uneven ground may also suggest the potential for a shift in fortunes, or for the unexpected to occur. When uneven terrain appears on a Tarot card, it may suggest that a heightened sense of awareness is recommended because potential pitfalls may be nearby — and the possibility for injury or loss is everywhere.
NOTE: Beneath the feet of the The Page of Swords is uneven ground which looks healthy and lush. The symbolism here is that even though chaotic change or random events abound, wherever the Page lands, his skill and effortless balance will land him in a positive place.
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