I’m sorry, this is my first post. You may have already established which deck you were working from (and if the rider Waite/smith deck I can easily see why that intro doesn’t require redundancy. Either way, I’m curious. For some reason I’ve put off buying a traditional rider waite/smith deck since all info online includes such images.

44 minutes ago, BellaSieze said:

I’m sorry, this is my first post. You may have already established which deck you were working from (and if the rider Waite/smith deck I can easily see why that intro doesn’t require redundancy. Either way, I’m curious. For some reason I’ve put off buying a traditional rider waite/smith deck since all info online includes such images.

No worries at all! I believe in the first blog entry I mentioned that I was using the Weiser Tarot, which is my favorite modern reproduction of the RWS deck. It has a vibrant and racially inclusive colour palette, which is my favourite part! I didn't think of mentioning it in later blog posts - apologies!

ttps://redwheelweiser.com/book/the-weiser-tarot-9781578637959/

I have two RWS reproductions, Tarot Vintage (Lo Scarabeo) and Weiser Tarot. I also have a RWS variation, Modern Witch Tarot. I say variation because there are some small differences in the imagery of the cards, which can potentially influence a reader's (or client's) interpretation and understanding of the cards, given the situation. 

Take for example the 8 of Wands - in the orignal RWS deck, you see the 8 wands on a downward trajectory soaring across the front of the card, as if having been shot from a bow. In Modern Witch Tarot, 8W has included an image of a woman driving a motorcycle in the distance. In my opinion, this could greatly alter the perception of what the reading is telling us! 

But as for personal tastes, I think you should follow your heart! If the traditional RWS decks don't speak to you, leave em! As a part of my tarot hobby, I have spent lots of time researching and reflecting on the RWS cards because I enjoy diving deep into symbolism and learning about the different contextual clues that are hidden in all the traditional cards. However that's just me! Everyone has different learning paths and reading styles, and this forum is a fantastic way to dive in and explore them all. I'm also quite new to this forum, but I have already learned a lot in my short time here.

thanks for commenting!! I love a good tarot chat 🙂

Love your description of the RWS Swords suit ...and several things you mentioned really make sense to me.  Especially the bit about the thief in 7 of Swords holding them by the blades.  Yes!  It makes sense, that he's doing a risky thing, doesn't it?  He's not attempting to wield them, just steal them for another day or another purpose entirely.  Possibly just disarming his enemy?  Interesting....

🤔Mmm, yes I see the thief. I see white-collar crime, this person doesn't know what information he is carrying and that it a can be harmful to him. He is too well dressed to be a common thief. If we take the era into consideration (but not the colour of the tents) we could think of a war crime. He has left two swords behind, perhaps he is seeing someone and that's why he has to leave them, or maybe he doesn't realise their value? I would say the sitter might be contemplating some smart move against another, but hasn't considered the consequences. 😜

Hi Shannon and thanks for the work you did in writing out this post focused on The Swords.

I don't know if you posted this because you are open to or inviting extended interpretations, but since so many responses focus on the Seven, I feel I won't be disrespectful by adding something about that one. Since the first time I saw this card the most significant aspect of it, to me, was that the figure regrets he or she was unable to get ALL the swords.

For me, that perspective of "unfinished business with some accomplishment" remains outstanding, therefore offering the possible interpretation as, "You can't do everything right now, but do what you can."

5 hours ago, Zig said:

[7 swords] ... that perspective of "unfinished business with some accomplishment" remains outstanding, therefore offering the possible interpretation as, "You can't do everything right now, but do what you can."

Yes. I also read 7 swords this way. Unfinished karma I call it.

Seldom do I read it as crime.

We can always discuss cards to a deep level in the Individual Card Meanings section of the main forum.

You need to have 5 posts to post in the section but everyone can read it.

Thank you, Daniel. I'm being extra careful until I understand more about what's going on here and trust you will let me know if make a serious blunder.