Three of Swords - In Weakness, Strength

Usually this card conjures up images and feelings of sorrowful heartbreak, and great loss. The idea of having swords piercing the heart is gruesome, and disturbing to say the lest. However, in spite of, and even because of this heartache and loss, we can now heal and choose to thrive, releasing a strength, wisdom and compassion toward others, who are experiencing similar tribulations, because we have known the dark night of the soul.

 It may feel like all is lost and we are overwhelmed by despair and desolation. This is not true, and much can be gained, if we can see what is to be gleaned from heartache, within the depth of our soul. We can develop a strength of character, finding in our weakness, strength. There is a resolution.
 We must take care of ourselves, and the path is being cleared and illuminated, so we can find our way ahead.

 Words by St. John of the Cross; arranged and adapted by Loreena McKennitt

Music by Loreena McKennitt
Upon a darkened night
the flame of love was burning in my breast
And by a lantern bright
I fled my house while all in quiet rest
Shrouded by the night
And by the secret stair I quickly fled
The veil concealed my eyes
while all within lay quiet as the dead
CHORUS
Oh night thou was my guide
of night more loving than the rising sun
Oh night that joined the lover
to the beloved one
transforming each of them into the other
Upon that misty night
in secrecy, beyond such mortal sight
Without a guide or light
than that which burned so deeply in my heart
That fire t'was led me on
and shone more bright than of the midday sun
To where he waited still
it was a place where no one else could come

CHORUS
Within my pounding heart
which kept itself entirely for him
He fell into his sleep
beneath the cedars all my love I gave
From o'er the fortress walls
the wind would his hair against his brow
And with its smoothest hand
caressed my every sense it would allow
CHORUS
I lost myself to him
and laid my face upon my lover's breast
And care and grief grew dim
as in the morning's mist became the light
There they dimmed amongst the lilies fair
there they dimmed amongst the lilies fair
there they dimmed amongst the lilies fair