Comparative Tarot

Description: Eight silver torches fly in parallel formation toward the upper right. Each torch has a pair of tiny black wings blurred with speed, and thin halos glow around each flame. The torches fly over snow-capped mountains in the distance and yellow-green treetops in the foreground. A small dark bird perches near the bottom right corner of the card, looking toward the left. The sky is a cloudy blue, with a trio of tiny stars shining near the upper left corner.

Card title: Swiftness

Astrological association: Mercury in Sagittarius

Stones: Agate, Gold Topaz, Turquoise, Garnet, Opal

Roman letter: H

I Ching: 35, Progress, Progress (R.L. Wing)

Faceup Meaning: The cessation of all delays. Things start moving extremely quickly. Fast action is required…. Change for the better. … Hope for a better future.

Reversed Meaning: The interruption of forward movement. Hasty action brings negative results. … A trip is postponed or canceled. … Jealousy that is directed at you.

My take on it: Everything’s falling into place. Things are coming together in a hurry. The wings are tiny compared to the size of the torches; be careful not to lose track of little details in your haste. Are you rushing to follow the crowd (like the torches), or like the bird, are you waiting for the majority to get out of your way so you can follow your own path?

Tracy Hite