Literature clues: 5 of Swords

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 09 Jun 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

gloria	09 Jun 2003
Some people ask me how to forgive in a heartbeat Why I do not retreat when faced with acidity. "Have you no pride? "Will you your dignity hide?" Do you believe being a carpet is something to your credit? Yet they do not understand or see as I do when I look at you I see beyond the human. When faced with words ugly and full of venom I don't see antagonism, I see emotional records. I see dreams and scars that to others aren't plain. I see fears and pain in the human avatars. So ask me again why I hold no grudge and I'll explain, "It's because, I am 'within' my fellowmen." I know I'm trying with all of 'my' might to overcome flaws, fear and fright It is possible then to forgive in an instant like a small child or infant the wrongs committed. What card am I?

BoomVoom	09 Jun 2003
hmmmm.... could it be the Q :CL ???

firemaiden	09 Jun 2003
A bird on my shoulder suggests "Judgement" ?

gloria	09 Jun 2003
Hi BoomVoom and Firemaiden, No to Queen/Cups and Judgement. What's with the bird on your shoulder??

BoomVoom	09 Jun 2003
King :CL

firemaiden	09 Jun 2003
The Empress?

Major Tom	09 Jun 2003
Justice or is it Strength? :laugh:

gloria	09 Jun 2003
No so far, so here is a clue. The card I have in mind shows three different attitudes.

firemaiden	09 Jun 2003
Uh... was that the clue??? How 'bout the magician?

gloria	09 Jun 2003
No Firemaiden have edited clue, although not much different, and no not Magician.

firemaiden	09 Jun 2003
well, it is a loving person with a very kind attitude towards all. The possiblities in my mind, are the Empress, the Queen of Cups, already stated. Other possibilites: the Queen of Pentacles.

BoomVoom	09 Jun 2003
I KNOW!!!! tempranse! i got it didn't i? huh? huh?

firemaiden	09 Jun 2003
I think you got it Boom Voom. By Giorgio, I think you've got it. Can you hum us a victory tune?

gloria	09 Jun 2003
No neither, I'll try give couple clues. Rider Waite deck. Main figure in card looks nasty piece of work. How's that?

BoomVoom	09 Jun 2003
hhhhhmmm... 9 :WL ???

gloria	10 Jun 2003
Oh he doesn't look a nasty type BoomVoom, I'm quite fond of him. How can I put this........3 studies of human nature?

coldsuns	10 Jun 2003
How about The Emperor?

gloria	10 Jun 2003
Ha Ha I see what you mean Coldsuns but no.

firemaiden	10 Jun 2003
Well then, the high priestess is sometimes considered to be the three phases of the moon, and so for that matter is the moon. :) How was it that Crowley put it? "the High Priestess, the triune light of Initiation. The Three- in-One, the Secret Mother in her polymorphous plenitude". (I just adore Crowley's language, it is so.... silly! But a "nasty piece of work"? There I am trying to think what cards actually have three figures on them. There are the threes of pentacles and the three of cups... but neither have a nasty piece of work on them, nor do they fit the rest of the clue... Okay, how about the Six of Cups?

gloria	10 Jun 2003
Don't go down the Crowley road Firemaiden. This card depicts three aspects of human nature, and one of these aspects provides the narrative for the text.

Major Tom	10 Jun 2003
The Devil.

rebelhorse	10 Jun 2003
5 swords? x

firemaiden	10 Jun 2003
So you're saying it wasn't the Six of Cups??? Oh, but I like what Rebelhorse wrote! I think that must be it. There are three figures on that card!

gloria	10 Jun 2003
Sorry Firemaiden and Major Tom, but first past the winning post is Rebelhorse! Well done. There are three people depicted on the five/swords, each showing a different way of thinking or behaving. There is the aggressor in the foreground, who is obviously the victor, wearing a bit of a nasty smirk on his face. Spiteful, gloating having the upper hand. Maybe he feels he has good reason to act this way – perhaps he himself has been treated badly, possibly abused, betrayed or taken advantage of. In the background is a smaller figure who is retreating, feeling belittled, humiliated and totally defeated. But take note of the middle figure.(narrative) See how he walks in a different direction to the other two. He just knows how to turn away from a situation in which he neither wants to be humiliated and demeaned, nor does he want to be the power crazed victor who takes the advantage. He has been there. He has been in the shoes of the victor and also those of the victim, and so understands, and is able to separate himself and walk away. I think a lot of people see 5/swords as a bit of a ‘grotty’ card, but maybe after this exercise, they’ll be able to see it in a more favourable light. I know I have. Over to you Rebelhorse.........

rebelhorse	10 Jun 2003
Yee ha! Ive only been here a few days and am loving it! I didnt realise i'd have to take over with a clue though ooo errr . I'll try think of one but if anyone else has one ready i'm more than happy to hand over to them! x help!

allibee	10 Jun 2003
We would love to hear a clue from you rebelhorse, but if you are a little unprepared at the moment, I know our Firemaiden has a lyrical clue waiting in the wings :O) A.

rebelhorse	10 Jun 2003
Go Firemaiden! Show me how it's done...please! x

The Literature clues: 5 of Swords thread was originally posted on 09 Jun 2003 in the Tarot Games & Fun board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Tarot Games & Fun, or read more archived threads.