Just this week I had questions about reversed cards. It's not so surprising to learn that everyone has their own approach to reading tarot and this includes reversed cards. 
Some like to shuffle them any which way, I tend to shuffle and present them in such a way that a reversed card is kind of rare, as this is how I was taught and what feels right for me. 
In saying that, there are no hard and fast rules.  Cards are chosen and we read them in the way they reveal themselves to us, looking beyond the literal for meaning within and beyond the obvious.
​Often the first thought is the right one, sometimes the obvious one is too!

​The imagery of the swords can feel dramatic and daunting.  This suit represents thought processes, intellect, reason, difficult or challenging situations or states of mind, stress, over analysing...and yet, all of this leads to growth and development of the conscious mind.  Things are rarely what they seem and if we tend to look on the dark side of things, there is always an equal and opposite light side in the balance.

Upright, the ten of swords is in turmoil, the pressure is on whether literally or figuratively, the energy is forceful.
​Reversed, the energy feels more grounded. The weighty hilts are poised as if in stand still or balanced negotiation, determining the clever way forward.  The tension is still there though there is room for thought and beneficial progression, which is promising with 10 representing the end of a cycle, completion and ending.

It's the tail end of romantic February, so I'm cutting it fine.  In saying that, we can always extend any celebration be it Valentines, kindness, gratitude, mothers and fathers, earth day, happiness, birthdays...let's keep the giving energies flowing to infinity!

As I drove home, listening to Kate Morton's The Clockmaker's Daughter, my gaze was drawn upwards to the sky, filled with masses of clouds catching the afternoon sunlight...spectacular!

​This is a region full of wide open spaces and breathtaking sky-scapes.
Nature always overflows my being with wonder, awe and gratitude.
​My week was a fulfilling mix of work and play, conversations with friends, little treats and quiet achievement.
​What more could I hope for?

I find Pentacles soothing, though they represent material aspects of life, their earthy grounded energy help keep us secure and upright. Circles are a symbol of beginnings and endings, of continuity and steady motion.  Enjoy the fruits of your labour, the harmony of success, you deserve it! Quite befitting as 9 is all about busi-ness and activity, leading to fruition and fulfilment.

The best way to continue my tarot journey and familiarise myself with the cards and their meanings, is to use them regularly. 
I am in some amazing groups, follow some wonderful blogs and dip my nose in inspiring books often.  All of these continually feed my fascination with universal symbolism, poetic and intuitive living, as well as my general wonder-lust!
This is the beginning of a monthly tarot card, nothing like a little universal energy to reflect upon and guide us along.  I am still learning, warming up and trusting my intuition, so feel free to add your thoughts or interpretation and read or take what feels right for you.

​I use The Hermetic Tarot by Godfrey Dowson.

He is looking ahead, his chariot pulled by winged fairies, adorned with pentacles, above him a butterfly-winged angelic head.
Master of thought, ideas and design, the King of Swords is controlled but determined, trusted to be fair in judgement and decisions, he will use his power and authority if necessary, ruling with his sword and slaying with his sickle. The suit of swords represent air which governs mental clarity, thought processes and intellect.
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​The Court cards can represent aspects of yourself, though often represent someone you know (perhaps a star sign of that element), they may also represent a situation.  The King is a mature man of great strength, someone you may look to for advice and guidance.  He is firm in his truth, drawing logical conclusions and could be a researcher, lawyer, teacher, in communications or the military.

​I listen, learn, observe and take in all aspects of a situation.  A good time to make changes and set new goals.
​Use your head, find a strategy, plan ahead, make changes without becoming too emotional.

Symbolism : butterfly wings - transformation, pentacles - magical talismans, protection and guidance.