This card speaks to beginnings that feel urgent and alive. P.E.N.S.I. frames it as the first pulse of energy that asks for action, even before a full plan exists.

Ace of Swords, 1st Layer of Context: Position

As usual, we’re not into a tarot spread yet, but position is the first layer of context in P.E.N.S.I. Depending on the designated position of the spread, the Ace of Swords can take on many nuances. Past, present or future for example. The ace of swords could land in “what one hopes to achieve” or “the back of mind”. It could also land in “the view of others” or as a “crossing card.”

Once I have covered all the cards, I will start covering tarot spreads.

2nd Layer of Context: Element is Air

If you recall from the first P.E.N.S.I. lesson, air rules thought, speech and judgement. It’s what I call morals, scruples, truths and the headaches that always come with it. As soon as you speak your truth, there will be friction, even if it’s light. Light is good, but sometimes that friction is heavy too.

3rd Layer of Context for Ace of Swords: Numerology of One

If you recall from the first P.E.N.S.I. lesson, one is a start, a new or fresh start. In the reverse, it can also mean a dire need for fresh start. One is an inkling, the inception or beginning. Aces are up-rushing energy and desire. One is origin and It marks the first clear idea.

Fourth Layer of Context: Symbolism

A mysterious hand presents a single sword, raised and circled with a crown. The colors of the card and background are somber, as if to say; take it serious. Hanging on the crown are olive branches (huge magical history) for peace. But also palm branches, and a symbol of victory.

For most of us in this day and age, that would be hard to tell, granted. But there it is. And, the crown the branches hang from points to victory gained through clear, honest thought and self-control. Conversely, it is also a warning that this force can turn cutting or divisive when used without care.

The crown is seen as an invite to higher-thinking, a call to a higher state. Embracing personal truth leads to a greater connection to divinity.

Fifth Layer of Context: Intuition

Now, putting all the other P.E.N.S.I. layers together in a reading, you will surprise yourself with what you know. I consider the situation my tarot client is in, and apply it of course. Often, I know they have some personal truth that wants to come out. I tell them to approach speaking about it with some grace and forethought. Not every audience will appreciate your personal truth.

But I also know, based on the other P.E.N.S.I. layers, it is time for action, I tell my clients to strap in, buckle down and make it happen. Now is the time. And, it is amazing when you put the layers together in a reading the specifics that will come to you.

Ace of Swords: Reversed Meaning

Reversed, the Ace of Swords shows mental fog or misused words. Truth is present, but it is bent or avoided. Often, a person lacks the courage to stand up for or let their truth be known. Sometimes, the client is giving into pressure, and stifling their truth in order to get along.

That’s not healthy either.

Sometimes the client is enduring cruelty or injustice or inflicting it. Again, consider the other layers of P.E.N.S.I. to get rich context in a meaning.

Sympathetic Decks

Most decks have very similar images compared to the Rider-Waite-Smith era cards. Today’s decks also have their own nuances. In my Witches’ Tarot by Ellen Dugan, the crown and branches are replaced with a hawk.. A sign, an invitation to higher thinking and being. The Starman Tarot and Deviant moon tarot decks have very different ace of swords symbolism and images.

The all do seem to stay on point and relative with this theme.

Correspondences

• Planet: None (Root Power of Air)
• Sign: Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)
• Element: Air
• Number: Potential
• Golden Dawn: Root of the Powers of Air

Tarot Spell: Upright Ace of Swords

Place the Ace of Swords on your altar. Light a white candle above it. Hold a pen or small blade in your hand. State one truth you need to face. Write it once on paper. Sit with the card until the words feel settled. End by folding the paper and placing it under the card.

Tarot Spell — Reversed Ace of Swords

Lay the Ace of Swords reversed on your altar. Place a gray candle beside it. Sit quietly and name where confusion lives. Turn the card upright when ready. Light the candle and speak one clear sentence you have avoided. Let the candle burn down safely. Remove the paper when done.

Final Note

The Ace of Swords does not soften truth. It clears the air so the path can be seen. Stand up, act, embrace your personal truth in a positive way and make it happen.

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In this card, working through P.E.N.S.I. reminds us that conflict often leaves imbalance behind. Thought may win, but harmony does not. The wisdom of the Five of Swords lies in understanding the difference between being right and being whole, whether upright or reversed.

Five of Swords, 1st Layer of Context: Position

In position, the Five of Swords signals disagreement, tension, or a struggle for dominance. It appears when one side pushes beyond cooperation into personal agenda. This is not resolution, but fracture that still echoes.

2nd Layer of Context: Element of Air

As a card of Air, the Five of Swords works through thought and communication. Words become weapons and ideas become barriers. Air here disrupts rather than clarifies. Remember in P.E.N.S.I. air is thought but also communication. Often it is also the source of struggles with others over morals or personal truth.

3rd Layer of Context for Five of Swords: Numerology of Five

Remember, in P.E.N.S.I., fives are always “sorrow, loss, regret” and the five brings instability and disruption. In the suit of Swords, this disruption comes through disagreement and imbalance. The number shows the breakdown of harmony after a conflict.

If you haven’t read the first P.E.N.S.I. lesson, you should because it will help you makes sense of your fundamental deck (earth, air, fire, and water / pentacles, swords, wands, and cups.)

4th Layer of Context: Symbolism

The standing figure with gathered swords and the departing figures reflect separation. Conflict is technically over but not resolved. Symbols emphasize imbalance, pride, and the emptiness of hollow victory rather than cooperation.

In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, we see a man collecting swords while two figures walk away. The sky is unsettled and the ground bare. The figure holds more swords than needed, suggesting possession rather than purpose. The figures walking away give the impression of some humiliation and embarrassment.

It is as if the struggle mattered more than the outcome itself. The winner stands alone because the price of the win was connection.

Remember swords are a symbol of truth, but also a symbol of struggle.

5th Layer of Context: Intuition

Depending on other cards in a spread, the type of spread and nature of the querant’s needs, this card can take on nuances. However, the basic wisdom remains the same. Consider whether the fight matters. Intuitively, the Five of Swords feels like tension after harsh words. The mind replays events searching for justification rather than peace.

I often know the person I am reading for is holding onto a disagreement longer than necessary. Sometimes they have been right but still unsettled. When it’s not that, they are in a situation where someone insists on winning instead of understanding.

When I am reading and the five of swords presents, I see what feels like public humiliation and embarrassment. Letting go restores balance. Not every battle restores truth and some victories damage relationships. This is your chance to be a good sport, take the high road. Otherwise, they may just sharpen their knives for more.

The reader must also discern, is the client feeling humiliated or embarrassed, or did they humiliate and embarrass someone? I find it’s usually the client feeling humiliated.

For those seeking grounding after conflict, hematite helps settle scattered thought. I have often paired it with smoky quartz to release lingering tension. Chalcedony comes to mind too.

Reversed Meaning

Reversed, the Five of Swords shows reconciliation or the willingness to step away from conflict. Pride softens and communication may repair damage. Avoidance can also appear if the issue remains unspoken. This is more or less the generic-type info out there in internet land. What I see is public humiliation and embarrassment but now holding a grudge.

Sometimes conflict with domineering person,

Sympathetic Decks

Decks with stark emotional imagery emphasize the aftermath of conflict especially well. Remember that all decks are sympathetic their era’s and their creators.

In my Witches’ Tarot by Ellen Dugan, the Five of Swords shows five swords pointing down. The points meet at a dragonfly, a symbol of air. Four fairies representing the four elements fly merrily around the sharp edges. What’s the real danger here? The sharp edges of the swords? Or is it the trickery of the Fae?

Very similar meaning and insights can be deduced from these symbols.

Divination tools and tarot decks.

Correspondences

• Planet: Venus
• Sign: Aquarius
• Element: Air
• Number: Conflict
• Golden Dawn: Lord of Defeat

Tarot Spell: Five of Swords

For this you will need the Five of Swords card, one gray candle, a small piece of paper and a black ink pen. A fire-proof dish helps.

Set the candle above or just behind the card. On the paper, write what conflict you are releasing. Keep it short. One or two sentences is enough. Fold the paper once, then place it beneath the five of swords facing upright.

Light the candle and sit quietly for a few minutes. Do not rehearse arguments. Let the tension settle.

Say: “I release the need to win. I release the need to be right. What is broken may rest. What is strained may end.”

Let the candle burn safely for a short time, then extinguish it. Leave the card and paper together overnight. The next day, finish the candle and burn the paper the next day.

Tarot Spell: Five of Swords (Reversed)

To restore peace after conflict and allow resolution to take place. You will need The Five of Swords card, one white candle, a small piece of paper, a black ink pen and a fire-safe dish.

Place the Five of Swords reversed on your surface. Set the candle above the card. On the paper, write what peace you allow to return. Fold the paper toward you.

Light the candle. Say: “I choose understanding over victory. I allow quiet where conflict stood. Peace returns where pride stood guard.”

Carefully burn the paper in the dish. When it is reduced to ash, turn the card upright. Extinguish the candle. Leave the card upright where you can see it until calm returns naturally.

If you are suffering from a domineering person, perhaps consider making healthy boundaries. Speak your truth.

Final Notes and Conclusion

The Five of Swords teaches that not every victory restores balance. When understood, it encourages discernment about which struggles deserve energy and which should be released.

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We have many Divination Tools; tarot decks, oracle cards, pendulums, crystal balls etc. on our site and in our metaphysical shop, come visit! You can also book an in-store or online tarot reading with me or one of our trusted tarot readers.

Today’s Featured Deck

Murder of Crows Tarot by Corrado Roi. As an omen bringer, messenger, and scavenger, the crow has no master. It brings you the answers you need, although not always what you wanted. This captivating deck by Corrado Roi presents crows in all their gothic glory.

It awakens your soul, bringing enlightenment as well as fear and disquiet.

In striking black and white, this deck is a necessary addition to your collection. 78 Cards with Book.

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I get that, I really do. But loving yourself is more than that. To love yourself, you must be yourself first. Also, recognize you are three parts of being; mind (soul) heart (emotions) and body; your physical being. You must learn to care for all three. But dang, some folks just want to stand in the way of that, don’t they.

Witchcraft, in the hands of someone who doesn’t love themselves can be so destructive. Not just to others, but to oneself as well. There is always creation and destruction, but it’s intent and purpose that matter. When we stop and think about it, there’s almost always a better way. This is a conversation I often have at our metaphysical store, come visit!

Yes, I will provide you some positive self-love affirmations later in this post, and touches on a bit of mirror magic. For now, learn some basic principles about self-love and self-care.

Loving Yourself is Not About Ego

When you start to love yourself, your life starts loving you back. Things start to change. Some religions will teach that self-love is wrong, it’s a sin somehow. Or, in a manipulative fashion, dictate to you how to love yourself according to their rules.

Self-love sure sounds egotistical, but it’s not. The obstacle people face most often is the internal dialogue they have with themselves. That personal, private dialogue affects everything else. It affects your self-esteem, self-respect, confidence. It is often where self-doubt begins, even self-loathing.

I would like to talk to you about the importance of loving yourself, but also the simplest ways to do so. If you want to participate in witchcraft and metaphysical practices, you need to. You need strength, grace, dignity, authenticity too. You need wisdom and access to higher things. None of this is possible until you step onto the path of loving yourself.

I will tell you, you’re being here is not by chance. You are inevitable and had to be. That is an encouraging thought, so smile. You have contributions to make, but also much to enjoy. Sure, there’s upset or pain in life, but it’s meant to be balanced. You’re here reading this because it isn’t. This is meant to help you correct that. When we start living for the good of all, we become successful. It begins with being good to ourselves.

Take responsibility for your choices and actions, you are obligated to. People can choose to be miserable by making certain choices. Conversely, people can choose to be happy by making other choices. Is that always instant? No, but taking responsibility, loving yourself – that’s where it begins. Remember, what you allow is powerful.

Take a Personal Inventory

Get a journal, start writing. For now, it should be for your eyes only. Three topics; mind, heart and body. Use three separate pages, one for each topic, divide each page into two columns. Be truthful here, an important first step. What you are looking for is not just what is incorrect, but what correct looks like to you. You’re not just looking for corrections either, you are looking for what your authentic self looks and feels like.

I can tell you, when you are not your authentic self, your spirit will not rest comfortably or correctly in your body. This manifests all kinds of problems. Debilitating illness or disease, behavioral health issues, relationship problems, financial woes. The list goes on and on.

For the mind, in column one, write about your current state, in the second column what you wish to be. You can use single words up to complete sentences. This exercise helps you realize and perform a self-assessment. Be honest, in column one; are you frazzled, can’t focus, mentally exhausted? In column two, describe what you think looks correct. Focused? Clear? Coherent?

Now do the same with heart and body.

How often you hear the word “should” in life. Aren’t people always telling you what you should or shouldn’t do? That word connotes obligations, expectations, conditions. Often, it’s meant to imply you’re not capable, when you are. There is a correct mode of caring what others think, and an incorrect mode. Try the positive current tense of the word; I shall ____ when you hear “should”.

Do you care so much about what others think that it keeps you from being yourself? That is incorrect. We can temper our words and actions to be accommodating, but we should never sacrifice who we are.

Loving Yourself Correctly

Ask yourself, do you love yourself enough to be good to yourself? Enough to protect yourself from harm? To give yourself enjoyment in life? Enough to pursue your dreams? To allow yourself to be yourself?

I love myself enough to give my mind a break, teach myself new things or dispense with mental chaos as needed. Also, I love myself enough to not let people break my heart, to choose what makes me happy, to chase my dreams. I love myself enough to study nutrition, eat right, exercise and keep up my strength.

These things are necessary for more than just witchcraft, they are necessary for a satisfying life. However, they are necessary for witchcraft to be strong and effective. Three parts of being and we must care for all three, when we don’t – other parts of being suffer. Often, all three parts of being suffer. If it helps, book a tarot reading in-person at our shop or secure online reading. Self love is also self-care, try a relaxing ritual bath for instance.

Wunjo, The Rune of Joy

In the Eldar Futhark runes, the original Norse runes, one is “Wunjo”, we’ll simply call that “joy”. Not happy-happy-joy-joy or that which is brought on by partying. Nor is the kind of joy that comes and goes, but sustainable joy. It’s like having an undercurrent of this energy that sustains you through life. In the old Germanic explanations, you find there are three things necessary for this energy.

1. You must have correct prosperity energy. Prosperity energy is not money, though money is often involved with it. Think of this more like win-win, or the law of reciprocity, give and take, ebb and flow. Something from you and something from them. Always having what you need, a great or fair exchange. Examine your life and relationships, does it hold true? Or are you doing all the giving or all the taking? Make healthy boundaries, it’s worth it.
2. You must do something meaningful that brings you bliss. Many in this world do something meaningful, but it doesn’t necessarily bring them bliss. This is why the dancer dances, the poet writes, the artist paints and the musician plays. For others, it could simply be crafting, baking, traveling, charity work (one of my favorites). Doing things that make you happy, that tickle you pink, that you long to do.
3. A proper house for the soul; care of the body. Keeping yourself strong, having energy for mental tasks and personal pursuits. Getting the rest you need, eating properly. You’ll need to learn basic nutrition perhaps, set some health goals for yourself etc.

Notice the concept of what is necessary to enjoy Wunjo speaks to all three parts of being? Love it.

Love Yourself Enough to Be Yourself

Notice how one part of being affects the others? If we are chronically sick, can that not cause depression? If we are chronically depressed, does that not affect the body? Don’t those both affect our happiness? Our mindset? It all works together.

Will you be perfect at any one or all three of these? No, you won’t. The idea, however, is to be proactive about it and in doing so, change your life. You will find the two big obstacles are yourself and other people.

Once you realize you can change, and that you can change your whole world, you see everything differently. You start to realize how powerful and effective you can be in your own life, even the impact you have on the rest of the world. It is not inconceivable that one person can greatly change the entire world. History is full of examples. Have some faith in yourself.

Being your authentic self, that’s huge. Ask yourself if the people in your life let you be yourself. Or, are you trying to be someone else for them? Do you sacrifice who you are deep down because you are trying to fix others? Do you let who you really are go because you’ve convinced yourself this or that person is the only one that’s ever going to love you?

Here’s a bombshell clue for you; when you are your authentic self, those that love you love you for who you are. When you are not your authentic self, people only love the mask you wear. It can take some time too, to figure out and be comfortable with who we really are, that’s okay.

Self-Love Affirmations

You can say these aloud at any time, but I also recommend before a mirror. See a higher version of yourself talking back to you reinforcing these affirmations. To talk to yourself is to talk to the universe, the All. To talk to the universe, the All is to whisper to your very soul. Don’t rush through it, write these down and tape it beside the mirror, or even write it backwards and tape it opposite the mirror so you see it in the reflection. Take your time and ponder each one before speaking aloud. When you do, do so with authority.

There is no reason being well, being happy and being healthy is out of your reach. Choices, it all begins with choices. Granted, it takes effort to turn it around, but you are capable.

So, choose to start seeing things differently. We can program ourselves to think in healthier modes, affirmation is a positive exercise.

Affirmations for the Mirror: I

… am worthy of love, I am loved, and I love myself enough to heal my life.

… accept my flaws, my mistakes and imperfects because I learn from them.

… accept myself for who I really am.

… matter, I am here, I claim my space in this universe.

… deserve to be happy.

Don’t forget this world is not a kind place, though there is kindness. This world will try to step on you, push you around and dictate to you. Prepare for ups and downs, it’s natural. It’s a lot easier when you love yourself though.

Lastly, if you have committed to change, to loving yourself, I am proud of you, whoever you are. Go forth and be well, be happy and be healthy.

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