Ten of Swords: A Lesson in Rising
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A day or so after I posted about transformation actually feeling like stagnation, I pulled the 10 of Swords. I used to get this card a lot, and it was always such a kick in the dick. Like, why was this the energy surrounding me? Why was there so much bad? Then I realized that the 10 of Swords might actually be one of my favorite cards in the entire minor arcana. Strange, I know, but hear me out.
The Ten of Swords for me is a card of rock bottom. There you are, face down with all of the shit that has come from the swords suit: the 2, the 3, the 5, the 7, the 8, and the 9. It’s all piled up on you, and you are now drowning. Everything seems bleak and hopeless, but if there’s anything that I’ve learned it’s this: Rock bottom is a blessing. Rock bottom means that there’s only one way to go: UP.
This card is about straightening that big girl tiara, grabbing your favorite undergarments, and standing up to fight back. This is not a card of complete despair, but a call to action, a reminder of who you are, who you were, and who you are GOING to become. This is the card of the phoenix. Rise, babes. You’ve got this.
Why am I talking about this now? Well, I pulled this exact Ten of Swords the other day, and it reminded me of something: where you put your energy is where your seeds will grow. So while I have been worried about the destination, I should be focused on the journey (as
so lovingly pointed out, and this card confirmed). I don’t have to feed another bird’s baby (which is what this card depicts. It’s a dark card. This deck is my daily deck, and it is dark and heavy in the imagery and the lessons from nature. I love it, but I understand if this picture is upsetting for you).I really took a moment to look at where I have been spending my energy, and honestly, it hasn’t been bad. I haven’t been spending my energy on super destructive things, but I have been allowing myself to soak up energy that isn’t mine. I have been soaking up energy that makes me lethargic and feel trapped, and when I feel trapped, I turn into a wild animal. I begin to self sabotage, to retreat, to feel actually crazy, detached from purpose, and like I can’t handle anything ever again. Considering all of the fixed energy in my chart, I need a lot of wiggle room and exit strategies to be able to function.
When you pull the Ten of Swords, consider taking stock of where your energy is going. Again, my energy hasn’t been going to a lot of bad, but it also hasn’t been perfect. For the sake of transparency, here’s a quick list: the good and the bad. Try not to shame yourself if you don’t love your list. Just observe and see what you would like to change without putting a moral spin on it.
Painting with my mom 🎨
Phone games 📱
Sitting 🥱
Sleeping 🛌
Dissociating 😶🌫️
Worrying about this dictatorship 🫠
Worrying about the cats 😭
Junk journaling 📔
Therapy 😮💨
Medical appointments 🏥
After pulling this card, there was an energetic shift for me. My partner and I started walking again in the evenings. We also went to the river, and I got to see the ducks and other birds. I am back to prioritizing reading rather than just dissociating. I am being intentional about my spiritual practice again. I also started journaling with words again, even if it was just on my phone. I’ve also allowed myself to cry. I mean cryyyy. Drained for 2 days because I cried for 3 hours type of crying. I let that energy flow so finally. I allowed that stagnant yuck to finally release. Crying is so embarrassing. I hate it. It makes me feel sick and exhausted and dissociated, but in the long run, it does help.
When you pull this card, look for the potential and the areas for growth and new beginnings. It can be hard, especially when the world is on fire, our mental health is in the toilet, and especially if you’re part of a marginalized community where the systems are just constantly stacked against you. Small steps. Small changes. Another thing that I have learned in my nuerodivergent and adult life is that too many changes at once are unsustainable. Change one thing at a time, let it sink into the routine, then change another. This card is nudge, a reminder, a call to action, but it should be a calculated action, one that makes sense and is sustainable.
What are your thoughts on the Ten of Swords? Is it a card that has scared you in the past? One that you look on with contempt and annoyance? Is it a card of hopefulness? Let me know below!
Wishing you well this week! May your life offer what you need in this moment.
With love,
Aventurine ✨
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