The number 10 indicates that something is over but not finished and about to begin again - completion and perfection. The suit of Swords is associated with reason, thought, logic, will, courage, verbal skill, matters pertaining to the mind, communication and the element of air.  The 10 of Swords can be something of a harsh card, an experience which may help us move forward but leaves scars. 

"Reversed:  You have reached a point where you feel comfortable with your beliefs, attitudes and values.  This may lead to a lack of growth to stick with the belief system that you've already established and re-commit to it on a deeper level.  You could also choose to start over with a whole new set of  values.  For the moment, you may not clearly know what your choice will be so you're hesitating while you make up your mind." - Gail Fairfield.

"Ill-Dignified: Senseless destruction with no recourse. Endings delayed, or endings with dire results. Divorce; separation, permanent ending, finalities. The last word. Exiting forever, leaving something behind permanently (this can be good). Looking forward to a new start, but still seeking exactly what that will be. Unsure of the next move; must look backwards and learn from the past before moving forward." - Whispering Tarot companion book

"The wounds that do not heal are often the ones that don't leave marks.  A scraped wall can be rebuilt stronger.  A broken heart does not return to what it once was." - Spirit World LWB

I love the concept represented by the meaning given in the Spirit World LWB.  I also find it interesting that it is associated with the 10 of Swords rather than one of the cups cards.  It does remind me of how I felt after being let go from PAL.  It was devastating and I felt as though I been betrayed and stabbed in the back.  That was then.  Now I feel as though I had to be forced to leave a situation that I knew in my heart was unhealthy.  I wasn't growing there anymore and if anything I was becoming disgruntled and discontent - two things I prefer not to be.

Recently I've have begun to really think about my connection to the Morrigan.  I have long considered her to be a patroness of mine.  She appeals to me on so many levels.  Thinking about this relationship I realized that she is not a soft and cuddly kind of deity.  She is not the kind of mentor that welcomes you in and tells you to sit down with a cup of tea and tell her about it.  She is the type that kicks you in the ass and says "Where is your backbone?!  You've survived worse than this!"  She's a drill sergeant; the fire that forges a well-crafted sword.  She is not there for comfort.  She is there to force us through the crucible and welcome us on the other side with a smirk that says "I told you you could do this."  And that is what appeals to me. 

If I am coddled, I become passive and decide to remain in victim mode.  If I'm pushed, shoved and pricked then I get angry and decide to prove everyone wrong.  The Morrigan has often forced me through these kind of situations.  I may not enjoy them while I'm experiencing them but once through them I am glad for the lessons learned.

In that respect both definitions given by the decks companion books don't ring true for me right now.  Initially the did because the experience I am associating with this card did feel like a wound that would never heal; senseless destruction.  Luckily time and distance has allowed me to realize just how beneficial this harsh experience was for me.  I think Capt. Kirk said it best in Star Trek V:  The Undiscovered Country - I don't want my pain taken away! I need my pain!"  This card reminds me that I need my pain.