Ace of Swords
The Root of the Powers of the Air
A White Radiating Angelic Hand, issuing from clouds,
and grasping the hilt of a sword, which supports a White
Radiant Celestial Crown; from which depend, on the right,
the olive branch of Peace; and on the left, the palm branch of
suffering.
Six Vaus fall from its point. It symbolizes Invoked, as
contrasted with Natural Force: for it is the Invocation of the
Sword. Raised upward, it invokes the Divine crown of
Spiritual Brightness, but reversed it is the Invocation of
Demonic Force; and becomes a fearfully evil symbol. It
represents, therefore, very great power for good or evil, but
invoked; and it also represents whirling Force, and strength
through trouble. It is the affirmation of Justice upholding
Divine Authority; and it may become the Sword of Wrath,
Punishment, and Affliction.