Magical Nature Tarot

Apprentice of Swords

Guiding words/ideas:

Desire to share new information; willingness to fail and learn from failure; giving support to others in adolescent phase of learning and teaching; challenging perfectionism and leaving room for mistakes and growth; caution for over-confidence with knowledge.

Channeled guidance:

This Apprentice of Swords is standing tall, seemingly confident with their sword held high as they use it to point at information on a blackboard. I say “seemingly confident” because there is a little hesitation in their expression, which shows some vulnerability. This flicker of hesitation points to the fact that the Apprentice is in an adolescent phase with their skills, connections, communications, and knowledge.

And this Apprentice loves information. They have previously enjoyed being a seeker, gathering up as much information as they could. Now they would like to share that knowledge with others. But they still have a lot to learn. So as they begin to share and stand up to speak, write, and communicate what they know, they may also reveal that they do not know everything. And they may have some shame and confusion around that, for overconfidence is sometimes a trait of the apprentices. In fact, it’s a necessary part of their process. There needs to be room in this stage to make mistakes, to learn from those mistakes, to fail, and even to feel embarrassment and confusion. All of these experiences allow for greater expansion of the mind. When one thinks they know everything and doesn’t leave room for growth, they can become rigid and impenetrable. So the Apprentice’s challenge is to figure out how to stumble in this landscape of knowledge without losing hope and drive.

Something that will help this Apprentice is the support of those around them. This can be tricky, for the Apprentice of Swords often likes to work in a solitary fashion. But they do need help from others. They need guidance from mentors and ancestors; they need support from friends and family; and they need deep connection with all other beings. Otherwise, they can get too stuck in their heads and become too fearful of failure.

So if you are an Apprentice, think about building that network of support or reaching out to a network that already exists. And if you are witnessing an Apprentice, be there to support them. Be excited for all that they have learned, be open to hearing about the information they want to share, and be willing to give helpful feedback and encouragement. Adolescence is a rich and wonderful time, a time of so much growth and magic.

Plant and metal guidance:

Chokeberry (purple speckles in background): 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.

Beet (brown and rust speckles in background): We reach down into the soil and encourage you to do so as well. Our rich color and earthy smell can keep you grounded and feeling secure and stable.

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

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

Logwood (dark blue jacket): Our color connects outwardly but its source lies deep within. We help you to reach inside yourself and find strength and beauty.

Copper oxide (green tie): I magnify the properties of whatever plants I touch or impact.