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Two of Swords
The Two of Swords is a pause between two options. Something is being held in balance — a truce, a stalemate, a decision not yet made. It can be a calm, deliberate stillness, or a way of not looking at what would force a choice.
The image
A woman sits blindfolded on a stone bench by the sea, arms crossed over her chest, a long sword resting on each shoulder. Behind her the water is dotted with rocks and a crescent moon hangs in the sky. The blindfold is usually read as turning away from outside input, the crossed arms as self-protection, and the moon and sea as feelings kept below the surface.
Upright
Balance, truce, careful neutrality, a decision weighed rather than rushed. Waite gives "concord in a state of arms" and, in another reading, tenderness and friendship. In practice it often describes holding steady while things settle — useful for a while, less so if it goes on too long.
Reversed
Waite's reversed meanings are imposture, falsehood and duplicity. Modern readers often see the balance breaking: a choice that can no longer be put off, information arriving that removes the blindfold, or the strain of staying neutral. Some readers do not use reversals.
Correspondences
Minor Arcana, the Two of the suit of Swords, element Air. In the Golden Dawn system, which most English-language decks follow, it is the Moon in the first decan of Libra, 0°–10°, in Chokmah, the second sephirah. The Order called it "Peace Restored".
In a reading
As an obstacle it can show avoidance; as advice, the value of a deliberate pause before deciding. In the past it may describe a truce that held. Next to the Ace of Swords, the moment of clarity may be close.
In astrology
The Golden Dawn's correspondences, which most English-language decks follow (French, Marseille-based tradition differs for some Major Arcana).
Element: Air — the element of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius
Mode: Cardinal — Libra is a cardinal sign