Five of Swords: Lilith Cursing Eda
Upright: Ambition, conflict, disagreement, competition, defeat, aggression, hostility, tension, rivalry, craftiness, winning at all costs
Reversed: Compromise, remorse, regret, reconciliation, resolution, revenge, cutting losses, making amends
Like the Five of Wands, the Five of Swords is a card of conflict, competition, and rivalry. The Swords card, however, has more of a negative connotation, often indicating unresolved tension, hostility, or unbridled ambition. The victor depicted in the Five of Swords has defeated their foes by either deception, trickery, or pure intimidation and aggression. They may have gotten what they wanted, but there is bad blood between everyone involved in the aftermath. This can lead to long-standing resentment from those who were wronged, and uncomfortable regret on the part of the aggressor. Ideally, whatever conflict this card depicts can eventually be resolved (or avoided entirely) by communication and compromise.
Though Lilith and Eda were best friends as children, there was always an unspoken tension between them with regards to their differences in magical skill level, approaches to learning, and ambitions. The duel for the single spot in the Emperor's Coven was the impetus for the conflict between them that would last for decades. Lilith, in her desperation to defeat Eda despite her sister's greater magical ability, cursed her in her sleep in hopes of gaining the advantage in the fight. Though this proved pointless in the end, as Eda willingly relinquished the position before the fight even began, Lilith got what she wanted, but it came at a great personal cost to Eda, who would have to deal with the Owl Beast curse for the rest of her life.
Throughout the first season, Lilith and Eda's relationship as a whole is marked with the strife exemplified by the Five of Swords - their differing social positions and lifestyles set them at odds with each other, with Lilith trying to get Eda to conform by force and Eda thwarting and antagonizing her at every opportunity. The two of them finally reconcile at the end of the season when Lilith shows remorse for cursing Eda and splits the curse with her.
< Previous card: Four of Swords | Next Card: Six of Swords >
< Previous card: The Magician | Next Card: _____ >