Learning the Tarot: Four of Swords

Moon Phase

Waxing Gibbous.
80% Illumination.

Swords

Element: Air (Hey! That's my element!)
Associations: Knowledge. Action (Constructive or Destructive). Change. Force. Power. Oppression. Ambition. Courage. Conflict. (Biddy Tarot)

Non-Court Card

Intuitive Reading, Four of Swords

Description: A stone coffin what's lid bears the effigy of the dead. The clothing worn by the figure suggest the person was a knight or noble or important figure in life. The lid appears slightly open. On the side of the coffin, beneath the lid, is a sword. It lays at rest, perhaps it belonged to the dead. Over the coffin are three swords (either depicted on a tapestry or mounted) on the wall. A stained glass window is to the left of the wall mounted swords. The scene depicts a noble figure kneeling before a member of the clergy, perhaps a priest, receiving a blessing or communion.

Intuitive Reading: The figure's death is honored by the powers that remain. Their time has come to an end, but their life, choices, and actions were important to the foundation that continues on.

Was the Intuitive Reading Aligned with the Traditional

According to the Tarot Guidebook, Based on the tarot interpretations of Arthur Edward Waite, Modified, expanded, and edited by Phillip Young, PhD:

Meaning: "You need a mental break; you need to disengage to save your sanity."

Symbolism: "A warrior rests in a holy temple; there are three swords on the wall above him and one sword by his side. He takes advantage of a period of peace."

Reflection

Nope!

Well, I did not get this one. The warrior on the card is yellow, matching the bench or cot he lies on. The placement of the sword and the darkness under the cot makes the image look like a stone coffin.

Understanding that it is an actual knight lying on a cot in a temple, with their sword at their side, clears up Young's interpretation. Certain elements of my interpretation seem to stand, however. For example, Young points out that the figure is a warrior. This suggests that the individual plays a critical role in their situation--their work is important to their situation. However, they may be pushing themselves too hard, or beyond their limits. They need to rest ("sleep is the cousin of death"). There are others fighting alongside them. It is okay to rest and return recharged, ready to fight once more. The fight will continue and the fight will be waiting for their return; everything will be okay without them. Take that needed rest. You're no good to anybody worn down and burnt out.

Thoughts?