THE FIVE OF SWORDS
“The Lord of Defeat”
Venus in Aquarius
DESCRIPTION AND SYMBOLISM
Standing against a troubled sky, a disdainful knave holding three swords gloats over his conquest as his two vanquished opponents depart in complete defeat. They have thrown down their swords for him to claim as the spoils of his victory and walk away. One figure holds his head in apparent sadness or dejection at his humiliating loss. Beyond them is an ocean whose choppy waves mirror the mental turmoil of their situation.
The desire power of Venus succumbs to the mental energies of Aquarius compelling us to forsake our ambitions and withdraw while we still can. Going up against an opponent whose will or resources are more powerful than our own or seeking victory in unfavorable circumstances more often than not results in a disastrous defeat.
ORACLES
When Appearing Upright in a Reading
Defeat is upon you. Give up the struggle as victory cannot be achieved. You should accept your losses and retreat so that you may live to contend another day.
When Appearing Reversed in a Reading
You will experience a minor loss or defeat. Weakness and indecision surround you at this moment. You should try to get further away from the situation before you suffer an even greater loss.
THE TREE OF LIFE
“The Sphere of Severity”
Defeat and failure come to all on the path of life no matter whether we are the conqueror or the conquered. A profound lesson can be learned from the difficulties and struggles these events bring concerning the true nature of the Life Power as it manifests itself in our lives.