From the Rider Marseille Tarot, the Ace of Swords; from the Ostinato Oracle, Marcato:
A sword holds a crown on which an olive branch and a palm branch hang (symbols of peace and victory). The crown is an open rather than a closed one, suggesting an open, curious mind. Six yuds (yods) surround the sword, a letter that represents the spark of Essence within each of us. The Ace of Swords breathes inspiration into us, giving us a chance to create and problem solve in a fresh and exciting way. It only requires that we let go of our preferences and receive it without contempt prior to investigation. Marcato ("marked") is a musical instruction indicating a note, chord, or passage is to be played louder or more forcefully than the surrounding music. Parkway suggests it means that we act with intention - mindfully and purposefully instead of impulsively or haphazardly. As Kristin Armstrong stated, "We either live with intention or exist by default."
