Four of Swords (Mullein)

[vaneramos]

Four of Swords in the Rider-Waite deck depicts a knight lying dead in his tomb. The Herbal Tarot instead shows a fighter who appears to be resting with a sword at his side his back against a rock. The landscape is verdant with hills in the distance and four birds circling, perhaps crows or vultures, echoing the four swords.

This card evokes mixed feelings. Traditionally it signifies introspection, healing and solitude. In this version, the rock represents stability and the surroundings appear fertile and restful. Although it is gentler and more refreshing than the Rider-Waite image, the circling birds and three swords hovering over the prone figure present a sense of danger. With weapon at hand, the warrior looks ready to spring into action.

Mullein could be considered a imposing plant. The tall flower stalk stands guard over meadows for months after the plant has died (it is biennial). On closer inspection mullein appears coarse but the surface is soft and velvety. In bloom it gives the impression of a candle. In fact, in ancient times the stem was dipped in tallow and used as a torch.

Mullein is a useful medicinal herb, having anti-inflammatory properties. The tea is used to relieve congestion (a chronic ailment for me), a poultice may be used on rashes and skin irritation, and the herb steeped in warm olive oil can treat hemorrhoids. However, the hairy leaves may feel prickly and unpleasant to some people. The plant is one I often see but ignore, one I should get to know better.

I find a lot of meaning in this card, some of it conflicting. Overall it speaks of something important about to happen, and a need to rest and prepare.

Comments

[snousle.livejournal.com]

Mullein is a striking plant, I noticed it even before I knew what it was, and sensed its eroticism.

So did Whitman, in what is possibly the most erotic poem ever written:

http://www.poetry-chaikhana.com/W/WhitmanWalt/5Ibelieveiny.htm

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Leaves of Grass is an old favourite of mine. I could stand to reread the whole thing.

After your comment, I noticed how phallic the mullein appears in this image.

[bellakara.livejournal.com]

I haven't seen this deck before. I have the Rider-Waite and some others. I like the iconography of the Rider-Waite minor cards, but other decks inspired by it have come up with interesting variations. The four of swords is a good card of rest and perhaps contemplation. Perhaps a quiet period. Maybe in the above card, the three swords are what he's dreaming of.

There are some fabulous decks around. I have an art deco deck inspired by 1920s Harper Bazaar fashion illustrations where all the figures are female, including the couple in the Lovers, though the card is actually called The Lover.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I've been feeling a lot of raw emotions lately, not bad, just intense. I have an interesting writing assignment on hand. This card (and your comment) reminded me to take some quiet and down time over the the weekend. I'm still feeling excited this morning.

[leafshimmer.livejournal.com]

I love the sight of stalks of mullein in a field in late Summer. In early summer or sometimes a bit later it bears small yellow flowers that are charming. It is sacred to Hekate and it is said that the Romans burnt torches made from mullein stalks at their funeral rites.
The image suggests to me that the mullein grows from or incarnates the spirit of a fallen knight. I wonder if that was what was intended.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I noticed after posting this that the mullein has a phallic appearance in this card, which adds all kinds of implications.

[apel.livejournal.com]

Does it say in the description that those are birds? I'm asking because they look like bees to me. Mullein flowers attract bees, so it makes sense from the biological perspective.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry the image is so small. They are definitely birds. :)

[changeling72.livejournal.com]

I always draw The Hermit and Five of Pentacles.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Interesting. I keep drawing cups, which seems appropriate. I carry a lot of emotions but tend to hold them inside.