A scarecrow is more than just something one sets up in a field to scare the crows away, it is also a Jungian archetype and spiritual symbol. A scarecrow is a dimension of the Jungian archetype most commonly referred to as the shadow.
If you want to read more about Scarecrows check out ‘The Great Scarecrow in Days Long Ago’ by Juliette Wood.
The King of Swords tarot card traditionally shows a king who sits on his throne while holding a double-edged sword that points upwards in his right hand. He is depicted as radiating intellectual power, clear thinking, truth, and authority and is said to understand that power holds great responsibility. So it really does come as a surprise to find the King of Swords in the Tarot of the Sweet Twilight depicted as a scarecrow.
In Norse mythology, Odin hung upside down from the world-tree Yggdrasil in order to attain enlightenment. He had to suffer greatly for his wisdom. After nine days Odin achieved his goal and discovered the Runes, died and was reborn, freed from the tree but at the cost of one of his eyes.
To complete the circle, Odin was linked to his two ravens, Huginn (thought) and Muninn (memory), which travel the world giving Odin information. Here ravens represent the power of the mind as they perch on Odin’s shoulder whispering in his ears.
Traditionally crows perch on the scarecrows, granting them the advantage of sight over the fields. However while there are no ravens depicted here, there is no doubt that the King is surrounded by a lot of energy and positioned as he is, has clear sight, maintaining a unimpeded view of the vast twilight land.
Moreover, while he may have been sacrificed for some reason, been immobilised on a stake, he is clearly not to be trifled with. He may not have functioning legs but, unlike the straw scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz, he is not without a brain or devoid of the power of thought. This King is, quite clearly using his mind to generate a lot of turbulence. Like a Magician in a side show he is using his powers to manipulate all those items that are flying around him.
There is a clock to remind us that time is both rigid and free flowing and that it is actually us who chop it up into little pieces, insisting that we get to work by eight, have dinner at seven and never miss your appointment! This King is reminding us that sometimes we need time to just be, to listen to the music and feel the wind if we are ever going to think original thoughts.
Also, note also that one of the King’s hands is clenched tight, trying to control things and the other is open and accepting or creating.
To Ponder Upon
Nothing more grandeur and resourceful than perched on a pole. That minimalist approach now allows him to shed his talents so he can rule in his own right without the tricks of the trade which originally got him to the pinnacle of achievement. @andy.k.white
I think the sharp mind of this King cleaves through any deceit, like this scarecrow @olnpia_qos
- The King of Swords secures a vantage point where he can view the whole landscape. He knows he cannot respond to everything he sees, hears or encounters so he sheds things. It is enough for him to bear witness, to listen to the truths of others. How can you attain a strong vantage point and see the bigger picture?
- Each of us is this King surveying the vast expanse of our lives. What do you need to release?
The Tarot Midwife 