Queen of Swords
Element - Air - rational/thoughts/non-emotionalPeople - Janet Reno, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford as Mommy Dearest, Loretta Switt as Hotlips, Ayn Rand, Oprah, Joan of Arc, Mother Nature in "You can't fool Mother Nature", Margaret Thatcher
Music - Ride of the Valkyries
The Spring setting on the Queen of Swords, as opposed to Winter settings on most other Swords cards, has an 'emergence' and 'growth' quality to it. Swords set in Winter can have a very cold and stark look to them but the Spring colours soften up the harder aspect of this card. This is a 'lady' not the hard, cold, woman that other decks often depict.
The lady is holding the sword comfortably but not brandishing it - in fact there is a feeling of definite femininity with this card. She is wearing pink (or is she surrounded by fluffy pink clouds) and is adorned with pearls (for wisdom). She looks very much in control, her hair is beautifully set and her make-up is obvious but subtle.
The climbing plants are beginning to open their buds giving a hint of new growth as does the butterfly on her hair - showing her willingness for transformation.
This lady is very much a rational thinker who uses her intelligence more than her emotions. She sits high on her throne with a stern look on her face indicating that no-one could fool me. Although she has her left had extended as a sign of having something to give or to offer. In her right hand she holds a sword pointed to the sky. On this day appears lots of clouds at a distance indicating that a storm may brew as the trees are flowing from the West to the East. Most storms come from the West. However there is a bird flying alone as if it lost the flock or family. It is flying into the storm. Perhaps telling us not to go with the flow and instead pursue our endeavors. Go head on. There are butterflies on her crown as well as Three hiding under her thrown. She sits offering something protected by her sword. On her thrown is an angel child and perhaps this child is always on her mind.
The Queen of Swords represents the sternness of a mature intellectuality which is devoid of emotion. Mythologically, the feminine is associated with emotion, yet in this card the woman is stern and composed, obviously without much feeling. This card represents the intellect's ability to judge and discern impartially, without the influence of subjectivity or sentimentality. This card follows upon the rashness of the Knight of Swords, who lets his intellectual energy lead him into precarious situations.Intelligent, perceptive, penetrating mind, decisive, mature, competitive, independent, moral, sees a situation as black and white, virtuous, resourceful, respected, gets to the heart of a mater, candid, virgin, powerful and skillful communication, diplomacy and political astuteness, insightful, keen observer, knows how to confront, negotiate, and solve problems, organized thought, aloof, protective, dignified, wise, cold and calculating, unruffled, clear headed, detached, stern, scientific, uncompromising, disciplinarian, reserved, political consciousness, introspective, sound judgement, fair, articulate, accurately intense, exacting, hates to be told what to do, likes everything on the table before deciding, strong willed, ambitious, do the right thing.
Pride in one's creative efforts, vigilance, dedicated to truth, calmness, determined, power of positive thought, bard and poet, quick-witted, confident, not happy in crowds, truth seeker, skillful analysis, gifted teacher, clear communication, straightforward, can laugh at him/herself, idealist, progressive, sees beyond the obvious, professional, humanitarian, secular humanist, hard to bluff, likes directness, stands up for what she believes in, a widow, can make it on her own, distant, advisor, no nonsense approach, well developed sense of humor, realistic.
The past is gone and the future looks uncertain, but you don't want to be faithless or fearful. You want to be at peace with yourself or your predicament and for your incentive to be restored. Emptiness is a necessary vacuum. A cup that is already full has no room for more.
You need to be independent. Empathy may distract you. Think with your head, not with your heart. Devote your full attention and concentration to your situation or the volume of information will overwhelm you. Tell it like it is.
The personality of the Queen of Swords combines the positive air energy of the Swords suit with the inward focus of a Queen. You can always count on the Queen of Swords to tell you exactly how it is. Above all else she admires honesty, and she lives by her commitment to being truthful. Lies, tricks and games are of no interest to her, but she's not easy to fool. She is experienced in the ways of the world, good and bad. The Queen of Swords can size up a situation quickly. She understands human folly, but doesn't condemn it. She knows when cow manure is being thrown around and simply finds clever ways around it. She prefers being straightforward and direct. Her observations are candid, but never hurtful. In fact, this Queen has a delightful sense of humor. She likes a good laugh and always has a witty comeback ready-to-hand. She knows that life isn't meant to be taken too seriously. The Queen of Swords is refreshing in her candor and lack of pretense.
With all Queens, the emphasis is on your inner state. The Queen of Swords is not a real, many-sided person, but she does express an ideal of a certain type.
In readings, she asks you to think and feel as she does. For example: Are you being completely honest? Do you see the humor in the situation? Are you getting right to the point? Have you figured out what's really going on? Are you letting yourself be fooled? This Queen can also represent a man or woman who is like her, or an atmosphere of honest, direct communication. In a reading, she tells you that her special energy has meaning for you at this time. Let yourself be inspired by this Queen in whatever form she appears in your life.
Physical Description - Red head or dark brown hair, gray/hazel or blue eyes. Graceful. Powerful intelligent woman. In a position of authority, she has the influence over the querent's ability to make decisions. She is probably separated, divorced or widowed.
Personality Traits - She has a fondness for music and dancing. She is able to speak on other people's behalf, but can also cause mental manipulations. Independent, rational, cool in a crises. Very alert to undercurrents, and should not be underestimated.
Weak, dull witted, doesn't get it, dishonest, speaks poorly, bitter, malicious, unscrupulous, intolerant, unreliable, devious, gossip, narrow-minded, short sighted, unreasoning, can't face the truth, no respect for rules, ruthless, without pity, frigid, sarcastic, bitchy, bigoted, petty.