Swords are associated with reason, thought, logic, will, courage, verbal skill, matters pertaining to the mind and survival in the world and the element of air. Knights represent pure energy, focused and active, protection, strength, ambition and questing. This is the warrior knight, the Templar knight, who fought for ideals and beliefs. He is a fierce fighter but is cautious to plan well before he enters battle. He prefers strategy over bloodshed. He represents courage and youthful energy.  I see this card as representing you - youthful, energetic, full of confidence but also intelligent and able to communicate well - someone who can slay dragons if necessary. 

Gail Fairfield:  Being deeply committed to acting out your philosophical ideals in your daily lifestyle; getting so caught up in your daily routine that everything else recedes in importance; being completely focused on your intellect and using mind and ideas; having a strong desire to express what you think and being intent on communicating those ideas to others.

Janina Renee:  You need to be your own advocate.  You are urged to take a stand on an idea or cause that's important to you, or on an issue or situation that has major impact on your life.  This card advises you to take timely action to intervene in a crisis.  This is not a time for doubt or hesitation.  Don't wait around in hope that someone else will do the job.  This card may also signify a need to confront someone regarding the matter in question.  You should arm yourself by being well prepared, so have all of your facts straight.  This confrontation may also require having all of your paperwork in order. 

I often consider the Prince of Swords to be a thoughtful, although especially efficient, warrior.  He is a master of strategy, planning and intrigue.  He considers every move carefully but is more than willing to jump into the fray if the need arises.  I associate Knights with the element of fire.  The Knight of Swords is fire of air.  Air and fire are compatible elements.  Air can enrich and feed fire just as intellect can enhance creativity.  The Prince of Swords can be creative in his approach to problems.  He reminds me a lot of Spock in the new Star Trek movie - a core of fire, passion and energy surrounded by walls of intellect, exquisite communication skills and self-control.  It takes a lot to drill past that wall of ice and release the fire but its influence is felt nonetheless. 

Maybe the message from the Universe is that it's time to reign in some my headstrong approach to current situations and take a more considered and thoughtful approach.  It's time for planning before acting and strategizing in order to achieve goals.  Otherwise I run the risk of over-reacting to situations and diluting my effectiveness.  As Fairfield points out the Prince/Knight of Swords can represent getting so caught up in your daily routine that everything else recedes in importance.  That accurately describes the way I've been living lately,  I'm just sort of strolling through life letting things happen rather than being focused. 

I need to create an action plan for moving forward.  Now is my opportunity to come up with some strategies for myself and to be "pro-active" rather than reactive (although I hate that term).  Planning and taking some preventative and strategic measures will help prevent some of the frustration and burn-out I'm feeling.  I also think it will be helpful for me to remember that none of this is personal; it's bureaucracy.  There are reasons some of these measures have been implemented and, although I might not understand them, I can't change them. 

Another factor I haven't fully considered is that before I can communicate who I am and what I believe to anyone else, I need to be clear in my own mind about who I am, what I want to achieve and how I can get there.  Once I reach that point I think I'll find it easier to deal with the occasional curve balls life throws our way.