Hermetic Title: Root of the Powers of Air

Zodiacal Rulership: Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces (with the Princess/Page)

Hebrew Letter: Vav (3rd letter of the tetragrammaton)

Power: SCIERE – TO KNOW

Trumps: THE DEVIL, THE STAR, THE MOON

“The crown may carry a much higher significance than comes within the usual sphere of fortune-telling.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“The card represents the Sword of the Magus crowned with the 22-rayed diadem of pure light. The number refers to the Atu: also 22-2xII, the Magical Manifestation of Chokmah, Wisdom, the Logos. Upon the blade, accordingly, is inscribed the Word of the Law. This word sends forth a blaze of Light, dispersing the dark clouds of the Mind.”

--The Book of Thoth

“This is the mighty sword of the intellect, the weapon that pure thought can wield […] it is a card of prescience.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

Upright Keyword: BREAKTHROUGH

Lucid understanding and clarity of thought – a powerful insight or moment of sudden intellectual breakthrough.

Singularity of purpose and piercing intent. The forceful mind—triumph and the excessive degree of everything. Force of the power of reason.

Reversed Keyword: CONFUSION

Turning a blind eye to a particular negative force, person, or event. A misplaced focus has confused the issue.

Or – the disastrous consequence of a breakthrough moment comes into effect.

Hermetic Title: Lord of Peace (Peace Restored)

Decan: 0 – 9 degrees Libra

Ruler: Moon

Trumps: JUSTICE, THE HIGH PRIESTESS

The Thoth system argues that due to the numerology of the 2, there can only be perfect harmony implicit in the card’s meaning. This makes the interpretation of this card in Thoth systems different by nature from that of the Rider-Waite-Smith:

“The suggestion of harmony and other favorable readings must be considered in a qualified manner, as swords generally are not symbolical of beneficient forces in human affairs.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

The descriptions below are for the RWS system.

For Thoth systems, the upright keyword is PEACE RESTORED and the reversed keyword is PEACE DISRUPTED.

Upright Keyword: IMPASSE

A peace or balance that is detrimental to understanding.

An impasse or stalemate. Willful blindness- one is keeping oneself in this state.

Conformity or struggles with conformity. Issues of intellectual balance, friendships, and problems ignored within those spheres.

Reversed Keyword: COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN

Information overload or a breakdown of communication.

Inability to clearly see the situation – too much input confuses the issue.

Hermetic Title: Lord of Sorrow

Decan: 10 to 19 degrees Libra

Ruler: Saturn

Trumps: JUSTICE, THE WORLD

“This is the darkness of Binah, the mourning of Isis, the pierced rose, the mind forcing open the mysteries of nature. This is the sorrow of the Buddha, the melancholy probing that leads to enlightenment. To understand joy and rapture, one must also experience sorrow. Did you ever know something you fear might happen, even though you told yourself it wouldn’t, really? And then it did.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

“And the worm is crowned. All that thou wast, hath he eaten up, and all that thou art is his pasture until tomorrow. And all that thou shalt be is nothing – thou who wouldst enter the domain of the Great One of the Night of Time, this burden must thou take up.”

--Aleister Crowley, The Book of Thoth

“When the toast falls, it falls butter-side-down.”

--Jewish Proverb

Upright Keyword: MISFORTUNE

Grief, pain, separation, rupture.

Painful and unexpected events, likely coming in a series of three, from the outside world to do harm to the self/inner world.

Misfortune strikes here and cannot be avoided.

Reversed Keyword: CONVALESCENCE

A difficult time marked by misfortune, often a series of three misfortunes, is passing or has now come to a close.

Indicates the time of recovery from harm.

Hermetic Title: Lord of Truce (Rest from Strife)

Decan: 20 to 29 degrees Libra

Ruler: Jupiter

Trumps: JUSTICE, WHEEL OF FORTUNE

“The effigy of a knight in the attitude of prayer at full length upon his tomb. Vigilance, retreat, solitude, hermit’s repose, exile, tomb and coffin. It is these last that have suggested the design.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

The “four immeasurables” (Liber Mundi):

Compassion, Love, Sympathetic Joy, and Equanimity

“This can also be considered ‘rest from strife’ […] The truce is written and covers all things beginning and ending, from Alpha to Omega.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

My own intuitive understanding differs from both of these. What’s below is the Slaydonistic Tarot reading, but you can use the same keywords across systems.

Upright Keyword: MONOMANIA

A single issue weighs heavily or dominates the Querent’s mind.

A point of stress, tension, and low strength, driven by the need for solitary deep focus on the obsession. The obsession eclipses all other aspects of the life.

Vigilance and fortitude are needed.

Reversed Keyword: SCATTERED

One is scattered, possibly taking on too much in an effort to avoid one’s own company.

The inability- or the unwillingness- to focus the attentions.

Hermetic Title: Lord of Defeat

Decan: 0 to 9 degrees Aquarius

Ruler: Mercury

Trumps: THE STAR, THE EMPRESS

“He is the master in possession of the field.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“Here in the element of air is shows mental weakness that leads to defeat. Sentimental thinking van make one lose competitive edge. Crowley says the intellect is enfeebled by pacifism, and says the card an also imply betrayal and treachery. […] The message here is to take a more active stance to protect what you hold dear, and that passivity is not always the wisest course of action.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

Crowley is once again showing his whole entire ass here, if I do say so myself. The interpretation below disregards the Thoth take.

Upright Keyword: CONQUEST

Conflict. An apparent victory has become a loss. Infamy and dishonor.

A conquest seen as such may become problematic.

Possibly an arrogant attitude holds one back here.

Reversed Keyword: CAUGHT

One is caught in a conflict, likely one that has been going on for a very long time, and wants it to end, but can’t end it.

Hermetic Title: Lord of Science (Earned Success)

Decan: 10 to 19 degrees Aquarius

Ruler: Mercury

Trumps: THE STAR, THE MAGICIAN

“A ferryman carrying passengers in his punt to the further shore. The course is smooth, and seeing that the freight is light, it may be noted that the work is not beyond his strength.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“In this card is all the beauty of the intellect in its highest form of consciousness. According to Crowley, it is intelligence which has won the goal. The general rulers of Aquarius are Saturn and Uranus. Saturn gives discipline and Uranus gives innovation and genius. The majesty of the balanced and disciplined human mind results in the brilliant discoveries of science. The success inherent in this card is earned and comes after effort.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

“Crying won’t help you, praying won’t do you no good
When the levee breaks, mama you’ve got to move.”

--Led Zeppelin, When the Levee Breaks’

Upright Keyword: MOVING ON

A regretful transition. In order to move forward, is it necessary to leave something or someone important behind. But this must be done.

With this transition made, the tumult is behind and smoother waters lie ahead.

Reversed Keyword: ENTRENCHED

One is actively resisting a necessary but difficult transition.

Hermetic Title: Lord of Futility (Unstable Effort)

Decan: 20 to 29 degrees Aquarius

Ruler: Moon

Trumps: THE STAR, THE HIGH PRIESTESS

“Like all unstable sevens the card shows what is needed, or rather what to avoid, in order to achieve victory. Here is the last decan of Aquarius, the decan of dissipation, ruled by the fluctuating Moon.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

“Doubt and vacillation lead to poor effort. Be more clever, if you can.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

Upright Keyword: GETTING AWAY WITH IT

The feeling of “getting away” with something, of sneaking or needing to. Shrewd and indirect action.

Can indicate feelings of impostor syndrome.

A plan which may fail. Achievement is unstable here, and easily undone.

Reversed Keyword: RITE OF PASSAGE

A mental challenge or a rite of passage which represents a first step down a new path.

Also, advice or counsel which may be good or bad.

Hermetic Title: Lord of Interference (Shortened Force)

Decan: 0 to 9 degrees Pisces

Ruler: Jupiter

Trumps: THE LOVERS, THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE

“The mental, airy nature of Gemini combined with the buoyancy of Jupiter would naturally be considered a positive. But in the unbalanced and low sephira of Hod, in the mental world of Swords, this does not give one an advantage. The combination of Jupiter with Gemini can mean too much force applied to physical things. In this card, the Will is being unexpectedly interfered with in the realm of intellectual contest.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

“This is the alchemical phase Separatio, the separation and struggle of opposing forces. It is a difficult time that demands will and determination. mThe Emerald Tablet says of this phase, ‘The Wind carries it in its belly’ and the alchemists felt they were applying the element of Air in their work during separation. Psychologically, it is a time of deciding what to discard and what to integrate. One begins to reclaim parts that the rational mind may have rejected. Crystallized thoughts and blockages need to be released.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

Upright Keyword: ISOLATION

Trapped by one’s own thoughts and perspectives, one has surrendered power.

Isolation. Bad news. One is not capable of processing here.

Reversed Keyword: DISQUIET

Opposition, accident, treachery. What is unforeseen.

One does have options here, but is not allowing oneself to see.

Step back- one is unsettled by one’s own mindset.

Hermetic Title: Lord of Cruelty (Despair & Cruelty)

Decan: 10 to 19 degrees Pisces

Ruler: Mars

Trumps: THE LOVERS, THE TOWER

“She is a one who knows no sorrow which is like unto hers. It is a card of utter desolation.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“This I have known since first I trod the path – a time comes when there is only despair, when you seek to tear the veil from the shrine, and you cry out to her and know that she will not answer because she is not there, because she was never there, there is no Goddess but only yourself, and you are alone in the mockery of echoes from an empty shrine.”

--Marion Zimmer Bradley, The Mists of Avalon

Upright Keyword: NIGHTMARE

The fear is realized.

Nightmares. Fear, depression, anxiety. The worst has or will come to pass.

Signifies- Death, failure, miscarriage, disaster, disappointment, despair. Or can signify the persistence of literal nightmares or night terrors.

Reversed Keyword: IMPRISONMENT

One is allowing fear and anxiety to take hold, when in reality all is fine or will soon be fine.

Signifies – paranoia, imprisonment, entrapment, suspicion, doubt, or shame.

Hermetic Title: Lord of Ruin

Decan: 20 to 29 degrees Pisces

Ruler: Sun

Trumps: THE LOVERS, THE SUN

“Whatsoever is intimated by the design, also pain, affliction, tears, sadness, desolation. It is not especially a card of violent death.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“The mental qualities of Swords have culminated in the breakdown of logic and reason. Struggle and battle always eventually end in carnage. But things can be salvaged.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

“The outer opposition is an image of my inner opposition. Once I realize this, I remain silent and think of the chasm of antagonism in my soul.”

--Carl Jung, Liber Secundus

Upright Keyword: VICTIM

Back-stabbed or betrayed- one is made a victim.

A painful ending. Sudden or unexpected loss, failure, defeat, or disaster. Affliction and pain.

One has no power here. Suffering comes.

REVERSED KEYWORD: FLEETING GAINS

Advantage, profit, success, or favor, but none of these are permanent.

A painful ending must occur for growth and regeneration to take place. But power and real success are possible at the end of this process.

Thoth Title: Princess of Swords

Hermetic Title: The Princess of the Rushing Winds, The Lotus of the Palace of the Air, Princess and Empress of Sylphs and Sylphides, Throne of the Ace of Swords

Elemental Title: Earth of Air

Zone of Influence: 0 degrees Capricorn to 20 degrees Pisces

Trumps: THE DEVIL, THE STAR, THE MOON

Associated Minors: ACE OF SWORDS

“The Princess of Swords is the earthly part of air, smoke, and she represents the wreath of the gods and the influence of Heaven upon Earth. She has the power of settling controversies, and is stern and avenging. Hers is the grounded action taken in response to Idea. Her battle is on the astral level: she is a warrior of the mind. She battles to liberate herself from delusion.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

“Her secondary trumps are the Devil and the Moon. The Devil was the god who protected humanity and gave the gift of knowledge. On the path of the Moon, the seeker has to rely on the three lower senses: touch, taste, and smell. Thus the Princess is poised between the conscious and unconscious realms, using discernment to peer through veils.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

Upright Keyword: DISCOVERY

Passionate energy and enthusiasm. Inspiration and ideas abound.

Strong communication. A point of manic discovery.

A positive omen to move ahead with one’s ideas and insights.

Or: a child or childlike person with qualities of inspiration and communication.

REVERSED KEYWORD: UNPREPARED

One is acting hastily or without forethought and will suffer the consequences.

Unready or unprepared.

Thoth Title: Prince of Swords

Hermetic Title: The Prince of the Chariot of the Winds, Prince and Emperor of Sylphs and Sylphides

Elemental Title: Air of Air

Zone of Influence: 20 degrees Capricorn to 19 degrees Aquarius

Trumps: THE STAR, THE DEVIL

Minors: FIVE OF SWORDS, SIX OF SWORDS, FOUR OF PENTACLES

“He might almost be Galahad, whose sword is swift and sure because he is clean of heart. […] There is a sense in which the card signifies death, but it carries this meaning only in its proximity to other cards of fatality.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“The Prince of Swords brings an onrush of ideas and innovations: the challenge is holding on to them. He is idealistic and visionary, highly intellectual and clever. […] He earns success with the application of science, using his intelligence and considerable flexibility of mind. In times of exhaustion, he clings to the rigidity of power and can become unyielding.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

Upright Keyword: DECISIVE ACTION

Decisive action motivated by purity of intent, purity of intellectual energy. Initiative and forward motion.

One is decisive and determined but may be blind to potential obstacles in one’s path and to thought of conesquences.

Or: An active person with decisive intellectual energy.

Reversed Keyword: IMPULSIVE

Impatient, impulsive, or rash actions and decisions.

May also indicate the influence of someone whose rash and impulsive decisions will affect the Querent.

Hermetic Title: The Queen of the Thrones of the Air, Queen of Sylphs and Sylphides

Elemental Title: Water of Air

Zone of Influence: 20 degrees Virgo to 19 degrees Libra

Trumps: JUSTICE, THE HERMIT

Minors: TWO OF SWORDS, THREE OF SWORDS, TEN OF PENTACLES

“Her countenance is severe but chastened, it suggests familiarity with sorrow. It does not represent mercy, and her sword notwithstanding, she is scarcely a symbol of power.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“The Queen of Swords brings intuition, clarity, and perception of patterns. She cuts away illusions and liberates the mind.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

Upright Keyword: RATIONALITY

The sternness of a mature intellect, devoid of passion or emotion.

Levelheadedness. Brutal honesty.

The reign of rational decision-making.

Or, the influence of a powerful woman who is marked by cool-headed and rational decision making.

Reversed Keyword: OVEREMOTIONAL

One is thinking with the heart and not the head, and needs to make a return to rational and dispassionate thinking.

Or: A rational and cool-headed woman is actively working against the Querent or is a negative influence on the situation at hand.

Thoth Title: Knight of Swords

Hermetic Title: The Lord of the Winds and the Breezes, The King of the Spirits of Air, King of the Sylphs and Sylphides

Elemental Title: Fire of Air

Zone of Influence: 20 degrees Taurus to 19 degrees Gemini

Trumps: THE LOVERS, THE HEIROPHANT

Minors: EIGHT OF SWORDS, NINE OF SWORDS, SEVEN OF PENTACLES

“He recalls, of course, the conventional symbol of Justice in the Trumps Major, and he may represent this virtue, but he is rather the power of life and death, in virtue of his office.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“The Knight of Swords brings the power of the intellect to the forefront. One is discriminating and analytical, coolly rational, and brilliant, but can tend toward being domineering, using too much force applied to insignificant things […] As a person, he is clever, cunning, scientific, assertive and astute, being comfortable with dualities and with contradictions.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

Upright Keyword: LEADERSHIP

Intellectual power and authority. Judgement, leadership, command.

Stern but fair, if at risk of pushing into domineering or overbearing.

Or: A man of power in the Querent’s life who is a good judge and will provide solid, objective, and well-researched counsel.

Reversed Keyword: MISUSE

Misuse of power, position, or authority.

Mental manipulation used for selfish ends.

Or: A man of leadership and judgement works against the Querent, or is a negative influence on the situation at hand.