{[The Tarot [continued (9)] – ]Aces [continued (7)] – The Sword and the Rod}[9th January 1988]

[Redbook4:303-304][19880109:1445l]{[The Tarot [continued (9)] – ]Aces [continued (7)] – The Sword and the Rod}[9th January 1988]

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1S* and 1C** (Ace of Clubs) seem to me to be without doubt of the same vertical polarity – of the same line, and symmetrically opposed along it (by the hand directions).*** My guess is that the position of the hands in the cloud denotes the contrast of the physical life-force (Clubs) from the inside of things, and the spiritual force (Swords) from the outside, which in mediaeval times was seen as literally outside the world. (We see it differently being more materialistic – more, perhaps, like the original people to whom Jesus preached that the Kingdom of Heaven is within us.

To my mind, the strong contrast of 1S and 1C (or 1Rods) is of the life-force of nature and growth, living albeit cut back; and the Spiritual force which controls and harvests it (by the Sword (traditionally the Spirit is a Sword, inter alia) cutting through the centre of the Crown (of the Circle) and reaping flowers and branches off the lower Tree or Club[ ) ]. In 1R (ex 1C), the Ace of Clubs or Rods, the living natural tree is the symbol; in 1S, Ace of Swords, the living natural flowers and branches are peripheral: the Sword which cuts them is the symbol.

*[Ace of Swords, or Spades in the game pack.]

**[Also known as Rods (or Wands) in the Tarot Pack; so perhaps better abbreviated as 1R as in the 2^nd para.]

***[See [Redbook4:302][19880109:1445h]{[The Tarot [continued (5)] – ]Aces [continued (3)] – Ace of Swords, Ace of Clubs}[9th January 1988].]

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