5 of Swords (Too much Ego...not enough compassion)

[View Blog]

(Thanks Julie!)

http://www.templeilluminatus.com/photo/entrustment-of-the-over-soul

5 of Swords (Too much Ego...not enough compassion)

When fives come up in a reading, it usually is a wake-up call since they represent unstable forces. The 5 of Swords is about achieving a victory...but at what cost? Notice the 2 swords on the ground left behind by the 2 faced man. Yes there has been a triumph...but it seems there were casualties. To make matters worse, the soldier is sticking his tongue out at the group, as if to show his actions were justified.

In Julie's painting the robed figure is standing tall over the defeated woman. The victor has her head raised to the sky as if posing for her portrait to save this moment for generations to come...her triumph on canvas...marking her strength. But again...at what cost? Other one-eyed beings look on with a stunned look (a blank stare) as if they can't believe the event just happened the way it did. The woman on the ground also has her giant eye with a blank stare...as if she knew her conqueror and is hurt by her conduct. The robed figure's eye also is looking into the heavens for affirmation of her actions. That eye ties her to all of the beings around her....like she used to be one of them...but now barely has the eye in her mouth to show she has changed and no longer belongs here from this group.

It is a sad day today....for one of their own has betrayed them...

The 5 of Swords warns of betrayal...but more importantly...not showing compassion for those who we once considered 'brother' or 'sister'. Sometimes our Ego can take a controlling hold on our actions instead of us leading our Ego (like the tail waging the dog). We do not always have to be on top in all matters (especially the minor ones). If you burn too many bridges with your over-inflated Ego....you may find yourself one day stranded on an island....without ANY bridges left to cross over !

-Eric MLT