Waite's view of the Sword
Waite was a kabalist and thought of the tarot in terms of the Kabala and the Hebrew letters associated with the Kabala. Zayin (also spelled Zain) represents the Sword in Hebrew. Zayin is the 3rd of the 12 single letters of the hebrew alphabet and corresponds to the 17th path of the Kabala (The Lover Cards [represenintg choice?]) Zayin also corresponds to the astrological sign Gemini (the Cardinal Airy sign) which is ruled by the planet Mercury. In the Kabala the Sword is not seen as a weapon, but as a tool. The preeminent tool of logic and reason. Think of the idea of the sword as a double-edged tool that can both cut away what is unnecessary from a problem and at the same time stab straight to the heart of the problem. Thus, the Suit of Swords is a suit of logic and reason. It also corresponds to the element of Air. Thus, when looking at the Suit of swords, one should not be looking for violence, or war, but instead one should look for logic and reason and the ability to think clearly and cogently in order to overcome and survive any situation.
There is another interesting astrological association with the Suit of Swords. The zodiac signs are divided decans (a decan is ten degrees and thus each 30 degree sign has three decans) The Two, Three and Four of Swords correspond to the 3 decans of the zodiac sign Libra (which is the element Air and Cardinal1); the Five, Six and Seven of Swords correspond to the 3 decans of Aquarius (which is element Air and Fixed2): and The Eight, Nine and Ten of Swords correspond to the three decans of Gemini (the element Air and Mutable3). This interesting association will help you to understand much about the divinatory meanings of the pip cards of the Suit of Swords.
One last interesting association between astrology and the Suit of Swords. Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are odd signs and therefore are considered positive and masculine signs in astrology.
Notes:
1. A CARDINAL SIGN indicates an active temperament. The subject usually becomes prominent in some manner, whether famous or notorious.
2. FIXED SIGNS give fixity of purpose, determination, reliability, firmness.
3. MUTABLE SIGNS charm of manner, placidity and adaptability that sometimes causes the subject to be misjudged and suspected of deceit