The Sword As a Symbol
The sword dates back to 2000 BC and over time, the sword’s symbol from protection and weapon has developed into various meanings in different cultures and traditions. The sword also symbolized honor and justice.
All of the elements are used in making a sword: earth, fire, air, and water. The final product, the sword represents totality and unification of all resources forged into a focused beam of energy and force. The sword also brings other words to mind as symbols of power, defense, solidarity, clarity.
The Buddhists see the sword as a metaphor for cutting through ignorance as in “cut to the chase” or “cut the crap” and get to the point. In Japan the sword is a symbol of courage and strength and honor. The Knights Templars swore not to draw their swords unless for a just cause and never to sheathe it until their enemies were subdued. In Tarot cards, the sword was a symbol of forboding and challenges.
The duality of the sword is universal:
• Destructive for purposes of killing, taking life
• Positive for defending justice, upholding moral codes and laws
Another duality of the sword is fire, heat and the other side of it is cold, hard steel. The represent the masculine through its active force and the sheath represents women, the passive force. Freud saw the sword as phallic and the Mayans saw the sword as a source of life.
Even today, the sword represents so many meanings in cultures and civilizations. The sword as a symbol of truth and honesty cuts to the heart of all realities: no matter what, don’t mess with the sword.