The important thing to remember when reading the minor arcana cards, is to balance the meaning of each number with the suit on the card. Some numbers will go better with some suits and create a more harmonious card, while some will work against each other and create a more uncomfortable card.

THE SWORDS.

ACE of SWORDS - Strong emotions, conquest, triumph, birth of something interesting or fascinating, tough decisions, clear thinking, high principles, wrapped up in feelings.

TWO of SWORDS - Indecision, tension in relationships, balance but no direction, stalemate, avoiding communication, fears, worries made worse by obsessive thoughts.

THREE of SWORDS - Worries, disappointment, separation, deception, need to understand the sorrow, importance of communication at this time, upheaval.

FOUR of SWORDS - Rest after battle, need for recuperation, truce, retreat from pain, time for healing, release from suffering.

FIVE of SWORDS - Loss, gain comes with a price, lack of self-control, humiliation, empty triumph, failure, unfairness.

SIX of SWORDS - Journey to a new home, hope for future, feeling unable to escape problems, need a break, need perspective.

SEVEN of SWORDS - Evasion, scheming, keep things to yourself, beware of trickery, taking what isn't yours.

EIGHT of SWORDS - Indecision, bondage, restriction, paralyzed by fear, power of your mind to restrict you, confusion, need to look at situation clearly and honestly.

NINE of SWORDS - Despair, misery, anguish, feelings of impending doom, worrying makes it worse, loss, illness, death of loved one.

TEN of SWORDS - Defeat, trouble, betrayal, ruin of projects, endings, turning point, hope for future, unfairness, overreaction.

PAGE of SWORDS - Quick, intelligent, vigilant, brings news or communication, information, diplomacy.

KNIGHT of SWORDS - Hasty decisions, quick action, need for purpose and strength, bravery.

QUEEN of SWORDS - Honesty, truth, solitude, self-reliance, sadness, intelligent, powerful, respected, distant, lots of resolve.

KING of SWORDS - Power, authority, strength, wise counsel, lots of ideas, judgment, idealistic, can be narrow minded, logical, argumentative at times.