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Embracing Authenticity with the Queen of Swords

The Queen of Sqords court card is direct, astute, and visionary. They cut through the noise straight to the quick, unafraid to share their truth. When it shows up for us, it is a call to express ourselves even if our voice shakes, confident in the wisdom that the truth is always best said.

Read on for a full Tarot card description including its Astrological and Numerological correspondences as well as what it means if it shows up for you as a reversal and in a general, career, or love Tarot reading:

Queen of Swords Tarot Significations

The Queen of Swords Minor Arcana card is firm in their stance, with clarity of insight and depth of conviction. They know their values and have a strong moral compass, this is the sharp knife of reason amongst the clouds of confusion.

The Queen of Swords tells you exactly what you need to hear when you need to hear it.

In the Smith Rider Waite Tarot deck, their sword is pointing directly upward, impartial (unlike the King’s whose is slightly skewed left, to the past). They are seated facing right, towards the future. One lone bird flies directly above their head, they have no equivocacies, rising above the clouds.

It is often said that this is the widow’s card because the red string tied around their wrist was a symbol of such in antiquity but I have not been able to find actual historical evidence of this and wonder, instead, if this is a classic case of hardening of a woman who is simply outspoken. Why should a woman who speaks her mind openly and unabashedly be assumed to be unmarried or widowed? We do not make assumptions about the marital status of other cards (except for the Nine of Pentacles which is often noted to be alone, which, again, she is not the only one to be so in the Tarot— so why make a point of her)? After all, do the King and Queen typically not go together in a court?

The Pamela Colman Smith Queen of Swords is also dressed in neutral grey (whereas the King is dressed in true blue), impartial judgement. I find it interesting that their cloak is covered in clouds, however, perhaps a nod to the potential for confusion. They also wear a crown of butterflies, lightness of mind.

In the Thoth deck, they stand on top of a throne of clouds holding a bearded severed head. Off with his head indeed (although that is from the Queen of Hearts, which would correlate to the Queen of Cups)!

Queen of Swords Upright Key Meanings

True, honest, insightful, perspicacious, astute, shrewd, clarity of mind, strength of conviction.

Generally, an upright Queen of Swords is confident in their truth and unafraid to say what needs to be said. They are visionary, wise, and logical, able to clear the fog of the mind and get straight to the heart of a matter.

Astrology of the Queen of Swords

Astrologically, the Queens are said to correspond with the Cardinal Signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) in some traditions. This makes them the leaders, the initiators, the matriarchs.

As the Swords correlate to the Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius), this adds an element of lightness, connectedness, socialness, and ability to bridge gaps.

This makes the Queen of Swords, Cardinal Air, Libra. Libra is the relational Sign of the Zodiac, ruled by Venus, it deeply understands the importance of relationships. Often associated with the Justice card, this equanimity and capacity for seeking balance is fitting. It can also add a softness to the Queen, we can be both candid and kind!

The Queens are also said to correspond to the element of Water, thus this Queen is Water of Air, like the breeze of a waterfall, or the salty zest of sea brine. Light, bright, and expansive.

Numerology of the Queen of Swords

Numerologically, the Queen can correspond to the number 13, which would connect it with the Major Arcana Death Card (and Emperor in turn), however the courts are not usually associated with numbers.

As a thought experiment, however, I like to think of the Queen of Swords as associated with Death and The Emperor as it is reminiscent of the concept that the truth will set us free, and also it is a very brave thing to do so!

How to Read Court Cards

Generally, the courts are said to either represent a person, situation, or facet of self. This can be someone who is influencing the question at hand, the general energy of the current circumstances, or an inner archetype you are invited to call upon (or be mindful of).

As a person, the Queen of Swords could be wise, insightful, and who knows exactly what to say when to say it. The person you turn to when you are in need of no-bullsh*t advice and counsel.

As a situation, the Queen of Swords can represent a moment when clarity and truth is needed, no matter how much we may prefer not to.

As a facet of self, I see this as an invitation to call upon our own inner voice and express our truth, to not get distracted by noise, and say what needs to be said.

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Reversed Queen of Swords

If you choose to read reversals, a Queen of Swords reversed can suggest an avoidance of the truth or speaking up, or perhaps of doing so too harshly or being overly critical!

Queen of Swords in a Relationship Reading

In your love life, the Queen of Swords can represent the need to be honest, to not hold back or sugarcoat things.

Queen of Swords in a Career Reading

In a career Tarot reading, the Queen of Swords can be a message to speak up, get your voice out there on the world stage! Don’t be afraid to voice your opinions, stand tall.

So those are some Queen of Swords Tarot card meanings, I hope they’re insightful for you! Let me know in the comments section below if you have anything else to add or any questions.

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