The Archetype and The Tarot: The Thread and Five of Swords
Through the Thread and the Five of Swords, this week we’re being called to release distraction and reconsider our priorities. Can we let go of our need to be right in order to find our way back to our deepest meaning?
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The Thread Archetype
Occasionally I like to draw from Kim Krans’ Archetypes deck rather than my usual deck, which is what I felt called to do this week. I love that I drew The Thread!
To me, the Thread archetype is a symbol of profound connection, as in the way threads weave cloth together. It fastens us not only to each other, but also to our experience of life.
The myth of the labyrinth and Ariadne's thread is a good example of how we might experience the Thread archetype. The story follows a hero named Theseus, who must navigate a complex maze to slay the half-man, half-bull creature known as the minotaur. Ariadne, the goddess/princess, gives Theseus a red thread to help him find his way back out of the confusion of the labyrinth.
I believe that the Thread card comes up when we need this sort of guidance back to meaning and connection.
In the light, it is the Thread that guides us back to real meaning. It can show up as synchronicities and wonder, reminding us of what is truly important. It is what keeps us going when we feel lost. In addition, by highlighting connections and the underlying unity of everything, the Thread in the light helps us to see the bigger picture (or tapestry) of any situation.
In the shadow, the Thread can become knotted up and bind us, making our perception too narrow as it ties us to one point of view. Or, on the opposite end, it can make us feel scattered by leading us around in circles, like when we ruminate in endless mind loops. Perhaps most commonly, the shadow of the Thread shows up in our lives when we simply don’t see it at all; when it is obscured by distraction or chaos.
Some questions to consider this week:
In the guidebook for this card, Kim Krans has this quote: “Recall a moment in your life when you felt fully alive. The Thread is waiting for you amid the details of that memory.” What enlivening memories do you have that can help you find the Thread?
What distractions have been hiding the Thread of meaning from you?
Can you release these distractions this week and refocus on the Thread?
How do you know when you’re in contact with the Thread? Do you feel it in your body? Does your energy feel different?
Five of Swords
In this card we see a person looking smugly over their shoulder at two others. There is a sense that these others are defeated or dejected. Meanwhile, the main figure holds three swords (more than they could efficiently utilize) and two more have been tossed aside. Because the suit of swords has to do with our mental energy, this whole scenario has something to do with the way we think.
To me, this card is calling our attention to that strange trait we all possess (at least to some degree) where believing that we are right is the most important thing; that our thoughts and ideas are victorious over anyone else’s. It’s asking us to examine where we hold this sort of righteousness in our lives. What thoughts/ideas/beliefs are we unwilling to hold paradox about? And can we take notice of the cost of such righteousness?
How does this pair work together?
What I see here is that the figure from the Five of Swords has made it to the center of the labyrinth and defeated the minotaur. Now he must choose between holding tight to his swords or setting them aside to follow the thread out of the maze instead.
Where have our own rigid ideas of right and wrong kept us imprisoned? What thread of meaning can we pick up instead to lead us out?
Wow, it feels like this week we’re going to be getting mighty real with ourselves. As always, practice kindness with yourselves in the process. Let’s discuss it all in the comments below.
I love the story of Ariadne and the labyrinth. It is so rich in symbolism and deeper meanings. The 5ofS with it is an interesting pairing! Yes an invitation to let the swords down. Like having our hand inside a bottle and trying to pull what is in it out. As a fist our hand gets stuck, We have to let go of the object to get our hand out. Here I am being invited to let down the swords of control, of power over what is in front of me. Gently holding the thread and trusting this space of darkness.
I am moved by the idea of the thread and the way you pose it here Jenna by calling us to look for it amidst the chaos of the end of the year. In her book The Path to Integrity (I think that's what it's called) Martha Beck talks about our errors of righteousness. This is a shadow place I have to catch myself time and again so I will refocus my intention to hold gently to the thread and walk away from my own rigidity.