Rider Waite Smith Tarot Deck

A hand issues from a cloud, grasping as word, the point of which is encircled by a crown.

About the Deck

Pivotal and canonical, this deck defined a new pattern that would be followed up to the present.

Provenance

Designed by A.E. Waite and Illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith. England, 1911.

Meaning of Ace of Swords from the Rider Waite Smith Tarot Deck

Upright

Triumph, the excessive degree in everything, conquest, triumph of force. It is a card of great force, in love as well as in hatred. The crown may carry a much higher significance than comes usually within the sphere of fortune-telling.

Reversed

The same, but the results are disastrous; another account says--conception, childbirth, augmentation, multiplicity.

According to Many Schools of Thought

Papus's Divinatory Meanings

Commencement of enmity.

A. E. Waite's Secondary Meanings

Upright

Great prosperity or great misery.

Reversed

Marriage broken off, for a woman, through her own imprudence.

Mme. Le Normand's Divinatory Meanings

The inquirer, if male.

Mme. Le Normand's Divinatory Meanings

The inquirer, if female.

S. L. MacGregor Mathers's Divinatory Meanings

Upright

Triumph, Fecundity, Fertility, Prosperity

Reversed

Embarrassment, Foolish and Hopeless Love, Obstacle, Hindrance.

P.R.S. Foli's Divinatory Meanings

Upright

Emotional enjoyment

Reversed

news of a death, sorrow.

Mme. Le Marchand's Divinatory Meanings

if you keep it a secret that you dye your hair (or beard) a certain person will bestow his (her) heart upon you.