Ten of Swords

Ten of Swords

Welcome to season 8 of this podcast, where I am talking all about the Suit of Swords. I’ll be going through each card in the suit, one per episode.

What we explore in this episode:

• The Ten of Swords as a card of painful endings, transformation, and burnout

• Symbolism across decks: devastation, martyrdom, dark clouds, overgiving, surrender

• How fear, self-sacrifice, and unmet expectations can shape suffering

• The wisdom, healing, and integration at the end of a hard chapter

Pictures from the decks I talked about today referenced from left to right:

• Anima Mundi Tarot Deck by Megan Wyreweden 

• The Desert Illuminations Tarot by Lindsay D. WilliamsThe Desert Illuminations Tarot by Lindsay D. Williams

• The Goddess of Love Tarot Deck: A Book and Deck for Embodying The Erotic Divine Feminine by Gabriela Herstik and illustrated by Julia Popescu

In this episode, we reflect on the weight and wisdom of the Ten of Swords. This card is often seen as one of the darkest in the deck. It depicts collapse, pain, and betrayal, but it’s also about what happens after—the depth beneath the devastation. It shows us the consequences of giving too much, staying too long, or carrying wounds that aren’t fully ours. 

The Ten of Swords is where something ends, not because you failed, but because it couldn’t go on. In that ending, there is a chance to reclaim yourself. To stop the cycle. This card asks: Where are you still overextending to prove you’re enough? What identity have you outgrown? And are you ready to stop surviving and start healing?

If you haven't listened to my other seasons yet, go check them out!

• Season 1 - Tarot basics

• Seasons 2 & 3 - Major Arcana and 4 suits

• Season 4 - Tarot in Pop Culture

• Season 5 - Tarot Spreads

• Season 6 - Suit of Wands

• Season 7 - Suit of Pentacles

Today's Tarot Pull:

From The Citadel: A Fantasy Oracle by Fen Inkwright, I pulled The Guide (reversed). This card carries the energy of Inheritance and Collection. It reminds us that even through painful endings, we gather wisdom. We inherit stories—some helpful, some not. It acknowledges how exhausting it’s been to keep going, especially when others haven’t supported you, but also celebrates your resilience. You've come through the fire, trust that you now have the capacity to face what's next.

Reflective prompts on this card:

• What wisdom have I collected through this ending or transformation?

• How can I honor what I’ve learned without letting it define me?

• Where can I pause and make space before moving on to the next thing?

Ways to Connect & Support

• Patreon: For monthly hangouts, tarot Q&As, individual readings, and behind-the-scenes peeks, join the.css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}