Keywords & phrases

• Intelligent, logical, decisive
• Honest & direct
• Straight talking
• Articulate
• Fair minded
• Strong willed
• Fiercely independent
• Judgemental, critical
• Cynical

First impressions

That’s one straight-talking, no nonsense Queen right there. Her resemblance here to Lady Justice is unmistakable. 

What is happening in the card?

The Queen of Swords sits in profile (facing east or to the seeker’s right) on her throne which is decorated with butterflies and cherubs. A single bird hovers above the white cumulus clouds gathered in a blue sky. Tall trees and a waterfall can be seen in the distance.

She holds her sword, emblem of her suit, absolutely straight upright in her right hand. The other hand is raised, perhaps in a gesture of welcome (or judgement) to someone outside the border of the card. Her expression is serious.

She wears a white robe and sky blue cloak embroidered with clouds. On her head sits a golden crown of butterflies under which we can see a red headdress.

How can we relate to this card?

Water of Air, the Queen of the Element of Air can come across as a little cold and detached, icy even, at first meeting.

She can represent a person (female or male) in your life, or an aspect of your personality, that is analytical, logical, straight talking and fair-minded.

The Queen of Swords is your loyal mother, sister or friend who speaks up and speaks the truth when others might hold back or be less than transparent. Sometimes her directness can come off as judgment. She is the person you might go to if you wanted to gain advice and clarity about a situation.

Associated with the cardinal Air sign of Libra, The Queen of Swords is concerned with matters of fairness and justice. She is firm but fair and she holds others up to her own high standards of behaviour, demanding authenticity, transparency and highly principled behaviour from those around her. At times the weight of that expectation can feel like a lot.

The Queen of Swords is sharp-witted, perceptive, and not easily swayed by sentimentality or external pressures. She thinks for herself, speaks her mind, and values truth over pleasantries.

Highly intelligent, articulate and principled, she could be a consultant, a lawyer or a journalist.

Other associations

Tree of life:
*Queens may be associated with the 3rd Sephira of Binah – Understanding, Supernal Mother, Womb, Primal Feminine energy and the Olam of B’riah – world of creation.

Thoth:
Queen of Swords, Venus in Libra

Golden Dawn title:
Queen of the Thrones of Air

Elemental association:
Water of Air

Astrological association:
Air signs: **Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Major Arcana:
Associated with The Empress

*Tree of Life associations for the court cards differ depending on what system you go with.

** Queens may be associated with the cardinal signs of their element.

Message & affirmations

Today, I approach life with an open mind. I stand for truth, respect, equality and justice and I inspire others to do the same.

My personal experiences of this card

The Tarot Queens are brought together under the rule of the most powerful female archetype of them all, The Empress. The ultimate, the original feminist.

This is one Queen who you don’t want to disappoint… she holds herself and others to a high standard. I have a friend who fits the profile of the Queen of Swords. Fair and democratic to a fault, with a finely tuned moral compass and exemplary social conscience. It’s her that I go to when I’m confused about what the right thing to do is. She has been on my mind as I write this page and she has just called me… funny that. Perhaps her ears were burning.

Being Libra myself, I identify strongly with the Queen of Swords, but often feel I fall short. I lack her decisiveness and discipline and I will often take the path of least resistance – more pragmatic than principled. She gives me something to work on.

Events, situations & readings

When I consider the Queen of Swords in situations and relationships, I am reminded here about the Ace of Swords and a quote from Anne Lamott

“You don’t always have to chop with the sword of truth, you can point with it too…Be gentle.”

In a relationship spread:
The Queen of Swords in a love and relationships spread asks that you consider how you are acting and a communicating in your relationship. Can you remember to be kind when delivering the honest truth to those who are closest to you?

In a work/career spread:
The Queen brings a strong ‘boss’ energy but sometimes can come across as a bit judgmental and blunt. Perhaps you have a boss or a colleague like that or this is something that you need to recognise and check in yourself. Sometimes work situations require some diplomacy as well and honesty.

In a personal development spread:
The Queen of Swords invites you to explore your conscience. To act with honesty and integrity.

Reversed:
When the Queen of Swords appears in reversal, she may represent cynicism, harsh judgement, detachment and even cruelty.

People & interaction with other cards

With other Queens and the Empress the Queen of Swords brings a powerful feminine vibe. Perhaps the presence of some of the more nuturing energies – Queen of Cups and Queen of Pentacles – might serve to smooth out some of her sharper edges.

With Justice and the Ace of Swords the Queen of Swords calls on you act with fairness and integrity. She understands the power of thought and of words. 

Questions, prompts & insights

Who are the women in your life that you should honour and respect?

How do you treat and communicate with your sisters, mothers, grandmothers, daughters? Without judgement? With fairness?

Featured decks:
Main image from The Rider Waite Tarot.