TAROTQueen of Swords
Upright
Common sense, logic and wisdom used to guide, inform and direct.
Use of intellect to solve problems.
Having a plan of attack and good communication to manage and solve problems.
An objective rather than subjective mindset. Facts over intuition.
Intuition
The Page and Knight of Swords represent high levels of movement. The Queen is the opposite - she sits in a high position of rule, directing others around her, and the imagery in the card reflects this. She is royalty in the process of ruling!
Reversed
Overbearing, critical and controlling. Lack of emotion.
Unemotional or overly logical. Lacking warmth in dealings with others.
Ruling by position rather than by consensus or ability.
A lack of boundaries and overstepping your limits in communications with others. Possible toxic behavior.
Astrologia
A perfect coupling of intellectual powers and problems solving. Can have problems with perfectionism and judging others (or previous suffering that has created a layer of hard skin) preventing connecting deeply with others.
Queen of Swords
The Queen of Swords is a regal woman but can also appear somewhat stern. She holds a sword in one hand with the other hand raised as if dispensing judgement. Her posture suggests she rules from on high (her throne literally sits in the clouds!) through guiding and ordering others. She is the brains of the operation.
A peacock flies above her. This can be a symbol of transformation, truth, and wealth through wisdom. It can also relate to the sin of pride.
At the tip of her sword (representing sharp intellect) we see a butterfly (symbolic of transformation). The Queen believes growth and change occurs through thoughts and wisdom.
On her throne we see two symbols. One looks similar to the three phases of the moon and relates to the High Priestess yet also had a pentacle in its center, implying Pentacles and the Goddess Gaia. The other is a small cherub. The first suggests true balance may be achieved by using all of practicality, intuition, and rationality. The other suggests that the truly rational mind is childlike in its curiosity and exploration. The cherub also points to a deity that was a protector of children, Hera.
Hera
The side of Hera most known is associated with fertility much like Demeter (The Empress) but in this case it is related to the word hṓra (seasons) and feminine fertility, children, and livestock and the sustenance they create. From this we get Hera the bride and a more personal power. As Zeus’s wife, Hera is depicted as a long suffering woman (on the account of Zeus’s many infidelities) and her judgmental and vindictive nature are well known.
But the name Hera is also seen as the feminine form of the masculine Hero (meaning protector or defender) and these roots point to another very ancient pre-historic deity associated with a much harder and tactical power. Her most well-known cults in the city of Argos and Samos show her as a deity associated with planning via military and economic success. In this form she is associated with the cult of the Hero; Heracles (Hercules) and Jason (the Argonaut) as well as a protector of children and women.
So, there are two sides to Hera. She is the vindictive and overbearing woman, but and a powerful symbol of the ability of the intellect to create huge Empires. The two sides of the Queen of Swords in a nutshell!
Description and Symbology
Unlike both the Page and Knight of Swords, the Queen has no movement. She sits still and lets others do all the movement. She guides and advises others. Reversed, she’s also good at telling and forcing! Her throne literally sits on-high in the clouds (Hera is often seen as a Goddess of the sky) and sees the big picture.
She leads with her sword, representing her sharp intellect. A butterfly near the sword signifies transformation and the way knowledge and wisdom can change your life.
Hera’s demeanor is somewhat haughty. She is a woman of skill and knowledge but sometimes her height means she may be speaking from an ivory tower and forgetting how it is to live down below (as well as missing the emotional part of some problems, which can make the simple much more complex!).
Her throne contains symbology on its side relating to The High Priestess and the suite of Pentacles via a three-moon symbol with a pentacle over the full moon. This symbology also appears in the Rider-Waite-Smith card although its meaning is open to interpretation. In this deck, the symbol is made more specific and represents balance between the intellect (the Queen of Swords), intuition (the High Priestess) and practicality.
On the lower front of the throne we see a cherub, representing the need to think with a clear and almost child-like manner when thinking through a problem. It also represents Hera as a protector of children and the young.
Above her we see a peacock as one of the symbols of the Goddess. It can represent beauty and transformation, or pride.
The Queen
The Queen of wands is a strong, intelligent and independent woman who advises and guides (or in the reversed card, tells and compels whether you like it or not!). She can often be seen as haughty or unfeeling but her advice is correct. Ignore it at your peril.
Symbology on the throne
As noted in the main text, the symbols on the throne relate to (1) balance between intellect, intuition and practicality. Too much in one direction causes lack of balance in your life, and (2) the young as a particular cause for the queen (because her wisdom – intellect – is the thing we teach them first).
The sword and butterfly
The sword represents the intellect, skill and wisdom, and the butterflies symbolize the transformational nature of them. They can transform career and life-path in a way few other abilities can.
The peacock
The peacock is an ancient symbol associated with royalty and power in Western mythology. The many ‘eyes’ of the tail are associated with Argus, a giant with a 100 eyes and related to a myth included Hera. More recently, the peacock is associated with rebirth/transformations, but also pride as a sin.
Tips for Readings
The following table shows the upright and reverse meanings for general questions. The last row ('Yes/No') is useful when you are picking a single card to decide a yes or no decision.
Upright
Reversed
This card denotes a time of honest communication, equality and fairness. Although not as immediate as emotions and other affairs of the heart, these attributes are what makes a relationship last over time.
Now is also the time to make sensible and achievable plans for the future.
For those starting a new relationship, common intellectual goals and similar mindset will do well. Somewhat paradoxically, exact opposites may also do well as long as it causes a joining of different minds intellectually.
Be wary of poor communications and passive aggressive (or even toxic) behavior.
An analytic approach can be useful but it can appear cold and distant or seem like a talking down when others have other plans based on what they want rather than what is logical. Needs are logical, but wants are not!
Be wary of judgmental behavior or failing to read the room.
Clinginess, faking emotion or making decisions for others can also be a problem. Especially if others do not appreciate the intrusions.
For those starting a new relationship, there may be a need to stop molding yourself or the other person towards an intellectual ideal.
There may also be a lack of emotional depth despite good initial communications.
There will be a period of good decisions and problem solving.
Now is the time to make plans for the future as they will be based on pragmatism and reality rather than ‘wants over facts’.
Honesty and fairness in your dealings with others at work will go a long way and communications will be good.
Remember that your long-term career view is about you alone, so don’t be averse to thinking independently when it comes to career movement. Sometimes it is simply time to go it alone or to move, and this card can suggest now is the time to consider your options carefully and unemotionally.
Poor communications or a judgmental and competitive atmosphere within your team may make things difficult.
There may be feelings of not being listened to or business plans and timetables coming before the needs of people behind the positions
It is important to consider soft-powers such as emotions and feelings and what people really want.
You may also be concentrating on career at the expense of your emotional or social life. Although career gives you material security, it is not the only thing you need. Don’t forsake your close relationships and significant others!
Factual information and objective results used to maintain health will work well.
For example, proven exercise regimes and accepted healthy living will work better than today’s trending hot-take (Note – they always do!).
Reading up on what is proven and creating a personal plan based on this will work well.
Don’t forget to also take care of your emotional health, and set yourself achievable goals rather than killing yourself trying to meet any abstract ideal!
You are in danger of being overly critical or having high expectations of yourself (and perhaps even others).
Although this can be good in low doses, you are in danger of being too judgmental on yourself or over-competitive when it comes to things like body shape, reps or miles run
Dial back on perfection and perhaps allow yourself a few emotional rewards.
Remember that some progress is better than no progress when you are feeling like pulling others up on their health regime!
Any journey should be rooted in honesty and the facts rather than flights of fancy.
You are more likely to be interested in intellectual ideas and thoughts, (such as psychology and behavior studies) rather than more esoteric subjects. That does not mean you should discard the esoteric. For example, reading Jung may make you a better Tarot reader (consider this as a tip from someone who has followed that path!).
Your development is being hampered by comparing yourself to others, or judging yourself negatively, or feeling lost for some reason.
It is important to stop looking at the world based on facts and short term results and instead consider your dreams and long term goals. Questions like ‘who do you really want to be?’ are more important than constantly comparing yourself to people you might not even like, never mind would even want to be!
Now is a good time to make financial decisions as your mind will be geared towards numbers and logic. Decisions will be based on facts and reality rather than wishful thinking.
Be mindful that you don’t lose sight of your emotions though. We all want a little bit more than security and common sense in our plans. A little bit of color in there with the numbers makes the days go by better!
Miscommunications or misunderstandings may occur so check the small print or put off major decisions.
There may also be a feeling of being treated unfairly (or by the rules, but forgetting that you are also a person) when it comes to bills or deals.
Although it is easy to shout down a customer helpline, send a passive aggressive email, or put up a bad online review, it may be better to reach out to people with a bit more warmth and honesty.
Yes through intellect as a force of will.
No through a negative or critical mindset or through bad communications.
Reading the Card
Like all court cards, the Queen of Swords can represent people or things other than yourself:
- A practical idea or cause with good logic behind it.
- A period, task or event where it is better to rely on common sense, logic and reasoning abilities rather than emotion or intuition. The facts are in front of you and you just need to work them out, or use them to convince others.
- A period of higher independent thinking or relying on yourself. This may include setting out in business for yourself or a change in career path or lifestyle.
- A need to communicate what you want clearly and with complete confidence. This would occur in a career appraisal for example, where you would otherwise be emotional, but the card advises bringing the facts and having a bullet pointed plan of action by your side!
- A strong and independent woman in your life or someone who is your go-to for clear and sensible advice. This could be someone who is in your immediate family or social circle or could be someone who sits above you in your career.
- When reversed, the card can represent a woman who can be insensitive or overly critical and judgmental. It can also represent micro-managing a situation in tiny logical pieces, but without looking at the larger picture or what people actually want.
When reading the ‘upright card’ and ‘reversal’ sections below, note that although the text refers to you it could actually be any of the above. The question being asked (or your first thoughts when you see the card) will suggest who or what the card refers to.
The upright card
The Queen of Swords represents a sensible and rational approach to life, anchored firmly to reality, honesty and a sharp intellect that cuts through problems and judges things impartially.
The Queen of Swords represents a sensible and rational approach to life, anchored firmly to reality, honesty and a sharp intellect.
When you see this card come up, it represents a time to use your mind and common sense in all things:
- Judge people and situations fairly based on the facts and not your feelings.
- Avoid being swayed by what you want or intuitively feel, and instead see the physical reality of things.
- Pick common sense over wishful thinking.
- Things change. Don’t take the accepted view as the truth. Logic, fair judgement, and common sense can free you from it.
The Queen of Swords suggests a level of independence in all your decisions by creating your own freedom. The card may mean moving forward on your own is a good idea, or underpinning a new direction in your life by making plans for yourself towards self-sufficiency.
Although creativity is not a domain of the Queen of Swords, the subversive streak of the independent rule-breaker (or alternative thinker) who understands the rules - and where they fail - can be creative in its own way through ways of living, thinking and expression.
The card also suggests an increase in communication rather than holding things in. Express yourself clearly and honestly without emotion and do not tie what you say to your emotional state or intuitive notions, but facts and rights. These two things are often your sharpest intellectual swords in any fight!
The reversal
When reversed, the Queen of Swords represents an over-reliance on process and logic and becoming detached from emotions, or insensitive to decisions others want to follow when it disagrees from ‘what you think is best’. It can also point to being critical of others and judgmental of their failings. All these features can be caused by yourself or imposed on you by someone in your life who is acting as the Queen of Swords.
The reversed card could also mean lack of communication or the wrong kind of dialog, leading to arguments and disagreements. This is often caused by a lack of tact of being too pushy and controlling. It could also point to becoming overly involved in other people’s affairs rather than letting them learn by their own mistakes and successes.
Extreme cases of this can occur via power struggles where the card represents someone who believes they have the right to dictate to others. The upright Queen rules through wisdom, but the (extreme) reverse can attempt to rule simply because she thinks she knows better!
The Queen of Swords can represent clinginess and lack of independence through bringing someone closer by trying to insert yourself as the control in their lives. This rarely goes well especially if the other person does not want it (or the decisions go badly because it was really just all about you!).
Card Design Process
The Goddess Hera fits perfectly with the negative aspects of the Queen of Swords, and the most time was spent researching the cults of Hera and earlier beliefs (Mycenaean and pre-Mycenaean) to find her positive aspects.
This is quite often the case; modern retellings of mythology are often simplified and tell us a one-sided view of characters.
Final Words
The Queen of Swords embodies discernment, wisdom and making fact based decisions that are unclouded by emotion. The card symbolizes objective thinking and clear, assertive communication, although the card also warns against using this without also considering intuition and practicality.
Finally, the card can also point to independence and self-reliance.
