Guiding words/ideas:
An unwinnable situation; surrender and choice; acceptance that the situation is beyond one’s control: three choices: to move into the situation, to stay put and bear witness, or to mindfully retreat; all choices are sacred and valid.
Channeled guidance:
The Five of Swords appears to be a very sad, desolate card. And yet, as is true for all tarot cards, it is an opportunity.
Three soldiers are depicted in a field or swamp that’s created by rust water. The skies are dark and filled with smoke or storms. There is building, an edifice that looks burnt, and the swords in this card are camouflaged into the ground and the sky. We get the sense that something horrific has happened here. This card depicts an unwinnable war, one that has been hurtful or even had dire consequences. You might feel sadness and despair. Absorb these feelings into your heart. Allow yourself to feel the heartbreak of this situation.
Once you realize this situation is beyond your control and will not turn favorably, what do you want to do? There are three soldiers here, so one might think of three possible choices: move into the situation tenderly, remain neutral and just witness, or move away from this terrible place and all that has happened here. Each of these is a valid choice. If you move into the situation, do so gently and slowly. See if there are survivors and healing that is needed. If you choose to stay right where you are, allow yourself to feel the pain, ground the space, and witnesses it all. If you retreat, you are making a choice to step away from harm. You can do this with presence and awareness. Running might disturb the scene and create additional harm. This third choice is about how to mindfully retreat to protect oneself without hurting others.
These three choices are sacred choices in a situation in which harm has occurred. And so this card, which may be filled with despair, is also an opportunity for growth and healing.
Plant and metal guidance:
Iron oxide/rust (orange/rust color of ground, dark grey & black of sky and edifice): I connect you to the core of the planet from whence I come. My energy is strong and solid.
Acorn cap (light grey of day, and grey jackets): Like a gentle pat on the head, we offer up slow-moving energy to open the senses and awaken the mind.
Copper oxide (light green of ground, dark green of helmets and satchel): I magnify the properties of whatever plants I touch or impact.
Black walnut (dark brown rifles): The strength of our magic lies in our ability to clear space and provide opportunities for recharging and resetting.
Magical Nature Tarot 
