Libra Season and the Two of Swords
Modern interpretation of the RWS of the Two of Swords from the Superlunaris Tarot
As we arrive at the Fall Equinox between September 21st-September 23rd, we also mark the start of Libra season. Libra is a sign ruled by Venus, a planet known to preside over love, beauty, and relationships. Libra invites us to take a look at how we connect to the collective. The word for Libra season can be “us” or “we”, words that ask us how we connect to our community and the role we play. Libra is a sign of harmony, one that asks us to check in on how we contribute to society. It sits diametrically opposite of Aries on the astrological wheel. Aries marks the Spring Equinox, a time of rebirth and one where we explore the theme of “me” and “I am” . And so here is where we find the balance. As we move directly across the wheel, we shift from working through an understanding of the self and who “I am”, to a broader and all encompassing vibration of “we are”. Libra’s astrological symbol is the scales, asking us to weigh in on our inner and outer happenings, wanting us to take stock of where we may have excess and where we may have room for more. Libra wants us to tip the scales so that they may once again come into balance.
Libra season shifts our outward, fun, sparkling “springtime-summertime” energy to one that is more internal. I think it’s worth saying that this does not necessarily mean to cut yourself off from the world and go into hibernation the moment a leaf hits the ground 😂 Rather this is a time to notice where we may have lost our balance and see how we can regain our footing. As we take this moment to find our center from the often frenzied, active vibrations of summer, we may reflect on the road we’ve traveled these last 6 months. And while we reflect, we may also look forward and prepare for the darker months ahead.
Most will think of the Justice card when they think of the astrological Tarot associations to Libra. As someone who loves an underdog, I felt a lesser known card tied to the astrological season was worthy of the spotlight. The Two of Swords. This card in the Minor Arcana marks the first decan of Libra season, from September 22nd/23rd- October 1st/2nd. This is a beautiful card to work with if you find yourself seeking balance and wondering how you may restore it. A perfect card as an entry to Fall.
All the Twos in the Tarot are commonly felt to share similar qualities. They speak of duality, balance, and themes around darkness and light. We can see this within the High Priestess, whose numerical association is also Two. The Two of Swords is often referred to as the “Little Sister” of the High Priestess or the “Little Priestess”. Both of these cards ask us to explore our subconscious minds and if these two cards could speak, I feel they would say, “No sudden movements”. Although I couldn't imagine either the High Priestess nor the figure in the Two of Swords opening their mouths to utter any words, as they are entirely too internal, and so these words might float by in a thought bubble instead. Even though the Two of Swords is part of the Minor Arcana, she comes by her “Little Priestess” alias for her resemblance to the High Priestess pictorially, and for her intuitive nature.
At its core, this card says, a decision needs to be made, one where we scrupulously weigh all the options, understand pros and cons, and preferably write them out on a spreadsheet in true Libra fashion. (Have you ever watched a Libra make a decision? No hate, I love Libras. My sister and partner are Libras, and without them, I would probably have multiple impulsive tattoos)
Back to the “Little Priestess”...
We often see this card depicted as a person blindfolded, with two swords crossed in front of them. Some correlate this card with initiation, which I see as a coming home to ourselves. Oftentimes we are so busy in our heads and floating about in the world of “doing” that we forget we exist in our bodies and that we have autonomy over our own lives. We forget the art of “being”. And if we forget, this is the reminder that we are the captains of our ships and we can turn its course any time we choose. This is the Two of Swords. I have learned that this card comes forward when a person is faced with a difficult choice. A choice where neither option feels strong or clear. Due to these lackluster options, we often find ourselves making no choice, hoping the situation will somehow resolve itself. And yet, I often remind my querents as well as myself, that no choice is also a choice. The keyword “stalemate” has often been used to describe the feeling of the Two of Swords. In the traditional Rider-Waite Smith deck, the person in this card is wearing a blindfold. It is felt the intention behind this was to create a separation between the outside world and the initiate. While some may view this as “cutting one’s self off from the world and detaching”, I don’t view this as a negative thing at all. What I see is someone attempting to quiet the noise and silence the outside chatter in order to make a decision for themselves, finding that they relied on their own knowing, rather than being swayed by an external factor.
I see this card as one in which we take our power back, where we come back into balance with ourselves, where we take time away from others to be certain that the choice we made is our own and for our highest good.
The Two of Swords must blindfold themselves and travel into the darkness to find the answers. They are not apparent in the bright and sunny light of day. There are too many distractions on the outside. Too many ways in which we can delay making a choice by engaging in some venture or activity to take us away from the matter at hand. It is only in the darkness that we are able to get just still enough to catch a glimpse of the answer we seek that will move us forward.
Perhaps one of my favorite depictions of the Two of Swords is from The Gentle Tarot by Mari in the Sky. Here we see a person hugging their knees to their chest as they float blissfully in the ocean’s depths. The expression on their face is serene, with eyes closed, floating within a kelp forest, fish and seals as their companions. They appear unbothered, almost as though they are taking an intentional break from the world above the surface. If you have ever gone diving or snorkeling, (or ever put your head under water!) see if you can revisit that feeling. You enter another world. One free of words. Everything becomes still, and, in my experience, you become very present. The person in the Two of Swords has chosen to sink into their subconscious mind, as depicted by the vastness of the water that surrounds them. They silence the chatter so that they may once again touch the peace that resides within them.
Two of Thunder from the healing "The Gentle Tarot" by Mari in the Sky
If there were a snapshot of an “after” image of this card, I imagine this person kicking their legs and arms wide open. Swimming hard to reach the ocean’s surface, they burst through the water and take a huge inhale. They tilt their head up towards the sky with a renewed sense of self and an unwavering knowing, ready to move forward with a decision. No longer tethered to uncertainty. Their balance and their center restored, just as Libra would have intended.
A few ways to work with this card and call you back into balance this Libra season:
Using the momentum of the natural stillness upon waking, sit down in a comfortable spot before tending to anything else. It doesn’t need to be long. Five minutes can be enough. Light a candle. Close your eyes. Observe your breath. Try to keep your attention on your breathing. Is it shallow, deep, light, strong? No need to change it, just notice it. Blow the candle out and say “Thank you” to your body, your spirit and Mother Earth as you enter a new day.
Go for a short walk first thing in the morning. Slip your shoes on and enjoy the briskness of the morning air. Notice any changes in the natural environment, from trees, plants, temperature, as well as changes in your attire as the weather shifts. If time is not available in the morning, this “walking awareness” practice is beautiful in the evening as well
Cook or bake something simple that makes you feel nourished. Bonus points for incorporating a food that is seasonal and local to your area. Eat without distractions, taking in the flavors, textures and aromas of your meal
Make yourself a warm beverage- a spiced tea with honey, hot cocoa with cinnamon- and sip it slowly, feeling the heat of the mug in your hands and the steam on your face
If mornings are tough, complete the first practice at any point in the day. Another fantastic time to try the mind quieting technique is at night right before bed, allowing yourself to recenter from the inevitable ups and downs of the day
Not an exercise, but did you know that in practicing these types of mindfulness techniques, you are also sharpening your intuition? Just thought I’d mention it 😉
May your entrance into Autumn be full of nourishment, harmony and gentleness. Happy Fall!