Page of Swords
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. Divinatory Meanings: Authority, overseeing, secret service, vigilance, spying, examination, and the qualities thereto belonging. Reversed: More evil side of these qualities; what is unforeseen, unprepared state; sickness is also intimated.
A. E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot (1911)
Here we meet the nascent and unformed beginnings of the element of air, to formulate our own ideas and concepts and to express these to others. Yet this original and independent thought seems to be childlike and comes out of curiosity but this use of mental power is important to gain respect. Normally he has been accustomed to accept the views of others but he gets into action when he sees injustice and is devoted to a companion in whom he believes.
Page of Clouds: Mind
This is what happens when we forget that the mind is meant to be a servant, and start to allow it to run our lives. The head is filled with mechanisms, the mouth is ranting and raving, and the whole surrounding atmosphere is being polluted by this factory of arguments and opinions. "But wait," you say. "The mind is what makes us human, it's the source of all progress, all great truths."
If you believe that, try an experiment: go into your room, shut the door, turn on a tape recorder, and give yourself total permission to say whatever is 'on your mind'. If you really allow it to all come out without any censorship or editing, you'll be amazed at the amount of rubbish that comes spewing forth. The Page of Clouds is telling you that somebody, somewhere, is stuck in "a head trip". Take a look and make sure it isn't you.
Tarot of the Ages - Mario Garizio ©1988 U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
The Page of Swords has the mental outlook and philosophy of a child, and he is constantly fascinated with matters of the mind. This is not to imply by any means that he is childish and immature; indeed, he is probably the most mature and mentally developed of the four Pages. He may not realize his full power at the moment, but he knows how to use what he has discovered to the best of his ability. Like all the Pages, the Page of Swords will manifest in your life either as an event, another person or as a part of yourself that needs to be awakened.
As an event, the Page of Swords deals with insight and perception, and use of one's inherent mental powers. Due to its assocations with subtlety and even espionage, the Page of Swords can show either the commencement of an act of spying, or the detection of a spy. "Spy" in this sense can be taken in many ways: someone who is interested in you or in someone else, somebody who is doing research or gathering information, or in rare cases, someone who wants to do someone else harm. But since the more positive side of the Swords is inherent in the Page, this last interpretation is uncommon and only in rare cases is it not eliminated right away.
A person shown by the Page of Swords will have a good balance between mind and heart; his emotions will not rule him but he will not have to think over every single decision he makes. He is the ideal emissary or ambassador since he seizes and exploits all opportunities that arise. He quickly adapts to changing circumstances and is gifted with eloquent speech. Unlike some of the "older" Swords court cards, the Page always expresses his true feelings, though he is always able to camouflage his true intent if he wants to. When he decides to throw away diplomacy and call things like he sees them, prepare for a serious reality check.
Awakening these qualities in yourself can have many advantages. The Page of Swords uses his blade to cut straight to the heart of a matter, ridding the area of cobwebs and red herrings that might lure you astray. His appearance is often a challenge, to expand your mind and look at things in new ways that you hadn't thought of before. If you have been unable to see all the aspects of a situation, the Page will show you how, and aid you in uncovering that which is less than obvious. Understand the problem that you face, and in the process of learning you will often find an answer. Expand your mind, learn how to do new things and have fun doing them. Seek out the truth, regardless of the consequences, and try to become more adept in the use of your mind.
Tarot of the Dream Enchantress ©2009 Lo Scarabeo