In this first post, I share a secret that isn’t always noticed in the Tarot. In the Rider-Waite tarot deck, which is the most commonly used deck by tarot professionals, there are many secrets that can be used in a reading. They are like hidden levels that tell a good reader what the tarot card actually means – it’s true meaning.

In the Four of Swords, you can see a stained glass window. Have a closer look at it, and you will see an actual word hidden in the glass. This is the word PAX. It is Latin for “peace” and the artist, Pamela Colman Smith, has shortened it from the more usual “Peace on Earth“.

This popular phrase is from the “annunciation” in the bible.

So, when this card comes up in a reading, it really does mean “peace” to those who are “in favour” in the original sense. It can also mean “peace” to those of “good will”, such as the armoured knight who is resting in the picture. In a tarot card reading, particularly with Justice appearing, it is good because the situation will be fair to those who deserve it.

Are there places you find this peace? What do you do to get away from it all? This card shows that it is time to take time to yourself, away and at peace.

Andrea