Mommy Time Monday; Two of Swords, and a recipe!

Mommy Time Monday! Each week I'll draw and post a tarot card from The Housewives Tarot and share it with you. So go ahead, sit down and take some time for yourself, you never know what inspiration and advice The Housewives may have for you!  This week's card is also part of our Air Element Study, where we will be exploring the Tarot Suit of Swords!

The Ace of Swords

from The Housewives' Tarot by Paul Kepple and Jude Buffum, Quirk Books 2004.  (I claim no ownership of this deck or the artwork and share it here as an informational post among friends, no copyright infringement is intended.)

"Conflicts, Opposing views, Impartiality"

"Like Thanksgiving dinner with the in-laws, life can be full of conflicts.  As the blindfolded woman illustrates, it is important to remain impartial when stalemates occur.  The two of swords reminds us that it is seemingly opposing tastes - like cranberry sauce and green bean casserole - that make life more delicious.  After all, if no one wanted the dark meat, there wouldn't be enough light meat to go around."

~ From the Guidebook to the Housewives Tarot by Paul Kepple and Jude Buffum. 

The Suit of Swords is related to the Air element; thoughts, communications, decision making, learning, and all things dealing with our Mental Processes.  With the Ace of Swords we faced the seed of an idea, the beginning of a new way of thinking or a new mental journey.  With the Two of swords we reach our first mental crossroads, a choice to be made.  But the lesson here is not really in the choice itself, it's in how you go about making the choice.  There are times when it's good to be impartial, go inside, and really trust your instincts.  The blindfold doesn't necessarily mean that the woman in the card is "blinded" or somehow weakened by her blindfold.  She is learning to trust her other senses more, she is having to carefully weigh out her next move without relying on the sense of vision we so strongly rely on.  This card goes quite perfectly with our week of meditation study; practicing finding that impartial and slightly detached place within can be an important tool for when you face difficult decisions in the future.

Recipe of The Week;

Two of Swords

Quick Dill Pickles

from The Epicurean Tarot Recipe Cards by Corrine Kenner, U.S. Games Systems (I claim no ownership of this deck or the artwork and share it here as an informational post among friends, no copyright infringement is intended.)

"The woman on the Two of Swords seems to be in a pickle; blindfolded, perched on a stormy seashore and forced to balance two deadly weapons.  Honor her spirit with some quick and crunchy dill pickles."

1 dozen large pickling cucumbers

3 quartz white vinegar

3 cups sugar

6 teaspoons kosher salt

3 cloves garlic

9 pearl onions

3 teaspoons pickling spice

3 small bunches dill

6 drops green food coloring (optional)

Wash the cucumbers and quarter them lengthwise.

Pack 12 cucumber spears upright in each pre-sterilized jar.

Bring the vinegar, sugar, and salt to a boil.

Carefully pour the boiling liquid over the cucumbers, filling the jars to within 1/2 an inch to the top.

Add a clove of garlic, 3 pearl onions, a teaspoon of pickling spice, a bunch of dill, and two drops of food coloring to each jar.  

Seal the jars immediately and let cool.

Refrigerate the pickles for at least a week, and serve them withing three weeks.

Tarot For Kids; Ace of Swords

The Whimsical Tarot by Dorothy Morrison is a kid-friendly deck of tarot cards based on Nursery-Rhymes and Fairy Tales.  It is a great Tarot deck for young children, or for the young at heart!  Since our Elemental Studies are geared towards lessons and exercises we can do with our children, I thought that I would share some info from this card deck as we go along.  (On a side note, in this deck the suit of swords is said to represent Fire.  Different decks, depending on their authors and creators may sometimes alternate the association of Swords with Air or Fire, and Wands with Fire or Air.  Even though this deck's book describes this suit to be associated with the Fire Element, I find their meanings ring true for Air Element as well.  For the purpose of solidarity in our studies, we will study the suit of Swords in this deck, despite the differences in the author's view of elemental correspondence.)

Before you begin, you may want to go over The Ace of Swords with your child from my previous post.  Depending on your child's age and level of understanding, interpret as you see fit.

The Ace of Swords

The Whimsical Tarot, by Dorothy Morrison, Illustrated by Mary Hanson-Roberts.  

U.S Games Systems

I claim no ownership or copyright of this image, it is shared here as information between friends!  No copyright infringement intended*

From the guidebook;

Depiction: A Mighty Sword

Description: "The Ace of Swords is perhaps, the most aggressive card in the tarot.  That's because it speaks of strength, courage, and victory.  It drives home the importance of the ability to stand up for what we believe in, and the other things that we, as humankind, hope are in our power to accomplish.  For this reason, The Ace of Swords is always shown as a sharp. double edged blade - the standard weapon of choice in many ancient wars.  As symbolized by the dragon's head hilt, this particular blade is one of ferocity and experience.  It knows what it is to go to war, fight courageously, and return.  It knows the glory of winning, and power and freedom of victory.  But it also knows the pain of defeat and has experienced the darkness of poor planning. All of this makes for a very balanced blade."

Advice: "When the Ace of Swords appears in your life, you have achieved some sort of victory.  Get out the laurel wreath and prepare an acceptance speech for your rewards.  This is a turning point in your life, a day you will always remember.  It commemorates a time to take up a cause, fight courageously for it's principles, and win against all odds.  Remember what it takes to be a good winner.  Give some thought to your opponent or the crisis you face.  Remember too, that the Ace of Swords is not only razor sharp and bears a double edge, but it is much heavier than it's counterpart, the fencing blade.  Understand that a great deal of strength and responsibility is necessary to wield it with grace and honor.  With that in mind, make sure you are up to the task before you grab it's hilt.  If you are, it will always serve you well.  If not, you may just slip and cut your own throat."

~ Dorothy Morrison

Take a look at the words in bold print.  These are some of the key meanings of this card.  Keep in mind that this sword does not actually represent physical fighting or aggression and violence.  This is more of the fight of willpower, the fight of the mind, the intellect, and the power of words.

Have you ever heard these phrases?
"Sharp-witted"

"Sharp-tongue"

"Words are like a double edged blade."
"Cut to the truth of the matter."

Think about these phrases for a few minutes.  Write down what you think they mean before you continue reading.

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"Sharp-witted" is a way to refer to someone who is witty and smart, usually very quick to speak.  Someone who is referred to as "Sharp" in this way is usually very intelligent and good with words.

"Sharp-Tongue" - Words can hurt.  When someone is called sharp-tongued it means that their words are often hurtful, spiteful, or cruel.  They use the power of their words to cut people down.  When you read the above advice about the Ace of Swords, it said a great deal of strength and responsibility is necessary to wield your sword with grace and honor.  Your sword is your words, your voice.  Are you using it with honor and responsibility?  Are your words kind, or are you sharp-tongued?

"Words are like a double-edged blade". - just like above... words can hurt.  Your words can cut other people's feelings.  But a double-edged blade means that there are two sides of this sword that are sharp.  If one side is cutting someone else, the other side can cut you.  When you use negative words, it hurts others, but it also hurts YOU.  Like attracts like.  What you say about others can come back on you and hurt you.  Also, what you say about yourself can be just as hurtful.  Try not to speak poorly of yourself, criticize yourself, or put yourself down.  They may feel like "Just words", but they cut you very deeply.  And with the double-edged blade, when you speak badly of yourself, it also hurts the people who love you... because they just want you to be happy and know that you are loved.

"Cut to the truth of the matter."  Why do you think the imagery of "cutting" is used in reference to finding the truth or gaining knowledge?  You don't actually have to CUT anything when you are learning, studying, and seeking the truth.  But the phrases "Cut to the heart of the matter," "Cut to the truth of the matter," and "Cut to the chase" all deal with finding truth and getting to the point.  This just goes to show how human kind associates the Mind and Words with Swords!  It's like we see problems like Fog, restricting vines in a jungle, or ropes that bind us.... but we know that if we use the power of our Mind and our Words, we cat slice through the vines, cut through those ropes, and fight our way through the fog to find the truth!

Your words and thoughts are powerful.  You have just been given a very powerful sword.  If you use it wisely and responsibly, you may someday be Knighted or become a King or Queen!  Your journey through the suit of Swords and the Air Element has begun! 

Tarot Tuesday, Ace of Swords

As part of our Elemental Studies Series, we will be studying the Suit of Swords, which corresponds to the Air Element of the Tarot.  (We will also be studying a few Major Arcana cards which are related to Air)  You can write about these cards in your Element Studies Journal, or you may choose to get a separate journal or notebook for Tarot studies.  If you don't have a deck of tarot cards, that's okay.... you can still follow along with these lessons and gain a better understanding of different aspects of Air Energy through studying the cards! For our first card of the Swords Suit, here is the Ace of Swords!

Ace of Swords

Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot, 

U.S. Games Systems

*I claim no ownership or copyright of this image, it is shared here as information between friends!  No copyright infringement intended*

Ace of Sword Basics:
Numerology; 55/10/1

Astrology: All Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)
Planet; Mercury
Kabbalah: Kether (Crown)

Some Key Words; Mind Expanding, Mental Focus, Seeds of Truth, Application of Will, New ways of thinking, Fresh Plans and strategies, Ambition, Movement, Power, Leadership, Fresh Ideas, Timing, Change, Intellect, Initiative, Clarity, Justice, Truth, brain-storming, ideas, meditation, premise, announcement.

The Ace of Swords represents the essence of the Air Element in it's most basic form.  It is the birthplace of thought and mental power.  A Sharp mind and clear thinking can cut it's way through any conflict.  This card represents the realm of the intellect, initiative, fresh ideas, new thoughts, clarity, announcements and new beginnings in the realm of the mind.  

All of the Aces can be seen as "seeds" of the element they represent.  Ace of Pentacles is the seed of Earth, Ace of Cups is the seed of Water, and so on. The Ace of Swords is the seed of Air - the seed of thought.  It is the beginning of a new purpose, the germ of an idea.  Yet this seed requires nurturing; it needs some grounding in order for it to take root.  Without focused grounding and intentional care, this new thought or idea could easily flit away on the wind.  This card also represents how strong our words can be.  Words can be cutting and harmful, or uplifting and strengthening.  This card reminds us to use our words with care; both in how we speak to others and how we speak to ourselves.

The Ace of Swords Says;
"You possess enough verbal incision to cut through any obstacles at the moment, a new blade cuts sharp, and those who cross your path right now should take care that you do not cut straight through them with your acerbic wit.  You are prone to not suffering fools gladly so when you decide the time has come to embark on a new initiative, people had better keep out of your way." ~ Around the Tarot in 78 Days by Marcus Katz and Tali Goodwin

CONNECT WITH THE ACE OF SWORDS:

here are some ways you can connect with this card.

Affirmation 1: "I am the seed of infinite ideas."

Affirmation 2: "I recognize opportunities to discover the truth."

Connection Activities;

* Resolve a situation that is on your mind, ensuring you have clarity in all dealings.

* Be very clear about your future objectives.  Speak your goals out loud or write them down.

* Speak up for yourself at a crucial moment.

* Be true to yourself.

* Think things through.  If you have an idea or project, do something to get it started instead of just thinking about it.  Remember, this card is the seed of thought, but if you don't plant and nurture the seed, nothing will come of it.

*Place the Ace of Swords on your Air Element Altar to be a reminder throughout this week, and to empower your altar with the energy of new ideas and clarity of thought.

* Try to cook the recipe from The Ace of Swords from the Epicurean Tarot (posted on yesterday's Mommy Time Monday post)  Trying something new will help you open your mind, and the recipe is designed to inspire you and strengthen your mental capabilities.

* Meditate on the Ace of Swords.  Place it in front of you, relax, and just see what thoughts begin to flow.  Don't try to block or direct your thoughts, just relax and see where they take you.  

* Meditation suggestion;
"If like attracts like, we should take care to make our thinking as kindly as possible.  When you wake in the morning, try to think a kind thought to start the day well."

*Journal on the Ace of Swords.  In your Element Studies journal or your Tarot Journal, take time to ask yourself these following questions.  Answer them as honestly as possible, and try to let your words and thoughts flow easily.  Writing is an excellent Air Energy exercise, so let yourself write as much as you can on each of these questions (or the ones that call to you the most);

• What is on your mind?
• What do you need to analyze?
• What new problem are you confronting?
• What is the point?
• Are you being just and fair?
• What decision do you need to face?
• Can you determine the truth of the matter?
• What legal, writing, or research / learning opportunities have been presented to you?
• Are you fully embracing these learning opportunities?

The more ways you can truly connect with the energy of this card, and the Seed of Air energy behind it, the better you will understand yourself, this tarot card, and the Air Element.  I hope you enjoy these suggestions and are able to find ways to apply them to your life this week, or any time!  

Sources; Around The Tarot in 78 Days by Marcus Katz and Tali Goodwin

Tarot For Yourself by Mary K. Greer.

Also read;
  Tarot For Kids - The Ace of Swords from The Whimsical Tarot
Mommy Time Monday - The Ace of Swords from The Housewives' Tarot 

Mommy Time Monday; Ace of Swords (and a recipe)

Mommy Time Monday! Each week I'll draw and post a tarot card from The Housewives Tarot and share it with you. So go ahead, sit down and take some time for yourself, you never know what inspiration and advice The Housewives may have for you!  This week's card is also part of our Air Element Study, where we will be exploring the Tarot Suit of Swords!

The Ace of Swords

from The Housewives' Tarot by Paul Kepple and Jude Buffum, Quirk Books 2004.  (I claim no ownership of this deck or the artwork and share it here as an informational post among friends, no copyright infringement is intended.)

From the guidebook;
"Swords tackle troubles of the mind, quarrels, conflicts, and aggression.  They can represent mental breakthroughs as well as nervous breakdowns."
Ace of Swords Key Words; Challenges, Trials, Upcoming Ordeals
Description;  "Getting right to the point, the Ace of Swords warns of an upcoming ordeal that will test your "metal."  A slice of gumption with a dollop of common sense will get you through whatever trial comes your way.  Your mind is sharp and ready for a challenge, so don't be afraid to take on those who try to cut you out of the picture."

From a Housewives' Perspective; The Ace of Swords represents new beginnings in the realm of the mind.  Our attitude, our thought processes, and new ideas or inspirations.  Any time someone starts to think differently, they start to behave differently.  You might know why you're changing certain behaviors, but you can expect to encounter some resistance from those around you.  This card also deals with choices and willpower.  A fresh start and a fresh attitude has presented you with a world of opportunities.  Like in the picture on this card, there are a multitude of different "cakes" to choose from.  Which will you choose?  Careful thinking before making any rash decision, and not rushing into things is needed.  As well as a strong surge of mental willpower to keep you from just eating ALL those cakes!  There is definitely some synchronicity here between this card, and this week's Fairie Message about Detoxification.  We are starting fresh, in mind, body, and spirit, embracing the new beginnings of Spring!  But we have to keep our minds sharp and our focus on the goal!

Recipe of The Week;

Ace of Swords

Swordfish Baked in Parchment

from The Epicurean Tarot Recipe Cards by Corrine Kenner, U.S. Games Systems (I claim no ownership of this deck or the artwork and share it here as an informational post among friends, no copyright infringement is intended.)

"The Ace of Swords often represents the ability to think clearly and communicate well.  You can help cut through any confusion with this protein-packed main course."

Recipe;
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dill
2 teaspoons rosemary
1/2 cup white wine
1 1/2 pounds swordfish steaks (You may substitute a thick cut of sea bass, halibut, or any other firm white fish)
You will also need parchment paper, foil, and a baking pan.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees (F).
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In a saucepan on medium heat, gently saute' the sliced onion until it begins to turn translucent.  Add the mushrooms and cook a few minutes longer.  Remove from heat.  Add lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dill.
Line a baking pan with cooking parchment.  Pour half the onion and mushroom mixture into the pan, and lay the fish on top.
Pour the white wine over the fish.  Cover with remaining vegetable mixture and sprinkle the fish with the rosemary. 
Cover the pan with cooking parchment, then cover loosely with foil. 
Bake at 425 degrees (F) until the fish flakes easily with a fork.  (about 20 - 30 minutes, depending on thickness of the fish)