I'm looking at both these cards and once I get passed the cuteness (and they are really cute) I try to see the message they have for me.  The kitty on the Tarot of the Magical Forest is posed in the traditional way - blindfolded, seated before a large body of water and holding the swords crossed before her.  There is so much she is unable to see and understand - the crescent moon hanging in the night sky, the clouds which seem to be forming a pattern over her head and landscape behind her.  However she seems serene and calm sitting there.  She reminds me of the scene in Star Wars where Luke learns about the Force by wearing a blindfold and learning how to use a light saber.  I get the sense that although she is unaware of some things, she is more open and sensitive to others.  Maybe she can sense what is around her and knows when it is time to move those swords.  She doesn't need to take off her blindfold because she is in no way handicapped by it.

On the Vanessa Tarot the sword lady looks like she's preparing to walk across a tightrope.  Her swords are helping her keep her balance.  But she is confident and assured as she ventures forth.  As I was looking at this card I had an "a-ha" moment.  I now see a new meaning for this card - balancing my need to be truthful and honest with the need for diplomacy and tact.  I have  a tendency to give truth and honesty (or at least my versions of truth and honesty) preference in all situations.  But I may need to focus on the fact that sometimes diplomacy and tact may be the more useful path.  After all, most people do not realize their own bullshit and when called on it the become defensive.  Then the swords become weapons of mass destruction as I slash them to ribbons for their foolish delusions.  But if I am more delicate in my approach and use my wits and occasionally gifted tongue to be shall we say a bit more subtly instructional, I might achieve better results.  As the saying goes, you get more flies with honey than with vinegar.  But vinegar has its place too.  The trick is to know when to use them.