ACE OF SWORDS
In the traditional Rider Waite Smith deck, the Ace cards feature a hand emerging from clouds, holding the symbol of the suit. As far as meaning goes, the imagery translates quite simply into the idea that we’re being offered a gift from the divine – one that can be nurtured into something alive and thriving.
In this case, the sword is a symbol of the mind, of information and insight. The Ace of Swords represents a moment where we’re presented with a kind of understanding – a truth revealed, a sudden mental connection, new data, a primordial idea. When it shows up for us, all we have to do is be curious and open to what’s happening in our life. It might not be obvious, but try to pay attention to any shifts, omens or messages. What conversations, sources and thoughts are coming through? Give them the space they might need to bloom.
The gifts of knowledge, consciousness and judgment aren’t always sweet. The mind allows us discernment but also cuts like a sword. The nervous system is wired for survival, sometimes at the expense of necessary change. In the suit of Swords, we move through a non-linear path on which we build a relationship to these parts of ourselves. Sometimes that path is smooth; other times it takes us into the darkest spaces of our fears, instincts and false stories.
I love Ean’s card so much because it perfectly depicts this duality and dynamic tension. We’ve also seen Jungkook himself grapple with self-criticism and perfectionism. He’s an outstanding artist, with so much natural brilliance and a talent for many things, but he also expects a lot of himself and can be his own harshest critic. This is how he keeps working incredibly hard at what he loves, translating his ideas into action, beauty and self-expression that ultimately creates connection. The Ace of Swords shows us that moment of raw potential, the beginning of the journey towards that balance.
Artist’s Interpretation of the Ace of Swords by @rkivean_______
I think Ace of Swords is a very powerful card, I was inspired by Jungkook’s GQ photoshoot because it exhibited some kind of dynamic aura. I think Halsey is an expert at expressing the true meaning of power through her songs, hence the song choice of ‘Nightmare’ and ‘Control’, the lyrics of these two songs pair perfectly with the card. The card I created shows how Jungkook worked his way to the top and that is one of my favourite things about it. The background shows the effect of Jungkook’s success, he’s in all the tv screens. It’s very impactful.
