Herbal Tarot - Five of Swords - Mistletoe

Soaring Eagle

You can see the minor arcane cards in Constellation 5.

Description: A man is carrying two swords in his left hand, pointing over his shoulder, and one sword (tip down) in his right hand. Two cloaked figures are walking away, clumped, and there are two swords on the ground between them and the man. There is a large body of water and mountains in the distance. There are large white fluffy clouds in the sky. A large mistletoe plant is above the man’s head.

Significant Details: The swords symbolize strength and protection. The mistletoe symbolizes internal healing. The mountains are the gateways to the spirit realm. The sunset represents things ending. The clouds symbolize hope.

Keywords: Defeat, Self-Interest, Having to win no matter what the price, Pettiness

Medicinal Uses: Mistletoe is anti-tumor, diuretic, cardiotonic and hypotensive. It is used to treat cancer, strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure, and is used to treat epilepsy. Side effects: “Large doses cause convulsions and affect heart function.” Culpeper’s Color Herbal. Mistletoe has been used since pre-Christian times. For the “Druids, mistletoe berries and symbolized the seed of the oak god, and the plant was important medicinally, and in fertility rites…The custom of kissing under the mistletoe goes back to the Druidic fertility rites.” The berries are poisonous to humans. In the 17th century mistletoe was used to treat nervous convulsions. American Nature Guides Herbs by Anna Kruger.

My Interpretation: You may be filled with a sense of self-interest, or having to win no matter the cost, during this time. Don’t allow yourself to be drawn into the pettiness of arguments, or you will have a sense of defeat at the end.

Number Significance: 5 - Expansion, Conflict, Instability, Opportunity for change

Thoughts/Points to Ponder: The 5 of Swords is ruled by Venus in Aquarius. Mistletoe is “under the dominion of the Sun, with a little of the nature of Jupiter.” Culpeper’s Color Herbal. The 5 of Swords is in Constellation 5 with the V High Priest, XIV Temperance, and the Fives. Testing. Counseling. Training. Assimilating and Integrating. Healing. Guidance. Bridging. Translating, Interpreting and Channeling. Arbitrating.

The man holding the swords has managed to "win" the swords from others, but he does not look happy. Sometimes ALWAYS having to win does not make us feel any better at the outcome.