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The Rider-Waite-Smith King and its Traditional Tarot equivalents stick to a more prosaic depiction of the King of Swords than modern Western Hermetic Tarot Decks. However, it is a great introduction to the Western Hermetic Tarot as some esoteric symbols are in the artwork.

The Waite medieval King is larger than his surroundings, implying a great mind and/or presence. The fiery air aspect of this king is shown in the red/orange inner cloak of the RWS king that covers the sky-blue inner garment of Air (blue sky). The Purple outer cloak indicates his authority to rule. The moths on the crown of the Throne, may indicate his rule over the sylphs of the Air. However, there is no real indication of his active force presented in this card, as he is both stoic and passive. Nevertheless, he is holding his sword in a defensive pose, which may imply his defensive and stubborn behavioral tenancies.

The Animal Totem Tarot -King of Swords is the equivalent card to the Rider-Waite-Smith- King of Swords although he is shown as an Eagle clutching a Crown. Here the King is shown as an intelligent, fair, impartial, and completely Feathery personage who is emotionally unavailable and therefore, a great leader. If you need flawless advice, he's your guy. If you need a motivational speaker, sign him up! You want a completely competent and professional C.E.O, there is none better. If you want a romantic partner... walk on by. He's a great eagle of a guy, but heart to heart, is not in his repertoire. Therefore, the King of Swords is shown standing stoically in the solitary company of his stark mountains. Wisdom and intellect are all he needs in this world.

The eagle perched high above the world on his mountain top is the perfect example of the higher you go the less there seems to be. For instance, oxygen is thin up there. However, looks are noted for being deceptive. To harness the energy of the King's mental clarity, you must focus your energy on one thing at a time. Hence, he holds a crown and leaves the sword on the ground for he has learned to drop what is not essential.

The King of Swords knows that once you clear the mind in these focused mental heights and the decision has been made it is time to come back down to earth. The King knows that one can't stay on these mental heights forever and must leap back into the distractions of the world. The lesson being, to focus, decide and then leap with purpose, clarity, and precision.

The Bald Eagle as Spirit Guide, Totem, and Power Animal: Sovereignty of the Soul

There are few animals more striking than the Bald Eagle—a creature whose very presence commands reverence. With its piercing gaze, mighty wingspan, and ability to soar into the highest reaches of the sky, the eagle is a living emblem of Solar majesty. But beyond national symbolism or zoological awe, the Bald Eagle—especially as it appears in dreams, visions, or meditation—offers a profound message to the soul.

In this post, we’ll explore the Bald Eagle through the Hermetic lens: as a spirit guide, totem animal, and power animal, integrating insights from Qabalah, Solar archetypes, and even goddess mysticism.

The Spirit Guide: The Eye of the Divine

When the Bald Eagle appears as a spirit guide, it signals a summons from the higher self. This is the call to rise above—above emotional noise, mundane dramas, and the limitations of your own perspective. The eagle doesn’t just see; it perceives the totality.

Its medicine is clarity—piercing, Solar, mercilessly true. This is not the soft glow of comfort, but the white-hot Sun of Tiphareth, where the soul aligns with divine purpose.

• Are you ready to see things as they are?

• Are you willing to be sovereign over your own vision?

The eagle teaches that true vision requires distance, detachment, and divine alignment. As a guide, it may appear in times of great transition—especially when you're being asked to hold a larger view or accept a greater truth.

The Totem Animal: Living the Solar Archetype

As a totem animal—your lifelong energetic ally—the Bald Eagle reflects the Solar King or Queen archetype within. Those who carry this totem often have a natural air of leadership, independence, and high-level perception. But this is not about ego; it’s about divine responsibility.

People with eagle medicine tend to:

• Resist being confined or controlled

• Thrive in solitude, where deep downloads come

• Act as spiritual observers or visionaries

• Possess a deep inner compass for truth, justice, and cosmic law

The eagle totem burns with nobility. It does not squabble on the ground—it waits, it watches, it ascends.

The Power Animal: Flight, Fire, and Focus

When invoked as a power animal—for ritual, healing, or protection—the Bald Eagle brings a surge of Solar energy. It is a fierce ally of transformation, particularly when you need to break free of mental binds or emotional stagnation.

Call on the eagle when you need to:

• Burn through illusion with Solar clarity

• Rise above emotional chaos to gain divine insight

• Awaken the heart center (Tiphareth) and align with true will

• Enforce energetic boundaries with swift, piercing precision

Its presence can cut through confusion like a sword of gold. In this way, the eagle is akin to a flaming Seraph—the divine purifier.

Hermetic Symbolism: Eagle of Ascension

In the alchemical tradition, the eagle is often associated with the sublimated form of Scorpio—transformed from the crawling scorpion into the flying eagle, rising from the ashes of base desire. It symbolizes a successful transmutation of the soul.

In Qabalistic terms, we can place the Bald Eagle within Tiphareth, the Solar Sephira, where the Ruach (soul) harmonizes with the Divine Will. Here, it functions as a Solar messenger—bridging Kether and Malkuth, heaven and earth.

The eagle may also glide through the wings of Netzach, the sphere of beauty and nature’s grandeur, reminding us of the divine in the natural world.

Goddess Connection: Winged Emissary of the Solar Feminine

While the eagle is often considered a masculine symbol, it also serves Solar goddesses such as:

• Sulis – the British Solar goddess of sacred waters and healing

• Sekhmet – lion-headed goddess of Solar fire and divine justice

• Amaterasu – the Shinto Sun goddess who hides and reveals light

In Goddess work, the eagle may arrive as a winged protector or as a symbol of divine truth ready to be reclaimed. Its talons seize what is sacred; its cry pierces illusion. It does not whisper. It declares.

Final Thoughts: The Sovereign Sky

The Bald Eagle is no idle animal spirit. It comes to those who are ready to hold the Solar center, who can withstand the clarity of truth, and who are willing to fly alone if necessary to fulfill their soul’s purpose.

It is a teacher of altitude, attitude, and absolute presence. When it appears, ask yourself:

“What is the highest perspective I can hold right now?”
“What sacred truth do I need the courage to see?”

The eagle doesn’t bring answers. It brings vision—and the will to act on it.

In Western Hermetic Qabalah this King of Swords card is assigned the Sun in Aquarius. Individuals with the Sun in Aquarius, which is typically from January 20 to February 18, are associated with certain characteristics. It's important to note that astrology provides general traits, and individual experiences may vary. Here are some common characteristics of people born with the Sun in Aquarius:

1. Innovative and Original: Aquarians are known for their innovative thinking and original ideas. They often enjoy exploring unconventional concepts and pushing boundaries.

2. Intellectual: They tend to be highly intellectual and have a natural curiosity about the world. Aquarians enjoy engaging in stimulating conversations and exploring new ideas.

3. Independent: Independence is a key trait of Aquarians. They value their freedom and prefer to follow their own path rather than conforming to societal expectations.

4. Humanitarian: Aquarians are often drawn to social causes and have a strong sense of social justice. They may actively participate in activities aimed at making the world a better place.

5. Open-minded: These individuals are open-minded and accepting of different perspectives. They appreciate diversity and are willing to embrace new and unconventional ideas.

6. Detached: Aquarians can sometimes appear emotionally detached. They tend to approach situations with rationality rather than being driven solely by emotions.

7. Friendly and Sociable: Despite their independence, Aquarians are generally friendly and enjoy socializing. They value friendships and can be quite sociable in group settings.

8. Rebellious: There is a rebellious streak in Aquarians, and they may challenge established norms and traditions. They prefer to think outside the box and question the status quo.

9. Unpredictable: Aquarians can be unpredictable in their actions and choices. They thrive on change and may resist routines that feel too restricting.

10. Technologically Savvy: With a natural affinity for innovation, many Aquarians are comfortable with technology. They may be early adopters of new gadgets and advancements.

Remember that these traits are generalizations, and an individual's complete astrological profile, including their Moon and Rising signs, provides a more comprehensive understanding of their personality.

The King of Swords represents a person who has authority and could be with the government or associated with the Law. This person would also give good counsel. However, the negative side of this individual would be without compassion and a tendance to be cruel.

To reiterate, Chokmah, the 2nd Sephiroth- Wisdom who is the Will to Force of the Tarot Kings, is the beginning state of conscious energy that is masculine in expressive action. Chokmah is the "idea of male" and its mate, Binah, the 3rd Sephiroth-Understanding, is the "idea of Female". These are simplified concepts of Father-Mother God who despite the gender wording are not separate and together form the Divine Creative.

Chokmah being the 2nd Sephira, called Wisdom, is also the Force behind the four 2's.

The 2's symbolize the forces of the 4 Kings, and the Goddess -the Will-to-form of the four Queens -uniting and initializing the Forces.

The Kings are the Fathers of and initiators of Material Forces.

WHEN THE KING OF SWORDS IS THROWN DURING A READING:

The querent is or may be experiencing:

• The Will to transcend.
• An analytical period, where the power of idea and motion come into play.
• Letting go of old beliefs and attitudes that no longer serve the motion of the individual.
•  Tough- minded common sense that is usually based on preconception and prejudice.
• The arrogance of a powerful mind turned on itself in its own desire for control.
• The tendency to judge harshly but with scrupulous fairness.
• A lawyer, senator, or doctor.
• Mastery of creativity and confusion, as he sees new points of view, while brainstorming new thoughts that vent the mind.
• Intellectual, and mental prowess whose only emotion is to control.
• A strong personality of fiery emotion and powerful thought. both stubborn and defensive. 

If reversed or ill defined by the surrounding cards, it implies:

•  If such occurs, he is incapable of decisions or purpose, and any action he takes is so weakened by his mental indecision that it is easily brushed aside by opposition proving that inadequate violent action is merely futile effort at best.
• He is aloof, cruel, and thoughtless when dealing with others.

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

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