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The card shows stubborn, desperate, insane situations. It refers to the desperate attempt to make a clear attitude and decision on the intellectual plane. Actual conviction can only be achieved if our findings are emotionally well-founded. The subconscious area symbolized by the sea and the moon on the card is unattainable to us. The swords crossed, the limitations of the intellect cut the way. This shows the bad situation that we get into when we strive hard for clarifying recognition without having to listen to the inner voice. The Sword is the opposite of the High Priestess (II) card. A common motif is the sitting position of the figures. Blue tones depicting the intuitive power of the High Priestess fall into the background of this card. The background of the person is gray, which perhaps expresses the fuzziness of the thought, the indecision, the "gray theory". In the tale, the wolf is often embedded in the fairy tale of doubt.

TWO OF SWORDS : PEACE

These cards refer to Chokmah. From the point of view of the ordinary person, Chokmah is really No. 1 and not No. 2, because he is the first manifestation; Kether is completely concealed, so that nobody knows anything about it at all. Hence, only on reaching the Deuces does an element appear as the element itself. Chokmah is uncontaminated by any influence; therefore the elements here appear in their original harmonious condition.

The Two of Swords was formerly called the Lord of Peace Restored; but this word “restored” is incorrect, because there has been no disturbance. The Lord of Peace is therefore a better title: but it needs thinking hard to work this out, since the Sword is so intensely active. It may be helpful to study the Essay on Silence (p. 120) for a parallel: the Negative Form of the Positive Idea. See also the Essay on Chastity (Little Essays towards Truth, pp. 70-74) which concludes: Sir Knights, be vigilant:

watch by your arms and renew your oath; for that day is of sinister augury and deadly charged with danger which ye fill not to overflowing with gay deeds and bold of masterful, of manful Chastity. 
Witness also Catullus: domi maneas paresque nobis Novem continuas futationes. 
Nor does he misunderstand the gesture of Harpocrates; Silence and Chastity are isomers.

It is all one case of the general proposition that the sum of the infinite Energy of the Universe is Zero.

This card is ruled by Chokmah in the Element of Air. This suit, governing all intellectual manifestations, is always complicated and disordered. It is subject to change as is no other suit. It represents a general shaking-up, resulting from the conflict of Fire and Water in their marriage; and proceeds, when Earth appears, to crystallization. But the purity and exaltation of Chokmah are such that this card manifests the very best idea possible to the suit. The energy abides above the onslaught of disruption. This comparative calm is emphasized by the celestial attribution: the Moon in Libra.

The Moon is change, but Nature is peaceful; moreover, Libra represents balance; between them, they regulate the energy of the Swords.

In the card appear two swords crossed; they are united by a blue rose with five petals. This rose represents the influence of the Mother, whose harmonizing influence compounds the latent antagonism native to the suit. The Rose emits white rays, producing a geometrical pattern that emphasizes the equilibrium of the symbol.

TWO OF SWORDS - PEACE

Astrology: Moon in the 1. decan of Libra Tree of Life: Chokmah through Air

The Two of Swords are representing the beginning of analysis, putting the pure, undirected ideas of the Ace underneath separation and differentiation, to bring them towards a specific form and end. 

Chokmah is creation and manifestation, showing the element in its best light, and so the mind gets its best chance to indicate its powers without showing its shadows. For the Swords, this means peace, since the mind is on its finest level when just administering its potentials.

Drive: Peace, arrangement of differences, a good compromise between soul and mind 

Light: Beginning of analysis, balanced force, contradictory characteristics in the same nature 

Shadow: Difference, disagreement, opposites calmed down by cold logic only, unsolved tensions

THE TWO OF SWORDS - PEACE - Moon - Gemini - Doubt

Keywords: Moon in Libra, inner peace, decision-making, decisions on relationships or situations that result in peace.

Advice: Inner peace is a special donation. Watch out for it, but never try to cling to it too much.

Question: Which areas of your life are of particular interest to you? Now you can make the right decisions.

Suggestion: Take time to relax deeply. You're in a good position to examine your past, your present, and your future. Write down your insights.

Revelation: My heart is filled with deep peace.

Analogies:

Ji-Ching: 38. K'uei (The Opposite, Opposition)

Mythology: The Unbelievers (Tamás Faith)

Keywords: internal doubt

Battle makes us what we fight against.

TWO OF SWORDS

General Meaning

The Two in this suit usually represents conflicting ideas or visions. These must be reconciled by communication in order to arrive in a harmonious place or to complete strategic negotiations. Mixed signals prevail.

While they may be appearing to try to communicate, opposite sides are missing each other entirely, with possibly drastic consequences. In the best case, a frank discussion would clear the air and serve both sides, but one cannot expect that in every instance where this card appears.

In the Reversed Position

When the Two of Swords is reversed (i.e. upside-down), it suggests creative disagreements that can lead to the realization that two heads are better than one. You have the capacity to create synergy or at least provide common ground where argument once prevailed.

It is precisely the moment when you think that you are absolutely right that you need the views of others the most. Rather than think you have all the answers, gather input and feedback.

In the Advice Positon

The Two of Swords in this position advises that this may not be a good time to make a decision. Neither allow others to push you beyond your boundaries, nor permit yourself to act impulsively. You need to fully assimilate the situation before making any moves — even if not having a solution as soon as you want causes tension.

Have patience. There are circumstances in which action is better than non-action. This, however, is not one of them. Remain silent as much as possible and allow things to settle. A little meditation can help you achieve greater objectivity. You do not have enough information, as all the evidence hasn't come in yet.

Read more:

• » The Book of Thoth - A Short Essay on the Tarot of the Egyptians by Aleister Crowley.
• » Liber LXXVIII - On the Tarot - A complete treatise on the Tarot giving the correct designs of the cards with their attributions and symbolic meanings on all planes. - A description of the Cards of the Tarot, with their attributions, including a method of divination by their use.
• » Manuscript N - The Tarot - A Golden Dawn Manuscript - A Theoricus Adeptus Minor Paper.