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The Tarot of Eli 2, LLC: Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot-Ace of Swords & The Animal Totem Tarot-Ace of Swords.

Western Hermetic Qabalah, Magick, Tantric, Astrological, Numerical, and Alchemical Traditional Tarot Card Comparisons.

February 20, 2025

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Above all things, know thyself!

Radiant: Rider-Waite-Smith-Tarot, Ace of Swords

The Animal Totem Tarot-Ace of Swords

The Rider-Waite Ace of Swords, illustrates a white hand (Kether is colored white on the Tree of Life as the purest light), has shown a sliver white hand, exiting a silver white cloud, holding upright a great sword that is supporting a crown strewn with an olive branch and a palm. Implied by the palm of suffering and the olive branch of peace are the dual possibilities of action attributed to the "Sword (Mind) of Good or Evil", the Sword of Will.

The Crown is one of the symbols for the 1st Sephiroth-Kether, on the Qabalistic Tree of Life. The six Yods (flames of Spirit) imply that this is the "seed " of the Solar Logos/Over Soul, and that of Tiphareth, the 6th Sephiroth called Beauty, which is attributed to the Christ or Buddha mind both of whom suffered and spoke and acted on peace.

The Animal Tarot- Ace of Swords illustrates a large Panda eating his bamboo feast. In fact, Panda's consume a lot of food as in most of its day/life eating. This is in large part because bamboo is not heavy in nutrients and large amounts must be eaten to keep the Panda all fuzzy and cuddly looking. Hence, this guy has a lot to chew on throughout the day. One could say that the Panda symbolizes the fact that you must consume a lot of information before you can take appropriate action. Hence, the implication here is that we don't always get the quick and easy answer. Therefore, you need to take the time to gather all appropriate information before you act.

 

The Sword is standing upright on a pedestal pointing towards the heavens as a symbol of Truth. The Panda's enclosure represents, truth, reason, and knowledge. This is also a process of thought known to the Greek philosophers as dialectics.

Dialectics is a method of philosophical reasoning and discourse that dates back to ancient Greece and has been used by various philosophers throughout history. It is a way of examining and resolving contradictions or oppositions in thought.

In its most basic form, dialectics involves the following elements:

  1. Thesis: This is the initial position or statement, often representing a particular viewpoint or idea.

  2. Antithesis: The antithesis is the opposing or contradictory position to the thesis. It presents an alternative viewpoint or idea that is in conflict with the thesis.

  3. Synthesis: The synthesis is the resolution of the conflict between the thesis and antithesis. It represents a higher-level idea that incorporates elements of both the thesis and antithesis, transcending the initial opposition.

The process of dialectics is often described as a triadic movement, where the thesis and antithesis generate tension and conflict, leading to the synthesis, which is a new thesis. This process can continue iteratively, leading to the development of ideas and the refinement of understanding.

Dialectical thinking is not limited to philosophy but has been applied to various fields, including social sciences, politics, and even natural sciences. It is a way of exploring and resolving contradictions or oppositions in a systematic and logical manner.

Often in Ace of Swords there is a power struggle, a card of ideological conflict; battles over point of view where the strongest but not necessarily the best, advocate is the victor. Since the truth comes out in this battle, someone may be seriously hurt---emotionally, physically, and financially. Since swords are considered the "death suit', this can be a very violent, a very direct, and an incredibly open struggle. However, something positive always emerges from struggle as mind sets are played against one another producing entirely new innovative ideas overturning preconceived notions, and intellectual positions that may also be overturned, including the discarding of outworn ideas.

This conflict may be on a small scale amongst individuals, at home or work or it may happen between Nations. The Ace of Swords represents the very root of passionate thought. Swords are the suit of the Son/Sun, and the first material of creation that we call "thought", is the joint process of Female-Mother-Unconscious (Will-to- Form) and Male-Father-creative Spirit (Will-to-Force). There are six yods in this card implying a connection with the 6th Sephiroth-Tiphareth, known as Beauty. Here is reference to the Solar Self and/or Soul and implies revelation.

The Panda as a power animal, totem animal, and spirit guide carries profound symbolism rooted in balance, peace, and gentle strength. Despite its soft and cuddly appearance, the panda embodies deep spiritual lessons about grounding, presence, and the art of living harmoniously.

🐼 Panda as a Power Animal

When the panda appears as your power animal, it calls you to embrace a calm, centered strength. The panda teaches the importance of slow and mindful living, urging you to cultivate patience and focus. While pandas are not aggressive by nature, they are powerful when necessary—reminding you that strength can be gentle and still effective.

Key Lessons from Panda as a Power Animal:

  • Balance and Harmony: The panda’s distinctive black and white fur symbolizes the Yin-Yang energy—duality and harmony within opposites. It encourages you to find equilibrium in all areas of life.
  • Gentle Strength: The panda thrives through persistence, showing that you can achieve your goals without aggression.
  • Mindful Presence: It teaches the importance of slowing down, focusing on the present, and nourishing yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

🌿 Panda as a Totem Animal

If the panda is your totem animal, you are likely someone who values peace, solitude, and emotional grounding. Panda people are often empathetic, nurturing, and natural healers, but they also require clear boundaries and time alone to recharge.

Traits of Panda-Totem Individuals:

  • Calm and Observant: You prefer calm environments and often act as a grounding force for others.
  • Protective but Peaceful: Though peaceful, you stand strong in your values and protect those you love with quiet determination.
  • Self-Care Advocates: Panda-totem individuals instinctively know when to pause, rest, and nurture themselves—teaching others the value of self-care.

🌟 Panda as a Spirit Guide

When the panda shows up as a spirit guide, it often appears during times when you need grounding, emotional balance, or healing. It may come into your life when you’re feeling overwhelmed, encouraging you to step back, breathe deeply, and move forward with a calm, steady pace.

Messages from the Panda Spirit Guide:

  • Embrace Simplicity: Focus on what truly nourishes you and let go of the unnecessary complexities.
  • Stand in Your Power Quietly: Strength doesn’t need to be loud. The panda teaches you to embody resilience with grace.
  • Create Boundaries: Like the panda’s selective diet of bamboo, it reminds you to be selective with where you invest your time and energy.

🌓 Symbolic Meanings of the Panda:

  • Balance of Light & Dark (Yin-Yang)
  • Peace & Gentleness
  • Emotional Grounding
  • Patience & Perseverance
  • Self-Love & Nurturing

💡 When to Call on Panda Energy:

  • When seeking emotional balance or harmony in relationships.
  • If you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed and need to slow down.
  • During times of self-reflection and inner healing.
  • When you want to establish healthy boundaries in life.

In essence, the panda teaches the art of being present, grounded, and kind-hearted while still holding immense inner strength. Its energy is a gentle reminder that peace and power can coexist

WHEN THE ACE OF SWORDS is THROWN DURING A DIVINATION,

It implies.

  • Mental clarity and inventiveness.
  • Problems being overcome with original thinking.
  • The dawning of a new intellectual process.
  • Acting with logic and discrimination
  • Strength in adversity. Out of evil some good will come. Something that looks bleak can surprisingly turn out to be promising.
  • The beginning of an idea or information. The rise of Inner insight.
  • Will power.

If reversed, it implies:

  • This card depends on the surrounding cards to show whether it is fate or rebirth.
  • Doom, this is the card of Morgan the Fate. 
  • Finality, Tragedy, and fate; However, it is release, freedom from past restraint and a new lightness and/or a kind of salvation.
  • Vacillation.

Thank you for your interest, comments, and supportive donation. May you live long and prosper.

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