Today we are continuing on our Decan Walk, with the 10 of Swords, which is associated with the Sun in Gemini. This Decan starts on June 11 and ends on June 20. Let’s find out how the energy of the Sun in Gemini shows up in the imagery of the 10 of Swords across the Rider-Waite-Smith, Tarot de Marseilles, Thoth, and Telos Tarot decks.

10 of Swords: Sun in Gemini: 11 Jun – 20 Jun

Before we dive deep into the different connections and associations that come together in the imagery of the 10 of Swords, let’s begin by understanding the Decan.

The Decan: Gemini III

The third and last Decan of Gemini is between 21° and 30° of Gemini. Here is where the whole Gemini energy wraps up. The description of this Decan in the Picatrix is: “A man wearing a shield and carrying a bow and arrows in their case.”

On the card image of the Picatrix Decan Deck, we see a man wearing chain mail and carrying a bow and arrows in their case. That bow and arrows could be an interesting connection with Gemini since Gemini is an Air Sign, and Air is associated with Swords in the Tarot. Thoughts can be sharp, like arrows, which are similar to Swords. Embossed in the red-colored background is a drawing of the Sun, and an image of Apollo, the Sun God, stands in the foreground.

The meaning or energy associated with this particular deck is: “Overlooking, Missing What Should be Noticed, Fun & Entertainment, and Unemployment“.

If you look at the image of the 10 of Swords from the Telos Tarot Deck, we have the keyword “Ruin.” We will examine the card image in more detail when we reach that part of our study. Meanwhile, we do see a man wearing chain mail, and he has a bow and arrows in their case. I think the card image shows Castor and Pollux from the myth of Gemini—one is mortal and one is immortal.

Astrology: The Sun ☉

Let’s take a quick look at the Planet. Here, we are looking at the Sun. We’ve already looked deep into it, so here we’ll quickly summarize the energy of the Sun.

The Sun is the center of the Solar System, and the light of the Sun is what gives life to everything on Earth. So, one of the big meanings of the Sun’s energy is about life and light. All the planets orbit around the Sun. So, another meaning of the Sun is ego. The Sun wants to be the center of everything. The Sun is about radiance, vitality, and life force because that is what it bestows upon all of us. The Sun also represents willpower and stamina. It is about Pride, Self-Worth, Individuality, Identity, and Expression. Since the Sun is a very Masculine figure, it is also associated with Fatherhood.

On the darker side, the Sun can represent Vanity, Arrogance, and Attention Seeking. People with a particular kind of Sun energy tend to want to be the center of attention and strive to achieve that. It goes back to the Sun being the center of the Solar System.

The Sun is connected with the element of Fire and rules the Zodiac Sign Leo.

Tarot: The Sun

The Tarot card linked with the Sun is The Sun. In all the Sun card images, you will see a big, bright Sun front and center — you can’t miss it.

In the Thoth and the Telos Tarot Card images, you will also see the Zodiac Sign symbols around the Sun. In the Telos Tarot card image, we also see the chariot of the Sun driven by at least 7 Horses. Several myths from around the world feature a story about the Sun riding a chariot driven by seven horses, traveling from east to west. There, the Sun goes to sleep, and the next morning, it’s back at the east, ready to drive across the skies. I find it to be a very simplistic and straightforward explanation of the movement of the Sun, before the time of scientific explanations.

The Sun is bright and shines boldly in the skies, radiating light and warmth to all those below. That bright Sun dominates the card images, symbolizing the attention-seeking, egotistical energy of the Sun.

In the Tarot de Marseille, Thoth, and the Telos card images, you’ll see two children standing in the radiance of this light. They are either talking, connecting, playing, or taking a nap. These children represent joy, spontaneity, and playful harmony.

In the Rider-Waite-Smith card image, we have a little child riding on a horse. We also have Sunflowers. These connect with the story of this nymph who fell in love with the Sun God, Apollo. When he rejected her affection, her devotion was so intense that she continued to look at him, and ultimately, she transformed into a Sunflower that follows the Sun’s path. On the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Card Deck, the little child has a red feather in his hair. This links the child to the Fool, who also has the same red feather in his hair. In a way, the Fool has now transformed into the Sun child. Riding the horse, the Sun child holds the orange flag, symbolizing enthusiasm.

The Sun, therefore, is about Clarity, Joy, Enthusiasm, Breaking through Barriers, and Embarking on Adventures. This is about Healing, Creativity, Playfulness, Prosperity, and Masculine energies. The Sun represents Happiness, Enjoyment, High Spirits, Overcoming hurdles, Freedom, Glory, Life, Light, Creative Force, Health, Truth, and Illumination.

Astrology: Gemini ♊︎

Now, let’s take a look at the Zodiac Sign of Gemini. Since we’ve looked at Gemini before, we’ll quickly go through the information.

Gemini is about Duality. On the card from the StarCodes Astro Oracle, we have an image of two flowers and two bees. This also represents the keyword ‘Cross-Pollination‘. Gemini embodies duos — like the twins Castor and Pollux — one of whom is mortal and the other immortal. Within this duality, we can explore the various ways that cross-pollination can occur: Connections, Networks, Brotherhood, Community, Communication, Humor, Wit, Words, and Dialogues.

All of this also corresponds with the fact that Gemini is an Air Sign. Conversations, Expression, Communication, and Analytical back and forth, Gossip — are all different ways in which the Air energy is expressed. Gemini energy is Intelligent and Adaptable. Gemini people can easily see different Perspectives. They can express both sides of the story, which is why they often come across as Deceptive, Cunning, or Superficial. They can be individuals who struggle with Doubt and may lack a sense of individuality because they can’t figure out which side they stand on, given their ability to see both sides.

Mercury rules Gemini. As an Air Sign ruled by an Air Planet, Gemini can find their mental energy going all over the place. This is the energy of Gemini: always about the opposites and the connections between those opposites.

Tarot: The Lovers

In the Tarot, we see the duality of Gemini represented in the form of two figures that are opposites of each other.

In the Rider-Waite-Smith card, we have a man and a woman, representing Adam and Eve, being blessed by an Angel. In the Tarot de Marseilles, we have a man surrounded by two women, and he must choose between the older woman, the mother, representing the nurturing he has to walk away from, and the younger woman, representing his wife, with whom he has to start a life. Above them, Cupid is ready to shoot his arrow of love. In the Thoth, we have a couple uniting in marriage, being blessed by a Priest. Here, one person represents the inner consciousness while the other person represents the outer consciousness. The children also represent a similar energy. This card illustrates the union of opposites. In the Telos Tarot, we have a Prophet and two boys holding a bow. On one side of the Prophet is a Priestess, and on the other is a Harlot. These are two different versions of femininity.

In the Lovers card, the primary energy is about harmony. This is also consistent with the energy of the number 6. Here, we see how the union of these opposing energies helps harmonize their inherent duality.

Sun in Gemini: Versatility

Now, let’s look at how the energy of the Sun shows up in the Sign of Gemini in the card from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun.

The keyword for the Sun in Gemini in this deck is Versatility. This resonates quite well with Gemini’s nature of flipping between different perspectives and seeing all sides. The Sun symbolizes radiant, expressive energy. Combine both of these, and you get someone who can express themselves in various ways and be quite versatile.

In the LWB of this deck, the keyword for Sun is Fortune, and for Gemini it is Mental Awareness. When Fortune and Mental Awareness come together, we see Communication, Expression, and Quick Thinking creating Shining, Radiant Luck.

The Sun is linked with Fire, while Gemini is connected with Air; both elements empower each other. Fire burns with Air, and excessive Air can spread the fire. Thus, fire and Air need each other but can also amplify each other’s effects.

Those influenced by this combination can be mentally and emotionally flexible, possessing an open mind and a “jack of all trades” mentality. However, they require the freedom to act and move—this is the essence of the Gemini-Sun dynamic. The Sun is its own master; all the planets revolve around it, and therefore, the Sun is not inclined to follow others. Geminis thrive on freedom, and it’s difficult to pin them down. Together, they make quick decisions and take pleasure in impressing others.

On the shadow side, this combination may lead people to waste energy by scattering their thoughts in all directions. The excessive Sun energy, combined with Gemini’s nature, can feel overwhelming. They may also become intellectually arrogant, with the Sun’s ego paired with Gemini’s intellect, leading them to force ideas and unwanted information upon others.

The Number: 10

In numerology, the journey of the numbers starts at zero and ends with nine. However, we do see the number 10 in the Tarot. The number 10 is an amalgamation of 1 and 0. When we add these two numbers, they equal 1. But then the power of 0 is something you should not ignore.

Zero represents the energy that exists before anything is manifested. It signifies Nothingness, but also All-ness. Everything is held within that zero’s potential, and nobody knows how that energy might manifest. The energy of Zero is the raw material of creation. Everything is unmanifested, and the possibilities are unlimited.

The energy of the number One is about Beginnings, Seeds, and Instigation. It is about starting something. This energy enables the unmanifested potential of Zero to reach a starting point, where it can embark on the creation process. They empower each other when the potential and the seed merge together.

When we consider the number 10 in the journey from 1 to 9, it takes the 9 energy of culmination to the next stage and pushes it forward. In the number 10, we take the unmanifested potential and add a seed into it, and push it beyond the point of conclusion. This is where you want more from a situation that has reached its logical endpoint. You go beyond, towards an extreme energy. Whether this manifests as success or failure, completion or culmination, it all gets pushed past the limit. Thus, success becomes extra successful, and failure can become extreme.

You can either start accumulating everything—the potential can be harnessed into that seed—or it can completely dissolve into Nothingness. The number ten then represents the cycles of ascent and descent. Both ends meet here. This is why it’s considered the number of transitions.

Another perspective calls 10 the rebirth of 1. With the potential of zero, it can reach the highest peaks, but the energy of 1 keeps it focused on earthly matters. It fails to recognize heavenly heights because it pushes everything further. After going through the entire cycle from one to nine, in ten, the individuality is retained, but a partnership with the world is also created. The energy of 1 is self-seeking, whereas 10 is self-aware.

10 understands its purpose and aims to harness unlimited potential. However, the journey is already over, so you just end up pushing everything to the extreme.

The Number 10: The K-Drama Last Episode After the Happy Ending

I often see this energy manifest in popular K-dramas. This typically occurs in an episode at the end of a K-Drama series, where we are unnecessarily shown a challenging situation that the characters overcome after they have achieved their happy ending. Often, I see this happening when the series has become quite popular and the fans are clamoring for more romantic scenes between the two main leads. It feels as if the show creators simply add another episode that revisits the happy couple and throws in a manufactured crisis just to show that their love is still strong, etc. If you are a K-drama fan, perhaps this example might help explain how the energy of the number 10 pushes the story beyond the conclusion point. 😊

Tarot + Astrology: 10 of Swords: Sun in Gemini: ☉ in ♊︎

Now, let’s look at our Tarot cards to see how the energy of the Sun in Gemini is expressed in the imagery of the 10 of Swords.

10 of Swords

In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, we see a figure of a warrior lying on the ground, ten swords stuck in his back. There’s a body of water, the Sun is rising, and night is fading. It’s, at once, a sad and a hopeful image. If you look closely at the warrior’s fingers in the card, you’ll notice he is holding them in the Sign of Benediction. It’s as if he finally understands the blessing hidden within the painful experience of this card.

With those 10 Swords stuck in his back like a pincushion, he cannot move. He has been rendered immobile. Although the Sun and Gemini have no connection with water energy, we see a water body in the card. Water represents consciousness. This suggests that the feelings, emotions, and multiple painful thoughts arise from and return to consciousness. This is also the space where we can find the energies of the Sun and Gemini. All of these scattered thoughts ultimately make their point in a very painful manner. When you have too many conflicting thoughts coming into play, you become stuck just like this warrior. It is only at the end that this warrior realizes that none of that truly matters. Here is where the narrative has been pushed to the extreme. The story had already culminated in the 9 of Swords, and yet we find ourselves here with the 10 of Swords, reliving the same painful experience at an even higher level.

As the new day dawns and the Sun rises in the distance, he realizes that this painful experience holds a blessing in disguise. Within the overly abundant Gemini energy, represented as excessive thinking of the 10 of Swords, he realizes that only when we are overwhelmed by excessive thoughts do we recognize that none of the anxiety, worry, negativity, and self-doubt make any sense, have any value, or play a significant role. Ultimately, when you reach this understanding, you realize all of the overthinking is meaningless, pointless, and unnecessary. The pain, hardship, and suffering caused by these Swords, whether self-created or inflicted by others, have ended up being your burden. And it is you who must shed it. Carrying that suffering will lead to a very painful end. And it is your responsibility — nobody else’s — to let go of and heal from the pain of those Swords. That is the clarity he gains as the Swords painfully weigh down on him.

In the Tarot de Marseille image, we see an enclosure created by 8 of the 10 Swords. We also have 2 budding flowers outside of that enclosure, indicating potential for growth once we are out of the locked-in space. These 8 Swords have restricted the flow of creative energy. Here, you are enclosed within thought patterns that wrap around you and slowly choke you. These swords are interlaced at their ends. Although the light blue color can signify a spiritual energy, we can also see how many different thought patterns have become interconnected. On the surface, these thoughts may even have good origins—highly spiritual or philosophical origins. However, when they interlace with each other, they create a mental enclosure that ultimately restricts you.

Now we see 2 Swords trying to break that logical, rational, intellectual enclosure. But they get caught in it too! It feels as if they ended up engaging with those thoughts. They likely mentally tried to solve the issue presented by the mental limitation. They were using logic to beat logic. They try to use the power of the mind to break the enclosure of the mind. In that process, however, they get trapped within the confines of the mind as well. How exhausting!

The 10 of Swords can talk about Exhaustion, Combat, and elements that neutralize each other. We have a complex issue with many conflicting interests that requires a sophisticated approach to solve. We may even seek an ally to approach this situation from a different angle.

This card shows us that sometimes a solution isn’t what we thought it was. We learn that there are situations where logic will completely break down. Ultimately, no matter how you try to resolve it, you will find yourself more and more stuck and at a standstill. It is a trap — a labyrinth with no exit.

The Thoth card image of the 10 of Swords also shows us a similar picture. Here, we see the 10 Swords going at each other, and ending up cracking and breaking. We see the light of the Sun in the background. We also see a tiny heart that a sword has cut. The keyword on the 10 of Swords is “Ruin.”

If you notice, the 10 Swords are arranged in a shape that reminds us of the Kabbala Tree of Life. This symbolizes how the different perspectives represented by the Gemini energy, which may be clear and valuable on their own, ultimately undermine each other when they come together. These opposing energies clash and negate each other. While all these perspectives may have merit individually, bringing them together to unite them as one is not possible; it will only lead to breakdown and ruin.

Thus, the 10 of Swords represents Destructive Forces, Endings, Total Destruction, Sudden Losses, and Failures. It’s Mental Ruin—many thought processes that have held their own during their journey now meet their opposites, and they are destroyed.

In the image of the 10 of Swords of the Telos Tarot, we have the story of Castor and Pollux, where one of the twins has to die. In the realm of Swords or Gemini twins, representing dualities and choices, one of the two must die. What then remains is the choice you have. One choice must always perish to find clarity. This is a necessary sacrifice. This is the end of the story. This is also the last Decan of Gemini. And this is an ending that calls for the audacity and boldness of the Sun.

Here, the image of the 10 of Swords shows the energy of the Sun in a brazen way that makes the painful ending a heroic one, befitting the grand stature of the Sun.

Ultimately, this Gemini energy, when piled up on top of itself, pushed beyond the point of culmination in the 10, gets fiery and destructive with the hot blaze of the Sun — leading to the total ruin and disaster of itself. This is precisely what happens when too many thoughts, too many negative ideas, catch fire in our minds and overwhelm us. We lose track of reality and get caught up in the endless spirals of these thoughts clashing with one another. Every thought process and every perspective ultimately breaks down, leaving us tired and lost.

Sun in Gemini: Ruin of the 10 of Swords vs Versatility

10 of Swords

In the image of the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, we see the image of a woman acrobatically walking on her hands. This is the dexterity of the mental movement of Gemini combined with the active and joyful Sun energy, manifesting as Versatility. As is evident from the image on the card, this Versatility isn’t merely mental; it is also physical.

However, if we compare that image to the imagery of the 10 of Swords, we see a different picture. The image from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun is a very positive expression of the Sun and Gemini energy. We can see the energy expressed as Creativity, Mental Freedom, and Openness. However, in the Tarot, the image of the 10 of Swords cards show us how those excessive thoughts ultimately lead to pain and suffering. We see how the multiple thought processes of Gemini, now turned negative, become more and more challenging to deal with because of the fiery energy of the Sun added to the mix.

This is quite a compelling observation: through these contrasting visualizations, we can see how the same combination of elements can be either positive or negative. It is simply a matter of how it is depicted and interpreted in the imagery of the particular card deck. Such a Gemini vibe! 👀⚔️🙌

It has been my complaint for some time that the Suit of Swords in the Tarot decidedly leans toward the negative. Apart from the Ace, which is depicted positively (for the most part), every card in the Suit of Swords shows us how anything involving the mind steadily and systematically can and does cause pain. The 10 of Swords only pushes that narrative further, and everything in the card image collectively reinforces that point. However, the Oracle of the Radiant Sun shows a different picture of how the Sun in Gemini energy could manifest. Both these perspectives make sense, especially since in the Sign of Gemini, all these perspectives are valid.

Supporting Cards: The Ace of Pentacles + Page of Pentacles + Queen of Cups

The Ace and Page of Pentacles have been supporting this journey for a while now. I believe this is the last Decan where we will get to interact with them.

The Ace of Pentacles brings in the grounding energy necessary for manifesting, while the Page diligently and carefully moves things forward. The Ace of Pentacles brings a sense of material reality to the energy of the card, somehow tethering it to the physical world. The Page of Pentacles brings in a sincere approach and a genuine desire to learn and understand more about the situation.

The Court Card changes in this Decan. Now we have the Queen of Cups. She is Water of Water. She is very feminine and driven by feelings, emotions, and intuition. She embodies a rich inner world. She doesn’t express her feelings easily, even though she feels way too many of them.

We see the Queen of Cups in the Tarot de Marseilles holds a sword. She uses that to protect herself. Protecting themselves is an instinctive reaction — very likely stemming from the fact that such emotionally driven women likely experienced their boundaries being disrespected a lot. Both the Tarot de Marseilles and the Rider-Waite-Smith’s Queen hold cups that are closed — indicating their strong desire to protect their feelings and emotions. These Queens shield and guard those feelings as if their life depended on it. The Queen of Cups represents an intensely intuitive and creative energy. So, when it leans toward the negative, this energy can be misused or manipulated. It could also indicate emotional breakdowns or an inability to heal from past traumas. As a very emotionally driven woman, the Queen of Cups holds so much within herself. This is why she is always by the edge of the water—feelings are always one step away from overwhelming her.

In the image of the Thoth Tarot as well as the Telos Tarot, we see beautiful lotuses and Herons. Lotuses represent purity and spirituality, while Herons represent watchfulness and instincts. The imagery evokes a connection with her sensitivity, devotion, and inspiration. The imagery of the Queen of Cups conveys a dreamy, imaginative, and sensitive energy. In fact, in the Thoth Tarot image, she almost seems to melt into the background of the card. She protects herself because, as an empath, she understands that she truly needs to protect her innocence and spiritual energies. Her instinctive watchfulness comes in handy when she needs to set down boundaries to safeguard herself.

The mentally exhausting energy of the Sun in Gemini, the Sun’s Fire burns up in Gemini’s Air. These elements clash to create a whirlwind of madness, conflict, and pain. It is here that the Queen of Cups brings all her water, dousing that Fire and calming the storm. Perhaps that’s the water from the pool of the 10 of Swords! The soldier lies on one shore, while the Queen of Cups sits on the other shore, watching him suffer and wanting to heal him.

10 of Swords: Sun in Gemini: ☉ in ♊︎: Overwhelming Mental Exhaustion

Let’s put it all together. This is the third and last Decan of Gemini — the Sign of Duality, where communication meets complication. We must find a way to harmonize this dual perspective — and in keeping with the dual pathways of Gemini — one approach is to unite and harmonize, while the other is to eliminate one option, leaving only one pathway to follow. This is the energy of the Decan, where you may miss out on something essential and overlook what you should be aware of.

The 10 of Swords represents suffering, breakdown, exhaustion, defeat, destruction, and clashes—everything that embodies the extreme energy of Gemini combined with the fiery arrogance of the Sun. It showcases the duality of everything. Gemini, by itself, can be harnessed to bring harmony, and we do see that represented in the imagery of The Lovers. Meanwhile, the energy of the Sun can be playful, joyful, and clear as is evidenced in the imagery of The Sun card.

In fact, in the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, we see a positive manifestation of that energy—the open-mindedness, all the flexible expression, and Versatility. Compared to that, in the 10 of Swords, we have the imagery of excessive pain, accumulation of suffering, and the breakdown that comes from disillusionment. And then the supporting cards come into play: The Ace and Page bring in a sense of material reality, while the Queen of Cups brings in her emotional intelligence and healing.

🎞️ The Video

Of course, I made a video talking about the 10 of Swords – Sun in Gemini combination.

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📸 The Infographic + ⬇️ The Download

If you are looking for the infographic that sums up all the essential points, you’ve come to the right place! Just click on the buttons below, to download the Infographics, and more!

 Click here to Download the Infographics 

 Click here to download the Presentation Slides PDF 

 Click here to copy the Decan Walk Worksheets to your Google Drive 

📣 Shoutout

You can read Valerie’s insightful post about the 10 of Swords: Sun in Gemini on her Substack.

📚 Homework

📓 Things to Think (or Journal) about the 10 of Swords – Sun in Gemini

• Look back at your life. Where and when have you experienced the mental fatigue and breakdown that is depicted in the 10 of Swords Tarot Card imagery? How did you deal with it? What does that tell you about how you can handle the energy of this card when it shows up in a reading somewhere?
• Consider the two opposing interpretations of the combination of the Sun in Gemini. Where in your life have you seen the positive and the negative interpretations of this combination show up? How did you deal with it?
• Do you have this combination in your Natal Chart? If so, which house is it in? How does that manifest in your life? Did the exploration of this energy through the Tarot imagery help you find a way to deal with this energy in your life?
• Look at your chart. In which house does the Sign of Gemini fall? How has it manifested in your life?
• Look at your chart. In which house does the Sun show up? How has this manifested in your life?

👩🏻 Tell Me What You Think… 💭

I hope my thoughts and insights about the combination of the Sun in Gemini and how it has shown up in the imagery of the 10 of Swords have helped you gain a better perspective about its imagery. Do you have anything to add or share? Please drop me a line in the comments below and let’s get talking. Together, let’s find ways to overcome the mental exhaustion and overwhelm by embracing the profound wisdom of the 10 of Swords.