You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers.
You can tell whether a man is wise by his questions.
Naguib Mahfouz, winner of the 1988 Nobel Prize for Literature

This week, we need to stay on our toes and pay attention to important messages, because that fierce, smart, sometimes naive youth, the Page of Swords, has come to visit.

Arthur Waite summarized this card with the word, “vigilance.” What enemies are nearby? Is there real danger on the horizon?

The Swords, of course, represent the Element of Air, and correspond to the energy of the intellect, words, the mind, attitude, and information. Although Swords are associated with the season of Spring, this visit seems apropos for all the young scholars preparing to head back to school soon.

Pages in the Tarot are often messengers and risk-takers, with little in the way of possessions, protection, or equipment.

And as usual, the question about the Court cards is – as the “people cards” of the Tarot, do they represent us, someone else, or simply the generalized energy?

Unlike the darker, more stormy scenes in many of the other Swords cards, the sky behind the Page is blue, although the clouds are gathering. The landscape is rough, the water is choppy, and his windswept hair and the circling birds all point to turbulence.

The Page may represent someone engaged in the tumultuous nature of intellectual discovery and inspiration, before experience and wisdom can temper them. He gives us a sense of waiting with sword drawn, expecting the “other shoe to drop.”

As we watch the dramas and loyalties of those in power shifting each day, there is a lot of that feeling going around right now.

Watching the News

With every new scandal that erupts, the progressive media assures us that P45’s days are surely numbered.

This is a pattern, of course, that began early in the disgrace-filled days of the U.S. primary elections, about 2,000 years ago (or so it now seems). And with each new, odious story, the P45 machine seemed to just grow stronger.

This week, we have a Page of Swords figure both making the news, and delivering it, as she stands on her hilltop. Omarosa Manigault Newman is unleashing a new salvo of shocking revelations regarding the orange golem.

Omarosa (like Bono and Cher, she is popularly known by just her first name) is a former “Apprentice” contestant who P45 selected to be Director of African-American Outreach during his campaign. He then appointed her to be White House Director of Communications for the Office of Public Liaison.

After being fired earlier this year by White House Chief of Staff, John Kelly, she has been very public in her after-the-fact criticisms of her former boss. On Tuesday, her tell-all book, Unhinged: An Insider’s Account of the Trump White House, will go on sale.

This behind-the-scenes book could be big news. Or just another tempest in a teapot that dies in the next news cycle or two.

As the Page of Swords, I see her as a legitimate news-bearer, and certainly with an axe (or sword) to grind. But I doubt her offerings will be as seriously received as the other Swords character who has his own behind-the-scenes book waiting in the wings.

Last week, it was revealed that the far more seasoned and experienced journalist and writer, Bob Woodward, is preparing to publish his own insider look at the chaotic, destructive culture of the current White House.

So where I would call Bob Woodward the King of Swords, Amarosa, for now, would only qualify as a Page.

In addition, with the constant refrain of “fake news” swirling across our media, it’s no wonder that more and more people are beginning to mistrust journalism in all forms.

I would expect this Page will be adding his own influence to this maelstrom of doubt and confusion. Look for news stories that are sensationalistic, but may not stand up under honest, careful scrutiny.

Beware this week of splashy announcements that deliver more uncertainty that substance, with plenty of retrograde-influenced back-tracking, and gossipy or snarky overtones.

Fact Checking

It is worth noting that the Page of Swords is the oldest of the four Pages. It will not be long before his initiation into knighthood.

What rite of passage may await you this week? Or will it be you that is the challenger to a new initiate looking for a promotion or recognition?

Perhaps you are expecting important, but possibly difficult news. Is there some situation that threatens to put you on the defensive? Are you expecting some curve ball, that you will need to smack with dead aim, if you are to score?

Keep your eyes open, and be prepared to suss out the truth behind perceptions, especially if they may have been manipulated.

Perhaps opposition awaits you, but proceed with caution. The Pages are impetuous and inexperienced and don’t handle timing or diplomacy as well as the more mature King or Queen.

Beware of the Page’s juvenile tendencies to show off and be too clever for his own good. He is smart, but not as smart as he may think he is.

If this is you, think before you speak.

Make sure you’ve got your facts straight, and dial down your emotions. This is especially important as we traverse the tricky multiple retrogrades now under way, especially Mars (aggression) combined with the double-whammy of Mercury and Uranus, who both influence technology and communications.

Check and double-check before you hit “Enter.”

If this Page is someone you know, avoid being drawn into their arguments, for often they are traps constructed from an immature ego and a need for drama.

Confrontation or the possibility of being in harm’s way is rarely much fun. But the Page is light on his feet. Like him, watch your back, stay on the high ground, and keep up your guard.

He may like to show off his cleverness, but true wisdom doesn’t create problems. It anticipates and prevents difficulties from coming up in the first place.

Watch your words, keep a cool head, and temper the steel of your sword with cautious wisdom.