This is the 111 of Swords, based off the prompt “Nest” of Inktober. Inspired by the tarot cards: 8 of Swords and 10 of Swords.

Classically, the 8 of Swords is a woman who is bound and blindfolded, surrounded by 8 swords. She believes she is trapped, because she can’t see. However, if she simply took a step, she would realize that the ropes that bound her would fall off easily, and that there is a huge opening between the swords.

The 10 of Swords, is the final card in the suit. It is a person being stabbed in the back by 10 swords, lying face down on the ground, appearing to be dead.

The suit of Swords represent the mind. The thinking mind traps us, and ultimately is the cause of our suffering. The quote by Ram Dass, “If you think you’re free, there’s no escape possible.” is sort of like a joke. The reason you can’t free yourself is because you are thinking.

This subject of the painting is trapped in her own mind, but just below, the water (generally representing consciousness in tarot) is right underneath her. She looks at the viewer in a calm state, as though she is in the process of awakening out of her mind, therefore right on the edge of being free.