Ten of Swords

Guiding words/ideas:

Deep pain; this is not just an ending, but also a beginning; the desire to curl up and be close to the ground as a chance to be a seed and regrow; we are supported by the planet; allow swords to transform from protectors into connectors; a need for emotional release; once release has occurred and strength is regained, one can can see goodness again.

Channeled guidance:

There is deep, inexpressible pain in this card. It points to mental strife, existential crisis, and a sense of despair so intense that this human has curled themselves up and gotten as close to the ground as possible. They are feeling all of the pain that the swords can bring: shame, self-judgment, regret, hopelessness, and fear. These mental states cause turmoil in the heart and a desire to give up. This is what it feels like when one is at their lowest point.

This low position, however, is preventing the human in this card from seeing the deep green of the ground, the grass beneath them, and the beautiful colors that are manifesting as the sun is rising. So it is important, when one feels so low, to recognize that this is not just an ending but also a beginning. This low point, this “rock bottom,” is also a chance for renewal. It’s a chance to reset, redeem, recommit, and regrow into one’s fullest expression. When one feels despair, the need to be on the ground is a call to once again be a seed. The Earth will welcome you so that you can grow in this way. Your seed will sprout, grow a stem and leaves, blossom, and flourish in time.

This card reminds us that we are supported by our planet, by our fellow Earthlings (humans, plants, animals, rocks, all Earthlings), and even the entire universe. For we are precious beings. Allow the loving magic of the world around you to gently pull the swords from your back one at a time, to release this mental strain and fatigue that you feel, to heal each of these spots and guide them towards becoming new sources of power and regeneration. Allow the swords to transform from porcupine quills of protection into beautiful stems of flowers growing from your back; allow them to metamorphose from protectors to connectors.

This transformation may require an intense release of emotion. Once you have cried the tears, screamed the frustrations, and released whatever toxins you need to, you can pick up your head gently, lift your swollen eyes to see the sun rising, and feel the beauty that is all around you. What you will eventually see is yourself reflected, the beauty that is in you. You will see the beautiful creature that you are… so valued, so loved, so necessary. Breathe one breath at a time until the ocean of movement in you feels reassuring and comfortable again. Know that your pattern of breath (inhaling, exhaling, inhaling, exhaling) is connecting you with all that is. And when you have regained your strength, you will be ready to be open and to feel not just the hardship and the heartache, but also the deep and pervasive goodness of the world.

Plant and metal guides:

Coreopsis (golden yellow of sunrise): We are here to smooth out any sharp edges and to aid in opening hearts.

Wild grape (purple-pink of sunrise): We are the bubbly magicians of the edges (of forests, our fields and our minds). We share with you our positivity, creativity and trickster capabilities.

Black walnut (dark brown of swords): The strength of our magic lies in our ability to clear space and provide opportunities for recharging and resetting.

Acorn cap (grey of swords): Like a gentle pat on the head, we offer up slow-moving energy to open the senses and awaken the mind.

Chokeberry (dark purple clothing): Our energy expands and contracts as needed, and we encourage you to do the same. We offer a rich balm for your wounds and a burst of energy to be used when you need it.

Madder root (medium brown skin): We are warm and gentle, and we hold and assist you as your tempo slows.

Goldenrod with copper oxide: Our tiny, golden, blossoms create needed halos around fields and open spaces. You can allow our energy to bring divine energy to your open spaces as well, to rest in your auras and to bring you light and hope.

Copper oxide painted over golden rod (green ground/grass): I magnify the properties of whatever plants I touch or impact.