Egipcios Kier - 53 Hostility

Card 53 of the Egipcios Kier tarot depicts a shocking scene of combat and impending bloodshed. These warriors do not look Egyptian. Are they both enemies of Egypt, now locked in battle against each other?

The upper panel of the cartouche contains three symbols: the Hebrew letter Mem (מ), a letter from the angelic alphabet resembling the letter H, composed of three lines and four circles, and the hieroglyph of an owl. The owl was often seen as a symbol of evil and sickness in ancient Egypt, specifically representing "decapitation." Decapitated owls found at archaeological sites suggest that decapitating owls was a form of sympathetic magic to ward off illness. The hieroglyph may be a literal representation of the image of a sword at a person's throat.

The lower panel displays an arm holding a hook, which Stuart Kaplan states was the hieroglyph meaning "to show strength." This symbol may refer to the display of strength shown in the central panel of the cartoched.

The central image portrays two warriors with exotic headdresses that do not appear Egyptian. One warrior, kneeling, is about to be beheaded by the other. Both warriors hold shields and wear kilts. The standing figure, armed only with a sword and wearing a horned skull cap and sandals appears the likely victor. The left arm of the standing warrior is significantly longer than his right, perhaps symbolizing an unanticipated advantage. The kneeling warrior, barefoot, holds a spear in his right hand and wears a sheathed sword on his chest. His feathered headdress, held by the victor's elongated left arm, suggests his imminent defeat. The image evokes a moment of potential reversal, during which the kneeling warrior may turn the tables on his opponent.

Kaplan notes that much of the Egyptian army consisted of mercenaries from other countries. He identifies the victor as a Sherden and the defeated warrior as a Peleset. The Sherden were enemies of Egypt in the 13th century BCE, attempting to invade from the north. The Peleset or Philistines, allies of Egypt, settled eastern coastal towns in the 12th century BCE under Egyptian auspices, founding the five cities of the Plishtim, mentioned in the Bible. This historical context underscores themes of conflict and conquest within the card.

The title field of the card contains the astrological symbol for Saturn, the Latin letter X, and the Arabic numeral 8. Saturn symbolizes responsibility and restriction. The X shape resembles a shield or a target. The number 8 signifies victory and overcoming obstacles, with the eighth sefirah on the Tree of Life, Glory, linked to self-control and prayer.

Kaplan suggests the upright card may indicate bravery, skill, youthful strength, heroism, opposition, and mastery in warfare. Reversed, it can denote incapacity, imprudence, disputes over women, impulsive mistakes, conceit, simplicity, and disunion.

Nelise Carbonare Vieira identifies this card as the Knight of Swords, summarizing its meaning with phrases like stimulus, strength, challenges, bold projects, courageous attitude, and persuasive action.

Pamela Colman Smith's depiction of the Knight of Swords shows an armored knight (intellect) on a fearful horse (feelings), charging against a storm with his sword held high. This knight is an idealist, eager to fulfill his mission and save others, a dependable figure.

The Knight of Swords is the conventional view of a knight, focused and idealistic, flinging himself into battle in loyal service. Reversed, it suggests impulsiveness and reckless behavior, good intentions resulting in chaos and destruction, and rushing in where angels fear to tread, reminding us that haste makes waste. It might also represent someone who likes to fight, who creates chaos and turns lives upside down.

In conclusion, card 53, Hostility, suggests the need to accept responsibility and confront challenges with determination and strength, or it may serve as a warning against dangerous adversaries and impulsive actions. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of fighting for one's ideals, even in the face of potential loss.