You begin with the Page of Swords—ink-stained fingers, sword resting on the table, quill hovering over parchment. He is restless, curious, alert to every whisper of thought. His sword is not yet heavy with battle but sharp with questions. He is the seeker who knows that language itself is a weapon, a spell, and a mirror. The Page is not alone—Bonnie, the cockatoo, perches close by. Sharp-eyed and sharp-tongued, she squawks, laughs, and whispers truths he might otherwise miss.
Together, they step through the ten minors of the suit of Swords.
The idea is to lay out the Page with the minors and maybe listen for Bonnie’s commentary. Imagine what she might say to you about where you are in the journey. Sometimes the cockatoo brings laughter, sometimes a warning, sometimes a simple reminder to fly free. Whatever! The aim is to tell a story!
Idea Generator to help Write Your Adventure with the Page
Ace of Swords — The Spark of Clarity
The gift arrives like lightning. The Page holds the sword aloft, dazzled by its sharpness. Bonnie flaps her wings and cries, “Strike true, boy, but remember—a spark can light or burn!”
Lesson: Inspiration is thrilling, but the apprentice must learn discipline.
Two of Swords — The Quiet Dilemma
Blindfolded, the Page hesitates, sword across his lap. Bonnie balances on his shoulder and teases, “Can’t see? Then listen! Not all truths are found with the eyes.”
Lesson: Choices demand both intuition and reason. Silence has its place.
Three of Swords — The Lesson of Wounding
The heart is pierced; pain is unavoidable. The Page learns that words cut deep. Bonnie ruffles her feathers and murmurs, “Careful where you aim that beak of yours. I know—I’ve nipped a few too hard.”
Lesson: Speech requires compassion as well as clarity.
Four of Swords — The Resting Mind
The apprentice rests in stillness. Bonnie perches at the window, quietly preening. “Even chatterbirds need silence,” she remarks. “Rest is where wisdom sharpens.”
Lesson: The pause between words is as important as the words themselves
Five of Swords — The Shadow of Cleverness
The Page tastes victory soured by pride. He has won, but at what cost? Bonnie scolds, “Squawk! Winning isn’t everything. I’d rather lose a cracker than lose a friend.”
Lesson: Words used to dominate are hollow weapons.
Six of Swords — The Bridge of Words
The apprentice discovers that language can carry others across troubled waters. Bonnie flies ahead, calling back, “This way, this way! Words can be wings, not just blades.”
Lesson: Language can be a vessel of comfort, transition, and healing.
Seven of Swords — The Trickster’s Lesson
The Page experiments with cunning and subtlety. Bonnie tilts her head and cackles, “I know a trick or two—stole the biscuit right off the plate! But remember, every thief is caught by their own feathers.”
Lesson: Deception has consequences. Use subtlety with care.
Eight of Swords — The Bind of Thought
Trapped in his own overthinking, the apprentice feels bound. Bonnie flutters and screeches, “The cage is in your mind! Stretch your wings—no bars can hold you if you choose to fly.”
Lesson: The mind can imprison or liberate. Perspective is the key.
Nine of Swords — The Dark Night of the Word
Sleepless, haunted by regrets, the Page wrestles with inner fears. Bonnie keeps vigil, whispering, “Don’t let the shadows steal your dawn. Speak your truth, even if your voice shakes.”
Lesson: Courage means facing fear and choosing integrity over silence.
Ten of Swords — The Surrender of Ego
Pierced by the weight of his own thoughts, the apprentice falls into surrender. Bonnie lands beside him softly, “Endings are beginnings, silly boy. When one branch breaks, we fly to another.”
Lesson: True mastery comes through humility, release, and renewal.
The Tarot Midwife 