The Caregiver as the Page of Swords

Make a proper investigation first.
-- Buddha

I hold the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck and ask, "What helpful information can I pass along to the caregivers reading my blog?" I shuffle the cards, cut the deck, run my left hand over the spread and intuitively pull the Page of Swords (also known as the Princess or Daughter of Swords).

The Page of Swords, I believe, describes in a nutshell the ideal caregiver . Each and every caregiver who does not have the qualities and attributes of the Page of Swords must, simply must, develop them -- and fast! -- to serve their loved one effectively, to give their very best, to make the loved one's difficult situation a little lighter.

Here is a sampling of what various sources say about the Page of Swords.

The Little White Book that came with the deck describes the Page of Swords:

A lithe, active figure holds a sword upright in both hands, while in the act of swift walking.

The Tarot Directory, by Annie Lionnet, spells out the message of the Page of Swords:

This card indicates that you will have to make some careful decisions that require clear thinking and level-headedness. It is important to keep a proper sense of perspective.

In Tarot for Life: Reading the Cards for Everyday Guidance and Growth, Paul Quinn says about the Page of Swords:

Keyword: Investigation
Being: Emotionally detached, intellectually engaged, intrigued, observant, inquisitive, skeptical.
Doing: Asking questions, grasping concepts, getting the facts, cutting through obstacles, holding your ground, striving for objectivity.

In Tarot for Yourself: A Workbook for Personal Transformation, the author, Mary K. Greer, describes the Page of Swords and asks urgent questions of us:

Seeks justice and truth. Cuts through depression and heavy, stormy thoughts. Takes risks with communications. Cuts through cloudy thought to get at the truth of the matter.

Questions to Answer:
What do you have to say? What fears must you face?

Sample Affirmation:
I face my fears and depressions and risk cutting through them.

I don't know what more I could possibly add to what these books reveal. I don't know of a more perfect card, or a more targeted message for a caregiver. Be an active and swiftly-moving caregiver. Keep your head about you when making decisions related to your loved one and always, always, serve their best interests. Do your homework. Be an advocate. Make friends with your fears and your moods. There will be plenty of them along the caregiver's path.

What a great opportunity we caregivers have -- to give the gift of caregiving, and to give it wholly and willingly from the deepest part of our hearts.