2 of Swords - Discern

A blind folded person in a white dress sits on a stone bench. Their arms are crossed in front of their heart and they hold a large sword in each hand. Behind them is a body of water that seems flat but also ripples. Rocks protrude from it, and land sits on the horizon. A crescent moon sits in a clear and light night sky.

2 of Swords from the Rider Waite Smith Tarot

The word ~ discernment ~ has been cropping up lately in what I read and listen to.

Beyond being a fancy way of saying ‘choose’, discernment suggests a high level of nuance and consideration of facts, values, effects and outcomes. To discern requires time for contemplation and a capacity for deep listening.

This is not a time for making a hasty, snap decision. There are times for that. But not right now.

What problem in my life have I been avoiding or delaying that requires my dedicated attention and thoughtful consideration?

What is required of me to make a good judgement?

I often hear this card say to me “Just shhhh-h-h ! so I can hear myself think!”. The stark card image evokes cool silence by its suggestion to go out into the darkness, blindfolded, sit on the edge of the world, be still.  And listen.

Mythologist and storyteller Martin Shaw says that if you really want to know something, try and hear it. Your vision can alert you to what’s important and curious, but when it comes to arriving at a deep, personal understanding, that is heard.

So, if you need to know, go into darkness. Turn out the lights, and close your eyes. Choose to consciously withdraw from external distractions that might otherwise interfere with clear thought and truth.

Try it now. Without any agenda. Close your eyes, … and listen.

What did you notice?

Whether you tried this for a few seconds or minutes, my experience personally and when guiding people in healing sessions or formal mediations is that there’s a moment of “aahhhh” that feels like peace, but is rooted in a greater sense of knowing and deep wisdom. For most of us that feeling might be fleeting but nevertheless it’s always present there, and contactable at any time you think to give yourself a few seconds of quiet.

Now imagine placing your issue, problem or question into your heart, at the space where your 2 swords cross.  Swords in the tarot represent the mental realm of thoughts, beliefs and perspectives, and typically logic and reason. But with all that water (feeling) in the background, and the encouragement to retreat into darkness, the advice is to go deeper and filter your issue through your intuitive heart.

Does this choice enlarge and expand me and my world ? or does this choice diminish me and my world?

Listen. How does my heart wisdom inform my mind?

That said, sometimes we are choosing amongst lovely things.  Afterall both swords are powerful, interesting and desirable. It can be hard to decide, but to carry both would be awkward, tiring and unwieldy. Sister Joan Chittister says that choosing means we have to “put something down to pick something up”. That saying yes to one thing means we must reject the other.

Take you time. No rush. Close your eyes. Open your ears. Discern.