Page of Swords
Inquiry
“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.”
Isaac Newton
Page of Swords at a glance
Finbarre’s interpretation: The Page of Swords investigates, questions and watches closely, but has not yet learned when scrutiny becomes intrusion.
| Upright | curiosity, alert observation, research, asking difficult questions, intellectual agility |
|---|---|
| Reversed | gossip, spying, defensive communication, misinformation, premature accusation |
| Linked card | Justice |
| Soundtrack | you should see me in a crown by Billie Eilish Open the full Tarot Interviews playlist on Spotify |
Upright meanings
- Curiosity
- Alert observation
- Research
- Asking difficult questions
- Intellectual agility
- Fact-checking
- A direct message
- Learning to argue
- Vigilance
- Identifying inconsistency
Reversed meanings
- Gossip
- Spying
- Defensive communication
- Misinformation
- Premature accusation
- Overthinking
- An unprepared position
- Harsh words
- Curiosity without ethics
- Unexpected disruption
Page of Swords in a reading
| Area | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Love | Communication: Fact-checking. Reversed: Overthinking. |
| Career | Work: A direct message; learning to argue. Warning: An unprepared position. |
| Money | Financial theme: Vigilance. Warning: Curiosity without ethics. |
| Feelings | Upright: Research. Reversed: Defensive communication. |
| Advice | Prioritise: Identifying inconsistency. Watch for: Unexpected disruption. |
| Outcome | Potential: Intellectual agility. Obstacle: Premature accusation. |
| Yes or no | Yes, after the facts have been checked. |
Symbols in Page of Swords
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The raised sword | The Page is ready to test an idea or defend a position. |
| The turning body | Attention shifts rapidly as new information appears. |
| The turbulent clouds | The intellectual environment is active and unstable. |
| The birds | Thought and messages move beyond immediate control. |
A. E. Waite's original description
A lithe, active figure holds a sword upright in both hands, while in the act of swift walking. He is passing over rugged land, and about his way the clouds are collocated wildly. He is alert and lithe, looking this way and that, as if an expected enemy might appear at any moment.
Waite's original divinatory meanings
Upright:
Authority, overseeing, secret service, vigilance, spying, examination, and the qualities thereto belonging.
Reversed:
More evil side of these qualities; what is unforeseen, unprepared state; sickness is also intimated.
Source: A. E. Waite, The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, first published in 1910, with illustrations by Pamela Colman Smith.
Continue through the deck
- Previous card: Ten of Swords
- Next card: Knight of Swords
Written and interpreted by Finbarre Snarey, tarot researcher, founder of the British Tarot Archive and coordinator of the UK living heritage submission for Rider-Waite-Smith tarot reading practice.
These interpretations reflect Finbarre Snarey’s understanding of contemporary Rider-Waite-Smith tarot practice. They are provided for education, reflection and entertainment only and should not be treated as medical, legal, financial, psychological or relationship advice.
