This new feature will be a long work in progress since it will showcase a labor of love: my new Terra Tarot Deck, one card at a time. The sixth card available for download is The Five of Swords.



The Five of Swords card speaks of acting on your own behalf, in your own self-interest. It signifies a time when you need to set aside concern for others and think of your own needs. This energy is positive when you have been sacrificing your own comforts and needs to take care of others. But there is a warning not to let this turn into selfishness or an inflated ego. We all do need to tend our own spirit and being, on a regular basis. But it is also important to be in tune with others and to avoid boastful, gloating behavior.

The Five of Swords can also imply discord and indulging in power plays. So, if this card is drawn when you are focusing on an interpersonal relationship that feels strained, this card points out the need to avoid this discord and to restore your own inner peace and harmony. Do not engage in "battle" with others - this can only create ill will, and create further conflict. It also warns you not to allow anyone or anything to persuade you to compromise your own integrity, honor, and dissuade you from doing only good. This energy could lead you to lose sight of what is right and to hurt others or dishonor yourself.


The symbology used in my rendition of the Five of Swords shows an Edwardian female figure standing alone in the middle of the desert plain. She tries hard to maintain her composure, dignity, integrity and sense of rightness. She also stands tall - not afraid to follow her own path, and to take time out in isolation to restore her inner sense of peace.

Since the theme of this deck is Terra, our Mother Earth, I elected to begin this illustration using a primitive landscape that showcases piercing mountains that also point straight up into the clear blueish purple sky. The foreground consists of a vast sandy desert plain that nicely contrasts the sky with its rich golden tones.

Below the sword symbols rests an decorative Merkaba which represents the metaphysical spirit "vehicle" that becomes activated as we balance our chakras, meridians, and lifeforce. Next to the Merkaba, lies the elemental Air symbol to the left, and the Male gender symbol, since the Swords are considered to be masculine in nature.

I am presenting an online version of the Terra Deck for our Bella readers. Just click on the banner below to download your copy of the Five of Swords. Right click on the image that comes up and save to your selected folder.