Decan Ruler (Mars): This decan embodies the continuous interplay of dualities, representing the struggle to reconcile the contradictions within oneself in pursuit of complementary duality. Those born with Mars in this placement often possess a cleverness and sharp intellect, enabling them to navigate and master a wide range of arts and sciences. While adept at exposing contradictions in systems and people, they themselves often fall into similar inconsistencies they so readily criticize. This decan speaks to the despair that surfaces when torn between contradictions.

Decan (Gemini): In the second decan of Gemini, the forces of duality persist, yet they now aim for reconciliation rather than just expression. The contrasting elements—light and dark, masculine and feminine, love and cruelty—interact in constant, dynamic tension, holding the power to both unite and divide. The question is then, in this dynamic process, which often requires flexibility and deep reflection, how does one remain open to paradox? In the second decan of Gemini, one must find harmony between the opposing forces within their soul, which continuously both torment and captivate each other. While the negative possibility that is imagined in this decan is feeling torn apart by the contradictions within oneself or within one’s life, the ideal of this decan is to aspire towards a harmonious duality. This entails not settling for a middle ground or choosing one side, but rather recognizing how each polarity plays a role in the greater whole.

9: Nines represent realization in the world of the element.

Tree of Life (Yesod in Yetzirah): The Nine of Swords corresponds to Yesod in Yetzirah. In the Astral World, Yetzirah is the realization of thoughts.

Sephira (Yesod): All nines deal with the repository of formal images behind conscious experience, and corresponds to the nineth sephira, Yesod, which is commonly referred to by Qabalists as “Foundation.” Yesod is associated with the Moon. The Moon receives light from the Sun, and it is through the Sun’s image revealed in the waters of the Moon that one learns about the Light of the Soul. The Moon archetype reflects, inviting us to slow down and attune to the depths of both our inner emotional world and the surrounding environment. 

World (Yetzirah): All Swords correspond to the third of four worlds, Yetzirah (“The World of Formation”), which is also called the formative world. The element associated with the World of Yetzirah is air.

The Story of Air: The element of air, traditionally symbolized by the suit of swords in the Tarot system, embodies the preeminent power of the intellect. The astrological air signs are renowned for their exceptional cognitive abilities, encompassing critical thinking and articulate expression. The intellect, a quintessential quality intrinsic to the air element, facilitates the processes of analysis, division, and the incisive capacity to cut through complexities when confronted with intricate problems that necessitate rational and discerning solutions. The narratives and stories aligned with the air element revolve thematically around the exploration of confronting and resolving challenges through the strategic application of mental faculties.

Time of Year: May 31/June 1 – June   9/10

Zodiacal Longitude: 10°00’–19°59’ Gemini

Color (Hex Code): #6914BF