In philosophy, there is a concept called Buridan’s donkey. This hypothetical donkey finds itself standing midway between a bale of hay and a bucket of water. The donkey is hungry and thirsty but can’t decide whether to choose between the hay or the water, so it just stands there and eventually dies of both hunger and thirst.
It’s an absurd idea, but it illustrates precisely the nature of the Two of Swords card. The woman sits with her two swords pointing in different directions; should she choose the option on the left or the one on the right? Even her feet point to the sides of the card. Both options are of equal merit, so she stays motionless on that uncomfortable seat with her thoughts shifting continuously from one possibility to the other.
The name Buridan’s Donkey is a reference to the 14th-Century French philosopher Jean Buridan, who wrote, “Should two courses be judged equal, then the will cannot break the deadlock, all it can do is to suspend judgement until the circumstances change, and the right course of action is clear.” In the Two of Swords card, the woman’s mind is locked in indecision, and she waits for change to come to her rather than changing anything about her life.
What is the message of this card? It usually relates to a person who cannot make up their mind. They are unwilling to take a chance on a particular way of thinking. They are the proverbial ‘fence-sitters’ who listen to both sides of a debate and then agree with both! It’s certainly not a card that can be interpreted as an action card; it’s saying this person cannot make up their mind at this point.
What is the guidance offered by this card? Does it suggest staying where you are and waiting until circumstances change so you better understand which direction is best? Or is it a warning that if you sit and wait for the universe to fix your problems, you will become like the donkey and die of thirst and hunger? If this card turns up when you have asked for an action card to tell you what to do in a situation, it relates to the former. But if you asked your cards for information about why a person is ignoring your request for a meeting/date/whatever, then it means they are undecided at this stage, and perhaps they’re waiting to see if a better offer comes along.
The Two of Swords card represents an individual whose thoughts are fused. It’s time to clear the mind and consider the options with a fresh approach. Perhaps there’s a middle path between either of those two choices!
