The 10 of Swords
with Nichola Snook-Shelton
Recently, the 10 of Swords has made several unexpected appearances in my personal readings—and not in the dramatic, doom-laden sense it’s so often associated with. Each time it surfaced, it felt like a quiet knock on the door of awareness, asking me to look deeper. Was this really just a card of painful endings and betrayal? Or was there something more layered, even liberating, beneath its dark surface?
Traditionally, the 10 of Swords is seen as a symbol of ruin, rock-bottom moments, and painful conclusions. The imagery—a figure facedown, pierced by ten swords—is stark and unmistakably heavy. But as this card kept coming up for me during a time of emotional burnout and transformation, I began to wonder: Could this actually be an advice card? Could it be urging not defeat, but release?
It turns out, the 10 of Swords has a fascinating and often overlooked history. We’ll explore some of its earlier meanings and interpretations—particularly one that may help explain why modern readers often misread its message. In fact, a historical context may provide a surprising twist: this card is not about death at all in the literal sense, but the death of what no longer serves us. It’s about the end of illusion, the clarity after collapse, and the raw truth that can finally be seen once everything else falls away. So, if you’ve ever flinched at the sight of the 10 of Swords in a spread, or felt stuck in the shadows of its symbolism, I invite you to see it from a new angle. Step outside the box. What if this card, in all its stark finality, is actually offering you a doorway to transformation? Let’s dive into its deeper meanings, its misunderstood legacy, and how it may show up not to destroy, but to clear the path for something far more aligned.
Biography:
Originally from the United Kingdom Nichola grew up in Wanneroo surrounded by bushland and the wetlands of Lake Joondalup. Nichola’s extensive knowledge and skills with different modalities have come from decades of training and working with small intimate groups. Nichola’s theory for all clients is: Begin Within Sound Baths ~ are the opportunity to allow clients to be taken on a journey of relaxation, allowing self-reflection to assist with improving health and wellbeing. Crystal Healing ~ crystals hold energy and vibrations, some say they act like tuning forks. They realign the clients energetic system, allowing the body to commence healing. Meditation ~ using different styles of meditation, offering the clients a sense of calm, peace and balance, reducing stress. Therapeutic Tarot ~ provides the opportunity for clients to explore the imagery of the cards opening up their feelings and emotions either for self- reflection or discussion. From a Spark to a Tarot Revolution What started as a simple opportunity at the first WA Tarot Conference quickly blossomed into something much bigger. Little did I know, this would open the door to a journey I hadn't anticipated. As I dive into the world of tarot, I quickly realised the vastness of the task ahead. With thousands of tarot decks available—some for beginners, some for the experienced, and others for specific themes or genres—it was important to curate a selection that appealed to all. The first conference day arrived and BOOM BOOM BOOM I made an impression with a diverse range of decks. Most shops typically offer only a small selection, focusing on popular, mainstream decks. However, my vision was different. In a smaller venue, I would showcase 40+ decks, and at larger venues, over 100 decks. These were decks that you may not find easily elsewhere, allowing customers to "feel" the cards and connect with them in a unique way. I researched the various decks so that I had product knowledge to ensure clients were aware of their purchase. The journey didn’t stop there. I discovered many customers had decks they weren’t using, :-( so I introduced my Wrap and Read—a portable tarot cloth and storage wrap, handmade by my family here in WA. It’s functional, durable, and machine-washable, providing an ideal solution for keeping cards safe and ready for use. I offered tips and tricks to reignite the cards with the person; this resulted in a few other accessories.
Email: intermezzo.no1@gmail.com