Knight of Swords
Explanation
The Knight of Swords lacks the naivety of the Knight of Wands, he has analyzed the terrain ahead and weighed his options there. He knows what his own nature can throw into the mix, but does not let himself be held idle by that. The activities ahead will likely include the solving of conflicts and problems on your road to your ideal.
Meaning
Positive
Don't avoid any confrontation right now. Face it head on and let yourself be heard.
Neutral
There will be some problems and possibly some confrontations on the next leg of your journey. You're advised to fight for your rights, but with constant attention to where the stream of events is heading. Stay relaxed enough to deal effectively with unexpected events.
Negative
Don't be too aggressive, or you'll scare away those that can help you. You don't always need violence to solve problems or conflicts.
3 of Pentacles
Explanation
This card is about completing a masterpiece, it's the output number of the production cycle after all.
It's a chance to show the world what you're capable of.
Meaning
Positive
Don't let this opportunity to show off your skills slip by.
Neutral
You have received, or will soon receive, a valuable opportunity where you perhaps can gain some free advertising if you do the job well.
Negative
Although you might receive an opportunity to do some high-profile work, this is not the perfect time for you to be very ambitious in this (new?) field, you've yet to master the craft.
Strength
Explanation
Strength is the second of the four midieval values. Justice, card 11, is the first, and the third, Temperance, is card 14.
Place in the cycle
In the Rider-Waite deck, the cards for Justice and Strenght have swapped places, because Waite saw links between the cards and the astrological signs Leo and Libra.
This card carries the number 8, and is the third and final assignment number. This assignment is no longer simple like the first two, but is all about standing upright in the real world.
Meaning
Positive
Stand up for yourself and don't bother yourself with others' opinions of you.
Neutral
When the card of Strength falls, you will gradually discover sides of yourself that you didn't know before. First you adjusted, now you've decided to go your own way. You are no longer bothered by the opinions of others. Even if others disapprove, you will go your own way. You stand up for yourself and accept yourself as you are. You don't have to be liked as much as you needed to be.
Negative
This card signifies a long process. When the card is drawn upside down, it usually means you're not going fast enough for real change to happen.
7 of Swords
Explanation
The 7 of Swords is about making slow progress because you can't trust the situation and/or people around you.
Meaning
Positive
Now is a good time for a little extra relaxation, to take the edge off. Make sure you sleep and eat properly, and solicit the advice of those you do trust.
Neutral
You're not exactly sure who and what you can trust right now, but by being cautious you can still make some progress, even if it's not as much or as fast as you'd like.
Negative
You're too distrusting at the moment, it's probably wise to give anyone the benefit of the doubt at least once.
3 of Wands
Explanation
This card is about exposing your new ideas to the world. The Wand's element fire goes well with the number 3, as 3 is an output number, a number of results. Fire likes getting to results quickly.
Meaning
Positive
Now is the time to come out with your plans. Trust your own objective judgement on whether your ideas are any good, and others will likely share your opinion. Don't fear rejection, though.
Neutral
Your new ideas are ready to face the world, and you're ready to talk about them with those around you. You do this in an enthousiastic and positive way, you feel proud and energetic. You're sure that your ideas are worth their salt and you're capable of convincing others of that.
Negative
Be careful about what you tell others of these new ideas of yours. They might think you've gone crazy, or you could give your competition your idea for free. Be careful and look at your ideas with a critique's eye.
7 of Wands
Explanation
With the 7 of Wands, the striving cycle starts. It is about having the determination to complete your ideas, despite the fact that that might cause you some discomfort.
Meaning
Positive
Don't be scared of discouraged by anything. You're nearly there, make the last few steps you need to completion of your project or task.
Neutral
Things have been going well up until now. You've made some progress. But just as things get interesting and near completion, you want to let go of the whole thing and perhaps focus on something else. That way you won't reap the rewards.
Negative
You might not be as near to completion of your project or task as you have guestimated. See if there's anything you can do to speed up the process without sacrificing quality.
Knight of Wands
Explanation
The Knights often show a flurry of activity. They go out and make things happen. The cautious behavior of Pages is not shown by Knights, but they don't burden the weight of responsibilities that Kings have.
The Knight of Wands likes action and progress, but isn't too concerned with the usefulness of his actions or the ramifications to those around him.
Meaning
Positive
Have a good long look at whatever is coming your way when this card falls. It's probably worth your attention and activity.
Neutral
You might be feeling a lot of youthful energy in yourself as this card falls. You radiate this to others who might be infected by your enthousiasm. Just try to stay realistic.
Negative
When this card falls upside-down, you might be a bit too impulsive and careless at the moment. Try to take a moments rest to evaluate where exactly you're going.
The Devil
Explanation
The Devil has since ancient history been the adversary of God, the opposite of God.
The Devil has many faces and is always waiting to make new victims.
In a psychological sense, every human has his/her positive sides, and his/her negative sides. Only by being aware of your negative sides can you overcome them.
Place in the cycle
The number this card carries is 15, composed that is 6. The resemblances to the first '6' card (The Lovers) are remarkable; in both cards security is a central theme.
With The Lovers, you made the choice against old securities yourself, with The Devil you will lose them due to outside influences.
The Devil is a very important card in the cycle. An enormous amount of work has to be performed at The Devil. Facing your fears will be a large part of that work.
The Devil kind of forces you to face your future.
Meaning
Positive
Don't avoid change. Seek some security outside yourself, away from your inner troubles.
Neutral
The Devil announces a bad time in your life, which also allows you to experience new heights later. After this bottom at The Devil you can only go up. You're busy changing, and in that process you now encounter your own fears. And you might not even recognize this!
Negative
This is not the time to face your own fears. Other issues in your life had better take priority.
Queen of Cups
Explanation
Queens and Cups are both somewhat turned inward. This might make whatever choice you're facing when this card falls, a deep one. Take your time, and don't let the issue overwhelm you or your emotions.
Meaning
Positive
Research who and what you are, what you want, but don't let the choice(s) you have to make take control of you. Be mindful of what your dreams at night offer in form of tips, and don't experiment with drugs during this time.
Neutral
You don't feel the need for many social contacts at the moment, because you feel you can work things out on your own. However, getting some advise here and there might be more useful than you think.
Negative
Don't make yourself too vulnerable by discussing too many of your inner thoughts with others.
6 of Swords
Explanation
The 6 of Swords is a reward number after the hard assignment in 5 of Swords, it brings you to a safe place to rest a bit.
Meaning
Positive
Now is a good time to take some rest. Your work will be of higher quality if you take short breaks regularly.
Neutral
If you take some rest now, you can re-evaluate your course on the way to realizing your ideal.
Negative
Now is not the best time to rest. Your competitors could be right behind you, and if you slack off now you could undo the progress over your competitors that you gained earlier.
