Page of Swords
Alert and curious, you watch and learn. Seek information before you act.
- Card
- Minor Arcana · Swords (Air)
- Upright keywords
- Vigilance, Curiosity, Gathering information, Observation
- Reversed keywords
- Rumours, Gossip, Careless words, Prying
- Yes or no
- Depends on conditions
Traditional correspondences Element: Earth of Air / Golden Dawn: Princess of the Rushing Winds / Thoth: Princess of Swords / As the “throne” of the Ace, rules the quarter of the heavens around the north pole containing Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces / Sephirah: Malkuth (the Kingdom)
Upright meaning
Stay alert and gather information.
A young person stands on a windy hill, sword raised, watching alertly. The Page of Swords is curiosity and vigilance: learning, investigating, asking questions. Upright, it asks you to stay alert and gather facts.
Reversed meaning
Rumours or careless words. Mind what you say.
Reversed, curiosity turns to gossip or prying. Be careful with words and respect privacy.
For ways of reading reversed cards, see how to read reversals.
Love
Curiosity about someone; asking questions.
Gossip or suspicion.
Work
Research, learning and new ideas.
Careless communication.
Money
Researching before you invest.
Hasty decisions.
Relationships
Alert and observant.
Spreading rumours.
Health
Mental alertness.
Nervous energy.
Tarot does not diagnose physical conditions. If you have symptoms that worry you, please see a doctor.
Mind and spirit
Seeking truth.
Scattered thoughts.
As a person
A curious, quick-witted young person.
Someone nosy or gossipy.
Timing
Within days or weeks, new information arrives.
Advice
Gather information and stay alert.
Think before you speak.
Questions to ask yourself
- What do I need to learn?
- What information am I missing?
- Am I speaking carefully?
A common misreading
The Page of Swords isn’t always a gossip. Upright, it is healthy curiosity and alertness.
The story of this card
The Page is the student of air: thought seen with fresh eyes.
The Waite deck’s picture and symbols
In the Waite deck a young person stands on rough ground holding a sword upright, with wind blowing clouds and birds flying.
History and differences between traditions
In the Golden Dawn system the Page is the Princess, the earthy part of air.
Words for today
I stay curious and alert.
My words are thoughtful.