Page of Swords, Minor Arcana, Swords XI
The Page of Swords represents a laid-back person who exhibits a detached, easygoing attitude in the face of problems – big and small. He is indifferent, unconcerned, almost completely apathetic. He just doesn’t care.
The page cards in Tarot tend to symbolize boyish masculine energy, while the King cards symbolize matured masculinity. The Knights stand for the transition, that period of time when a man emotionally grows up.
In the Page of Swords card, we see a young guy standing on rough terrain, alone, with a sword. The sky has black birds, clouds, and trees (in the background, on the left) that are wind-blown, just like his hair. He looks like he could fight against something, but his body language suggests he is not that into it. He seems aloof. The element of air and the suit of swords both symbolize thoughts and mental activity – in this card we see strong winds and a tilted sword, both pointing at this Knight’s unwillingness and un-readiness to face problems (symbolized by the black birds) head on.
Emotionally and spiritually, he is still a little boy. He is sweet, for sure, and nonchalant. He likes to enjoy life, and not think of responsibilities. He could be representing your child, little brother, a younger coworker, or your romantic partner – who might not be the best candidate for long-term commitment. It has nothing to do with you; he just isn’t there yet.
The Page of Swords could also represent the way you’re acting lately. Have you been avoiding problems? Do you prefer watching television, reruns even, to doing your bills? Is something too much or too difficult for you to face? Maybe that’s why you are trying so hard to act like you don’t care, like you are above all this.
If your reading is about your career and finances, the Page of Swords might indicate that you aren’t doing your best. It could be that you don’t find any meaning in your job, and you just don’t really care anymore. It could be that where you work, the environment isn’t conducive to being productive. So, you go with the flow, as long as you get your paycheck, you don’t mind. But sooner or later, you’ll start to feel lost and will want to look for a purpose, a goal. We all want to feel useful, after all.
What does the Page of Swords Tarot card mean for love?
For singles, having Page of Swords in your reading might mean one of two things. The card might represent a person, most likely a Libra (more on that in the last section – Astrological association), and most likely a male, or a female with a strong ‘male side.’ If this is the case, rest assured this is a good, well-meaning person who just wants to have a good time. If you’re in it for fun too, by all means, enjoy your time!
If you’re in the mood for a serious relationship, however, the person represented by the Page of Swords wouldn’t make the best candidate. You would continue to lose time, and maybe your hopes too. He isn’t necessary monogamous either, just because he thinks he is still exploring. It’s best to move on and look for someone else who is actually already ready to settle.
For couples, the Page of Swords might point at avoidance of problems. A few things in your relationship need to come to the surface, to be examined, talked about, processed and resolved. Instead, you two both are taking on a casual, offhand attitude, assuming things will work themselves out. But relationships need attention. They need care. Stop ignoring problems; deal with them before they become bigger. This card suggests they are not of the type that shatters relationships, anyway.
What does Page of Swords reversed in Tarot mean?
Page of Swords reversed means your unwillingness to face unpleasant situations has caused those situations to snowball into real, serious problems. Being easygoing is one thing, not taking responsibility is another. You call it ‘going with the flow,’ but the rest of the world calls it irresponsibility. It’s a bit extreme what you’re doing.
You know those people who don’t check their credit card statements, because they think that if they don’t look, things will somehow sort themselves out. But debts don’t go away just like that. Looking the other way has never helped anyone; it won’t help you either.
You can talk to your partner, family, friends, or to an advisor, to get the help you need to own up to your problems and mistakes. Most likely, your mistake isn’t the biggest or the worst one in the world, and there are plenty of solutions.
Astrological association
Sword cards – all 14 of them – in Tarot’s Minor Arcana are associated with the air element, which is associated with the astrological signs of Libra, Gemini, and Aquarius. The Page of Swords, specifically, shows male Libra energy.
The Page is a Court card. In the Minor Arcana, Court cards are: Pages, Knights, Queens, and Kings. There are four of each, e.g. Page of Swords, Page of Wands, Page of Pentacles, and Page of Cups. Court carts tend to represent our deepest qualities, or a very important person in our life – depending on where they appear in the spread. Your psychic Tarot reader would be able to tell you this, based on the other cards in your reading.
If this card is about a Libra male in your life, notice if the card is upright or reversed. If it’s upright, this Libra wants to have harmony at all costs, including turning a blind eye to actual, important negativities.
If the card is reversed, this Libra has been acting irresponsibly. They are being flaky. Talk to them and let them know that you want them to deserve your trust, because you care. Because you believe that things between you could be much better. Be kind, as this person might be going through a difficult time, and the way they act might have nothing to do with you personally. Be gentle as you express how you feel.