A Tender Attempt

From the Via Tarot, the Ace of Swords; from the Nature's Pharmacy deck, 'Tea:'

          The swastika (an auspicious sign for hundreds of years before the Nazis twisted its meaning) at the top of the sword in this Ace is left-facing. The right-facing symbol was associated with the sun and the left-facing with Kali and the night. Kali is a Hindu goddess known for battling darkness and bringing enlightenment. The swirling above the sword is the sweeping away of confusion and distraction in order to bring clarity. Once we are able to see clearly, we can make wise decisions and take prudent action. Tea processed for drinking can be green (unfermented) or black (fermented). In the Book of Tea, Okakura Kakuzō explains that 'teaism' (the ceremonial preparation of green tea) was a way to bring harmony, purity, tranquility, and respect to a meeting between groups. Kakuzō writes, "it is a tender attempt to accomplish something possible in this impossible thing we know as life." The clarity of the Ace may inspire quick action, but the methodical ceremonial aspect of Tea suggests we slow down and attempt to incorporate the four principles of teaism as we act.