Beginnings: 3 of Swords and The Star, the Two Tarot Cards I am Drawn To
These were the two cards I was drawn to: 3 of Swords and The Star (key XVII – 17).
I don’t know why I picked two, as opposed to one, or even three. It was the first number that came to mind: an even number; a balanced number. This was also the order that I selected them in. There’s a reason for that. I went through the entire deck first, and then went back and selected the cards for this exercise. Although The Star appeared first along with the other Major Arcana cards, I was drawn to them in this order.
Many people like The Star Tarot card. It gleams of positivity. As for the 3 of Swords, not so much.
I haven’t read the meanings of these cards yet. I changed my point of view on how I am going to learn to read Tarot recently. It’s only been two weeks. But, I see myself becoming more conscious of how I internalize everything about the cards. When I put up my interpretation post on each card, I am going to formulate my own ideas about he core basics and then read about the card and fine tune the symbolic components.
See, I think there’s a reason why I selected these cards. Here are my observations. Of course, when I get to their meanings, I will revisit this post and will better understand the significance.
The 3 of Swords makes me think of one cliche statement: the truth hurts. In this tarot card, we see a giant red heart pierced or stabbed with three swords going through it in three different directions. One sword goes right through the center of the heart (top to bottom), and the two others words pierce diagonally on both sides. The heart is punctured, wounded, and shows no signs of healing. The background is a stormy environment, complete with rain and grey clouds. I see this card as symbolizing that which is dear to the heart, and pains one. We must deal with the pain, no matter how much it hurts. Things look very bad right now, and it looks like there is no solution or clearing in sight.
The Star radiates growth, positivity, free flowing emotions, innocence, untainted thoughts and rebirth. A naked woman is shown kneeling towards a stream of water–pouring one jug of water into the main stream–and pouring another jug of water into the ground, creating new streams. There is grass and one tree growing, but it is a small; a bird sits on top of it. These images symbolize rebirth. There are ice-capped mountains in the distant past, representing no obstacles or worries. There are eight stars in the brilliant blue sky: one is large and gold, and the other seven surround around it. I assume this has an astrological meaning.
What drew me to both of these cards had to do with my unconscious wanting to tell me something. I think I know what it is about as well; and if I am right, these cards are right on point. I am not scared of the Three of Swords or being drawn to it. I see it as an action in life as it is part of the Minor Arcana. I see The Star as the polar opposite, an important period in life as it is part of the Major Arcana.
Let’s see how close or far off I am!
Image: Universal Waite Tarot © US Games Systems, Inc.
© 2009 – 2010, aurarcana – A Tarot Blog | Tarot Journaling & Tarot Cards. All rights reserved.
1Catherine
wrote on 6 July 2009 at 5:49
Hi Nicole,
Well done on blogging your Tarot journey
I have been reading since the beginning and have enjoyed reading your take on the cards, but also your own changing perspective on your progress.
I would like to point you over to a very informative website, Tarot Eon, where you will find an ongoing Beginners Tutorial which you may find particularly helpful as you progress further into your journey: http://taroteon.com/tarot-tutorial/beginners-tutorial-to-reading-tarot-cards/.
As for this post, I wanted to throw my own two-penneth in. As you rightly point out, these two cards are poles apart; the 3 of Swords showing apparent hopelessness in sorrow, while the Star brings that very hope back.
The point I want to make is with the numerology of the cards. I don’t know how much you may have looked at this angle, but 3′s can represent the first stages of something coming together (or closing as in the 3 sides of a triangle forming a solid shape). The 3 of Swords can be seen as the completion of that sorrow; that the issue has concluded and is time to move on – a small amount of hope?
The Star is number 17, as you know and *is* hope. In Numerology, we would reduce that number to a single one: 1+7=8. Eight being universally seen as a number of harmony, completion, manifestation; but symbolically and mathematically also representing Infinity as in the Magician and Strength cards (the Lemniscate shown in both cards).
If we add up the numbers of those two cards, 3+17=20, and then reduce it again, 2+0=2, we have another number universally recognised as harmonic and balanced – a great outcome for you, particularly if you think of the High Priestess (II) as your helper with internal healing.
Putting that together gives you a tremendous amount of hope (in my eyes), and whatever you feel you were being shown by the Tarot, I believe will have a pleasant conclusion for you, also healing of any pain attached, allowing you to move forward with a sense of liberation.
Warm wishes,
Catherine
2aurarcana
wrote on 6 July 2009 at 9:42
Hi Catherine,
Your comment was so insightful! I am interested in numerology, and feel that is the next logical step I want to take as I learn. It’s a lot at once, but in time, I know it will be worth it to learn as much as possible.
If you have any site and nook recommendations, it would be great if you can send them my way. I would rather ask people and get personal reviews as opposed to just searching online.
I find it interesting how I was drawn to these cards based on your numerology analysis. And again, I haven’t read the meanings on these cards yet. However, I am going to start drawing a daily card and do a write ups for each as part of the learning process in tandem to doing the extensive posts in order. It will come together well that way and others have suggested that I start reading a card a day now instead of waiting.
And, I also added your blog to my blog roll.
Best, Nicole
3Catherine
wrote on 6 July 2009 at 16:17
Hi Nicole,
I think you’re doing a grand job in how you’re learning the Tarot. When I was learning (when are we ever not learning? This journey is for life..), I didn’t use Numerology or Astrology in my readings, this came much later.
In the beginning it’s important to keep things as simple as possible which is why I referred you to the Beginners Tutorial on Tarot Eon. Douglas is very keen for beginners to see they don’t need a whole lot of anything in the way of books and systems to learn the Tarot.
You know, a great lesson he has on his blog is about Free Association and would be a great way for you to connect with your cards, particularly as you are going to draw a card a day and write about it. You can find it here: http://taroteon/free-association/free-association/. I use this technique myself on my own blog (and in practice) and thoroughly recommend it. I think it will be really helpful for you now, and in the future.
I’m glad you enjoyed the Numerology
, though I left out card 20 – Judgment. I mainly read with the Crowley Thoth deck (and also the Thoth based Quest Tarot), and card 20 in those decks is called the Aeon. I’ll let you find out what they mean; but in tying in with your theme today, it consolidates the finalising of an event for you and bringing about a new beginning. Happy days 
In literature, I would also recommend Rachel Pollack’s 78 Degrees of Wisdom. It set the standard in Tarot books and I don’t believe it has ever been surpassed, I still refer to it from time to time. I will also send you some other links in the coming weeks, but as I said, it’s important to keep things simple for now and not overload yourself with too much info!
Thank you for the link in your blogroll, I have added you to mine as well.
Warm wishes,
Catherine
4aurarcana
wrote on 7 July 2009 at 10:59
Hi Catherine,
I am just starting to read Hi Catherine The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages by Paul Foster Case. That is another “must read” that has been recommended to me. I added Rachel Pollack’s 78 Degrees of Wisdom to my list and am going to order it this week.
The more recent blog posts I have been writing have been loose variations of journaling since I have been writing my own version of the meaning, symbolism, etc.. Then, I have been reading the traditional interpretation in various books, and on online sites. Most importantly, I have learned that the strength and “true” meaning lies in my own interpretation. The symbols tend to invoke similar feelings in us, and that’s the true power of imagery!
I read the “Free Association” post on Tarot Eon and am going to start doing daily card drawings and use that technique. I do see the value. I will continue with my larger scale interpretations of the Major Arcana, but, again, I am realizing that this blog may not need to follow the sequential order of the cards.
And again, thank you kindly for the feedback. Although it is my own journey, it’s nice to know that there are positive people out there who actually take the time to engage with others about experiences.
Best, Nicole
5Catherine
wrote on 7 July 2009 at 14:31
Hi Nicole,
I’m honoured to share and watch your journey. Like I said earlier, we’re all still travelling our own so it’s nice to share with each other. No matter where we are on our path, we all have something to give and something to learn from each other.
I’m please you’re doing the Free Association, it’s the most amazing exercise (I’ll comment on your recent post about that after dinner
)
I think you’re doing great
Warm wishes,
Catherine