Four of Swords - Tarot Active Imagination Meditation Exercise - Withdrawal and Contemplation

[@makeitconscious]

During my first experience of this exercise, the chamber was small, square, dimly lit with grey brick inner walls, almost like a prison chamber. It seemed no more than maybe 100sqft. Four swords appeared, one hung on each of the four walls. They appeared as a long, straight sword, a strange circular disk-like sword, a large broadsword with quillions, and lastly a scimitar. I placed all swords on the ground, except for the broadsword. When I enquired into what each of the four swords represented, I immediately answered: courage (broadsword), brutality (scimitar), accuracy (longsword) and elegance (circular sword). I then took hold of both the straight sword and the broadsword, whilst the knight took hold of the scimitar and the circular sword. I recognised this as what I am currently working on and most conscious of, vs. what is less conscious and worthy of giving more of my focus. 
Together, we held all four swords together in the centre of the room. There was a flash of bright light as all four transformed into a single, massive, bright glowing sword like excalibur, signifying transformation and unity. Some key takeaways from this exercise were the need to give more focus to these lesser acknowledged elements of my psyche, as well as to pay attention to the need to rest and recuperation which I have a tendency to put off. The chamber, whilst somewhat resembling a prison, was actually very peaceful. In retrospect, the four swords here could also be interpreted as representing the four modalities of consciousness (intellect, sensation, will and emotion, in the order in which they appeared). What came up for you during your experience with the Four of Swords? What insights did you uncover?

[@Paulathompson1712]

Excellent work 😊

[@makeitconscious]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful.

[@tajagnadkaur8239]

Loved this one 🥰 Ancient bluestone castle made of massive bricks it’s was secluded and just for me with gargoyles perched up high that screeching their protection in the night birds flying above and wild animals roaming about that were resident pets. The knight was my higher self and said to take more 5 minute breaks to sit with my feelings and unpack my thoughts when needed throughout my days and to really feel my feelings and practice always being accepting of any uncomfortable ones. And to just keep on ré associating and replacing the old ways with the new healthy ones. The four swords: gold with a big shiny ruby and ornate scrolls carved on the handle, the blades reflecting the light; silver with a touler marine stone and carvings of lines in the shape of mazes; copper with ornate scrolls and a rectangle emerald; and marqize titanium with a shiny diamond. The swords all spoke to me: the gold one said it was to cut down unhelpful metaphors and any words or people speaking words they didn’t serve my highest good; the copper one was for my spiritual self to use to create a circle of protection against energy pollution; the silver one was to give my partner to use after I pass on to him the yogic lessons that have helped me; and thé titanium was to give me daughter for the same lessons of spiritual growth. The last thing the knight said was: you don’t need to vape weed tonight, just place your spiritual hands out to the sides and feel and absorb the energies around you: I saw them glittering around me the same way as when I meditate. The he/she that was shiva and shakti then handed me the om symbol telling me to chant om more often. Just my stream of consciousness here… Much love 💕 and thanks as always because i get so much from these amazing exercises

[@makeitconscious]

Hi Taj, glad you liked the Four of Swords exercise (I especially like this one too 😉) Thanks for sharing your experience. It contains many rich elements of your wisdom. One interpretation of the large bluestone bricks is legacy and wealth, organisation and security. But this is particularly subjective. The number Four is associated with order, organisation and structure. It sounds like the knight was encouraging you to structure in some rest time to collect yourself and collect your thoughts, highly synchronous with the Four of Swords. It’s fascinating how such diverse and rich meaning can appear in a mere instant as it did for you in the form of your four swords. It sounds like they signified both wise strategies for managing your state and for the sharing of knowledge with your partner and daughter. Another interesting point about Four is that it can show up as two pairs of opposites. What sometimes appears to be a dichotomy (e.g. protecting vs sharing) is often actually four - four possible choices, observations or outcomes - when examined more finely. Wonderful to hear that performing the exercise also opened up other choices, leading you to alter your pattern. This discipline and clear-headedness being encouraged by the knight is very much a Four of Swords energy. I’m very glad to hear you get such value from these exercises. Please feel free to continue sharing your feedback and experiences. It’s also valuable and encouraging for others to see what can be achieved through practicing active imagination. Be well, and much gratitude for your reflections.

[@tajagnadkaur8239]

You’re most welcome. I get so much from all of these active imagination exercises. Be well too

[@lissliss3925]

Awesome!! Mine was an enclosed garden, and each sword had a thornless rose growing on it. Pink, yellow, white, and red (at least 4 of the chakras I thought). I was in pale pink, and the knight was in pale pink and white with silver armour. He basically said I'm on the right track, which I hope to be true, as I'm doing some deep shadow work using homeopathics as well. He gave me a silver chain with a pink gem on it. All I did with the swords was to train the roses to go higher. Pretty cool!! 💗 💓 💕 so joyous I found your channel

[@makeitconscious]

@@lissliss3925 Thanks for sharing your experience, Lissliss. It sounds like the knight gave you some valuable reassurance. Shadow work often feels like going against the grain. The shadow tasks we need to complete are quite counterintuitive, and what often appears to be the ‘right’ path is often a familiar pattern in disguise. Having some guidance and reassurance from your own higher Self is vital, since no one else can tell you what the true path is. Gardens often symbolise growth, nurturing, and the inner self. Thornless roses on swords might reflect an ability to find beauty and growth in challenges. The colours of pink, yellow, white, and red might symbolise a connection to purity, peace, vitality, and passion. Silver, often associated with reflection and feminine energy, in the form of a chain with a pink gem, might symbolise a tool or reminder to stay connected to your heart and emotions - an essential part of shadow work. The roses moving higher seems to corroborate the knight’s message, suggesting an active engagement in your growth. Great job. Pursuing honest shadow work is one of the best things you can do for yourself and others. Given the setting of your experience in a garden, you might be interested to continue working on this theme with the Empress’ Garden exercise: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKm4ZX1jp8-ffNk

[@lissliss3925]

@makeitconscious thank you very much for this further information - it gives me more needed information. I find Shadow work is enlightening and heartbreaking at the same time, but life hasn't been kind to me so I've absolutely nothing to lose by doing it and a lot to gain so far. Definitely do The Empress one - one of my favourite cards in the deck and gardens are part of my self.