[I finished this illustration yesterday.]

Artist: Jessica Rose Shanahan

Upright: Clear thinking, intellectual power, authority, truth
Reversed: Manipulative, tyrannical, abusive

The King of Blades is in control of his thoughts. He is the king of clear mind, of rational plan, of undistracted concentration. He is not lead by wandering thought, nor are his thoughts lead by emotion.

The King of Blades’ power and authority lie in his ability to use logic and intellect to accomplish what he desires. He is an advisor with a solid reputation and a vast amount of knowledge in his field. His is the side of history, laws, structure and diplomacy. His is the stern but fair leadership of an incorruptible man of the highest ethical standards. He keeps his emotions in check and uses judgment as a compass to navigate path ahead. His ability to remain detached and objective in any situation allows him to seek out the facts and ascertain the truth. He is well-positioned to judge a situation appropriately and identify limiting behaviors. With the ability to take any situation, look at it with impartiality, and come to a decision that is both fair and insightful, he firmly gives sound advice to everyone.

•   •   •

Martin, quite new to reading Tarot, does an impeccable job interpreting this card:

“Here is a fashionably dressed young King with his curled hair. He seems like a cool guy ready to party not to govern people. The little knife* he holds in his left hand is an indication that he is probably a peaceful person and has not interest for power. His throne and Kingdom were probably a legacy from his dad. The way he stands up with one foot on his throne, legs spread open and pubic bone pointing towards doesn’t seem appropriate for his standing and confirm his sexual orientation. I don’t think he has received his King training yet.”

*This is supposed to be a fountain pen.

Artist: Jessica Rose Shanahan

I said, “Tell me something about money,” and drew this card, reversed.

Blades are related to thoughts, plans, and attitudes. This card indicates a forceful re-evaluation of previous values, leading to a transformation that can eventually bring growth.

The ten of blades may indicate resisting an inevitable ending, fear of ruin, or dwelling on a painful ending. This creates unnecessary fear and anxiety. Are things really as bad as they seem? Old wounds need to be brought up, dealt with, and released. This is always difficult, but it is important to look ahead and realize how change frees you up to re-direct your energy and reshape your life.

So, I will be forced to re-evaluate my attitudes about money. I have generally spent as little as possible that I might work as little as possible. I have always counted my savings, felt in control of the money I spend, and stayed positive and monetarily independent— or at least had a relatively strong illusion of being so. Having a child is a joint-venture. I will no longer even be able to pretend I am independent. In the near future, there will be a gazillion unforeseen expenses. I may get closer to running out of money than I ever have. I will be more willing to share money and spend money on others than I have been. Certainly, I will learn a lot.