Death and the Ten of Swords

These are two of the most difficult cards in the tarot deck yet they also hold the unique position of something being totally and completely done, which is some-times a good thing. Our fear of Death both in the card and in life is our fear of the unknown. However hearing accounts of near-death experiences opens up a new vista of possibilities.

The Death card in Tarot de St. Croix shows a skeleton traveling through a vast cellular tunnel toward the light. In the skeleton’s hand is the key to unlocking the greatest of all mysteries. From all endings, there is the possibility of something new beginning. Death is necessary to make space for a new start, a fresh approach.

The Ten of Swords represents both the expression of self-sabotage by worries, victim hood and powerlessness as well as the promise of a transformation into a new way of seeing challenges. That what does not kill us makes us stronger. One figure floats face down, drowning in despair, but it is a distorted reflection of herself who is also able to rise above the sharp lessons. The rising figure faces a new moon promising a new beginning, while way below the sinking figure the old moon fades.

The Ten of Swords in the Tarot de St. Croix is the end of a tired, worn out way of thinking. We can rise above our old, unhealthy victim mentality, supported by the lessons learned.