10 of Swords
10 OF SWORDS
Nickname - "Absolute Power"
Element - Earth/Fire
Temper - Melancholic Choleric
Power - Dry
Timing - Long
Movement - Rigid
Direction - Southwest
In the cycle of a year - August/September
In the cycle of a day - Afternoon
In the cycle of a life - Age 21~28
Sex - Male
Similar Cards - 4 Swords, Valet Swords, 7 Batons, 1 Batons, King of Batons
At last we reach our goal — the Decad, the most revered number by the Pythagoreans. The Decad is not only a 10, or a return to 1, but is called "All". 10 is like saying billions, and billions. It is called "Eternity," for it symbolically represents the eternal continuation of all number. When we see the 10 of Swords it is like we see a massive army of sword wielding death-dealers. It is impenetrable. It is total, complete naked power.
The Fire of the Swords, and the Earth of the 10 both share the Power of Dryness, which lacks flexibility and is rigid, and of long duration. The 10 of Swords returns us to the realm of the Ace of Swords which is traditionally associated with Death. The Decad brings us back to Death after forging our armor in the fire and blood of the previous nine Swords. We are now the Master of Death. We now decide who lives and dies.
Obviously, every time this card shows up in a reading won't mean the querent will have several Roman Legions at his disposal. The card could show any and all manner of authority, both benevolent, and ruthless. It furthermore may show a mastery of conflict, strife, and division internally even among those with no worldly authority, or a person whose knowledge and mastery of their given field makes them an undisputed 'authority,' like your French Literature professor.