Page of Swords Tarot Meanings
The card of curiosity, restlessness, & vigilance.
Last Updated: April 16, 2024.
The Page of Swords is the eleventh card in the Suit of Swords (also known as the suit of blades) and one of the fifty-six suit cards from the minor arcana. In divinatory tarot, the Suit of Swords is associated with thought, intellect, mental strength, and integrity. They can also represent conflict, hardship, and misfortune.
Divination practices such as cartomancy can help us make decisions, offer guidance, and help us tune into our intuition when we are at a crossroads in our lives. Understanding the meanings of each tarot card can help you sharpen your interpretative skills so you can get the most out of your readings.
The Page is an eager youth in the Suit of Swords, ready to explore and venture, to take opportunities or even make them. The page’s confidence is well-placed, as it is equipped with all the vigor of youth and the determination of its weapon. This card promises an abundance of energy, which would be almost criminal to waste.
In this article, we will discuss the meanings of the Page of Swords in various tarot reading contexts as well as the different symbols and nuances that can be found within this court card.
Pictorial Symbolism in the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck
The artworks from the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck contain deeper esoteric meanings that tarotists love to decipher. The Page of Swords is a youth with a red tunic and boots with yellow leggings.
The red can symbolize the youth’s vigor and health, a proud display on their chest and heart and a sure footing for standing in. The yellow accents of their attire are equally as warm, bright energy from the sun and perhaps a warning to enemies.
He holds a sword aloft in a proud stance on a small hill or knoll. Behind the page are a series of clouds and birds flying in the distance which allude to the element of Air. This is also confirmed by the page’s windswept hair, which flutters in the wind behind their face. Because of the direction of the wind, the page finds their situation opportune, winds blowing in their favor rather than clouding their vision.
The page looks fearlessly ahead, while their body is turned to anticipate the possibility to redirect. The weapon they carries is large and powerful, even reaching beyond the frame. The page handles it with a clear familiarity, which certainly presents the figure as a strong and skillful force to reckon with.
The Page of Swords key correspondences
Upright keywords | eagerness, curiosity, initiative, fast news and gossip |
Reversed keywords | avoidant, impatience, inexperience, lack of planning |
| Yes or No | Yes |
| Numerology | 11 |
| Element | Air |
Ruling Planet | Venus |
| Astrological Sign | Libra, Gemini, December 22nd to March 20th |
What does the upright Page of Swords mean in the Tarot?
The Page has much at their disposal—energy, intellect, upbringing, and preparation – and it is eager to prove its untested youth. If this card is pulled in a reading, perhaps it recognizes a similar anxiety in you, a desire to take action, to put plans or abilities to use that have not been tried before. Something is waiting to be said. The page’s wit is as sharp as the sword it carries, and a desire to share words and thoughts may preoccupy your mind. The page intends to reassure us as we chomp at the bit, to confirm our path is the right one. Truthfully, the page serves more as a reminder, a steady hand on our vibrating shoulder, rather than a pedantic instruction from its elders.
You are curious about your future or a certain topic, and the page encourages this pursuit of knowledge, anything to equip yourself with more tools to be successful. You may be starting a new project and struggling to tame the abundance of your ambition. It is okay to make mistakes during this time; the page is in their youth, after all.
Likewise, your recent or upcoming endeavor is truly in its infancy and must be tended to carefully in order to exercise the full potential brimming within the page.
When pulled in the upright position, the Page of Swords is associated with eagerness, curiosity, initiative, fast news and gossip
What does the upright Page of Swords mean in a love reading
The page represents everything fresh and new. Perhaps a potential lover has wandered their way into your life, or perhaps you are eager to take those tentative first steps from dating to the next level of commitment. The page is just as eager, finding enough vitality in your love life (or its potential) to stoke those flames into something more.
Perhaps you and your potential partner have great conversations and wordplay; the page certainly approves of your witty banter. The communication does not stop at the quick comebacks; you and your partner can easily prove loquacious and sensitive in conversations important to you as you discuss the intimate topics while getting to know each other. These conversations will pave the way for the relationship’s foundation and the understanding you share with your partner.
Swallow those non-factual fears and insecurities and don’t hold back. This is a time for honesty, and for sharing ideas and plans for the future.
What does the upright Page of Swords mean in a career reading?
In a career reading, the page is eager, almost to the point of anxiety, to prove themselves. You want to take that first step in a new position or field. The page recognizes your motivation and your preparedness. Let his confidence bleed into you as you make these decisions. The page is an advocate for you taking those risks, be it your main job or a side hustle, and expressing yourself in this area of your life is an important way to exercise your creativity, which the page also likes.
This reading usually shows that you pursue the path that you’ve longed for, that brings you the most fulfilment, and that can use the energy you’ve been saving in a meaningful and satisfying way. Focusing on elements of education, new knowledge and qualifications for your career is energy well spent.
The Page of Swords as feelings/emotions
If you’re asking the tarot how someone feels about you, pulling the Page of Swords means they see you as a person full of potential. Because of the page’s youth, it is likely they are not as familiar with you as those you are closest with, or they have little experience in interacting with you via social gatherings. But this inexperience is not a bad thing.
They see you as a person of interest, with the potential to grow a closer bond. You gave a good first impression and they want to know more. It can also feel like knowing what cause you are fighting for, and starting a journey defending and fighting for it.
The Page of Swords as a person
As a personality archetype, the Page of Swords represents a Student: someone who is young to the scenario, inexperienced, or untested, but these are not bad descriptors. A prodigy might rise from this person, someone who can pleasantly surprise you. They are eager to prove themselves. They have great conversational skills and can charm any stranger.
They may also be determined to find the truth in any situation, the Activist in your life, and are often quite analytical. However, their tendency to get bogged down in minutiae can lead them to become withdrawn, overly critical of others or even dismissive.
The Page of Swords as advice
If you are asking the tarot for advice regarding a specific situation in your life, pulling the Page of Swords means that you should take the risk you’ve been considering. Whatever question you may have, the page is eager to encourage you forward. Their answer is a positive affirmation.
What is the zodiac or astrological sign associated with the Page of Swords?
In the suit of swords, the page is closely aligned with most air signs, but he will most likely find common ground with Libra, the diplomats. Like the page, Libras are creatures who are naturally curious and like to explore, especially with interpersonal relationships. Libras do not show fear (even if they feel it) when approaching strangers or situations, and likewise, the Page of Swords wants to venture out on their own.
With scales representing Libra, the page also demonstrates measuring the weight of your worth by taking the initiative on something. The page likes balance but mostly wants a chance to step on the scale. The tarot timing is December 22nd to March 20th.
Is the Page of Swords a yes or no card?
While most sword cards warn readers of potential risks, the page’s eagerness and confidence does not focus on warning you away. Most answers are unequivocally “yes,” if only to demonstrate your capabilities in something new. However, the page doesn’t predict a “definitive” outcome as much as it encourages you to move forward.
Below are some of my interpretations, as an experienced tarot practitioner, based on different types of questions:
- “Will I get the job?” The job is likely within your grasp, but you must take that first leap in applying for it. Even if you are not selected for the position, there remains a great value in the simple attempt.
- “Is this new person in my life good for me?” This person may represent opportunity, whether it’s networking, socialization, or even teaching you something new.
- “Will I achieve my current goals?” The page is nothing if not focused and determined to reach their goals, and they lend that ripe potential to you.
- “Should I start my own business?” The page represents youth and the start of a journey, and what better journey to embark on than starting a business?
What does the reversed Page of Swords mean in the Tarot?
Where an upright Page of Swords indicates confidence, energy, and the initiative to make decisions or take risks, its reversal suggests hesitation or a lack of preparedness for the next step in your journey. The youth is no longer prized in this scenario and is instead a warning for immaturity and inexperience in the worst contexts. Tread carefully with such a reading and do not let insecurity or impatience guide your decisions.
When pulled in the reversed position, the Page of Swords is linked with avoidance, impatience, inexperience, lack of planning.
What does the reversed Page of Swords mean in a love reading?
A reverse Page of Swords in a love reading may warn of a partner that takes the page’s verbal communication qualities to an extreme. This partner may use their words not to communicate but to rule the relationship with conflict and arguments. Perhaps the partner is ruled by an incessant need to “prove” themselves, which can manifest in a variety of toxic or controlling behaviors.
What does the inverted Page of Swords mean in a career reading?
A reversed Page of Swords in a career reading may warn the querent of a lack of direction. Perhaps you have the ambition and the desire to move forward as the page does normally, but you lack the proper preparedness and insight to make this journey successfully. Take stock of the entire situation: do you have a clear path forward? Don’t let boredom and aimless dreams distract you from making a plan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Page of Swords tarot card is a powerful symbol of eagerness, curiosity, initiative, fast news and gossip. When this card appears in your reading, it is often a sign that you should stay alert, be ready to act quickly and courageously, and trust that you have the strength of character to take on any challenge. With its reminder of youthful energy and enthusiasm, the Page of Swords can make even the most daunting task feel possible.
Despite its association with mysticism and occultism, the tarot has grown to become much more than a simple “fortune-telling” tool. For many tarot practitioners, it is a complex system made of symbolic imagery and psychological considerations (Jungian archetypes for example) that can be used for self-exploration, meditation, and personal transformation.
The 56 lesser arcana cards relate to the day-to-day events of our lives, the more mundane aspects of our existence. Even though that part of the tarot is about the “smaller picture”, it symbolizes the constant choices we make that shape our lives, our characters, and ultimately our destinies.
Have you ever had a reading where the Page Of Swords appeared? What was the outcome? What does that card mean to you personally? How do you interpret this card in your own tarot practice?
Share your thoughts and experiences with me in the comments below.
Additionally, If you want to know more about the different tarot cards, feel free to check out my complete list of all 78 tarot cards and their meanings.
Written by Seluna Drake
Seluna Drake is a southern writer from the US, as well as a teacher, poet, and occasional artist. Her work primarily spans the speculative realm.
Website: www.selunadrake.com
Twitter: @SelunaDrake
Learn more about the Suit of Swords
This page is part of our comprehensive list of the 56 minor arcana tarot cards & their meanings. If you enjoyed the read, then you’ll love the following articles.