I would read Swords as Weeks and Wands as days, personally. You can also look at seasons - although not everyone can agree on which element corresponds to which season (I like Cups for Spring because that's when it rains, Wands for Summer because it's hot, Pents for Autumn because that's harvest time, and Swords for Winter because it's cold and the deck I use most often has backgrounds of snow in the Swords suit).
You can also look at it action you need to take or walls to move past for that thing to happen. I usually read Majors like this for timing, but if that's what feels right for the minors, then go for it.
There's no right or wrong way to do it, so if you have to make up a new way and that feels right, great! If you find another way and it feels right, then go for it! Whatever works.
Timing through tarot is what seems like the most difficult thing. However I pulled one for timing a while ago, RWS. 8 of Swords, would anyone be kind enough to shed some light? From what I read it should be 8 days (going by the swords are days) but just don't seem possible! :O
Swords (being Air) are fast, but Wands, being the raw energy source that powers everything including air, is even faster. I'd go eight weeks.
But only if you knew the system before you pulled the card. If you didn't know the system, how could your subconscious mind have organised to pull the right card? Go with it meaning it will occur at a time when your options will seem limited and you can't see your path through.
In my experience 8 of Swords means 8 weeks BUT check the cards surrounding this card. Might affect the timing: making it shorter or longer.
CrystalSun,
Thanks for sharing your view and experience. I had pulled a single card for timing, thought more than that wouldn't provide enough clarity and actually make it murky.
If you pulled just one card then the timing won't be affected. 8 of swords= 8 straight weeks.
