Notes on: The Queen of Swords
(Understanding Sorrow)
Artist’s Notes:
No one knew where she came from. She carried her authority about her like a cloak made out of the very air. In almost every way she ruled. Especially when she started talking. Anyone hearing her would see their pain reflected in her eyes and they would lose their hearts to her. They were the first but hardly the last as she brought village after village under her sway. Its amazing but not surprising what people will do for a little bit of understanding from someone in command. Life was difficult enough but knowing that someone else carried that level of pain made it more bearable somehow.
About the Archetype:
The suit of Swords represents thoughts, ideas, plans, and conflicts. The Queens are the receptive and nurturing form of energy. The Queen of Swords contains both pain and sorrow and the wisdom that results from them. She has faced the conflicts and heartaches that life has had to offer and come through it with understanding. She is cutting and she does not suffer fools gladly. She is also witty, charming, and funny. She gives very good advice borne out of both experience and a keen perception that pierces through the smoke screens that others have thrown up. The Queen of Swords is also very much her own person. She has little fear of standing out in a crowd and anyone who dares criticize will find themselves quickly cut down by the sharpness of her tongue. Despite her somewhat sarcastic wit, there is usually a graciousness about the Queen of Swords as if yes she sees our drawbacks but knows what it is to overcome them as well. Only at her worst does the Queen of Swords lose this forbearance and understanding and descend to bitterness.
Astrological Correspondence:
21° Virgo – 20° Libra
Elemental: Water of Air
Virgo’s practicality and awareness and Libra’s love of beauty combine to give this individual a strong sense of appreciation of the aesthetic. They are able to perceive what is worthwhile in everybody and go out of their way to elicit it. They are very helpful and self-aware to a fault and find themselves wounded often when either their regard is not returned or when their humour and help are unappreciated. These individuals tend to be very charismatic and attractive tho they tend to take on the problems of others way too easily and may take life too seriously a good deal of the time.
In a Reading:
When the Queen of Swords shows up in a reading, it might mean that it is time for us to express what we see in an honest and clear fashion rather than beating around the bush. It may also refer to someone in our environment who is blunt and forthright. She (or he) may seem unfeeling but in reality, she sees that we have been sugarcoating things for way too long. Indeed not only does she feel but she feels deeply and this has given her the insight to see into the heart of the matter. The Queen of Swords knows what it’s like to be hurt and to come through it healed but scarred. What have we learned from our wounds? How have we come through them?
It may also indicate a time when we may need to lead by example of compassion rather than through our knowledge of war or force of will.
The Queen of Swords may also indicate either a need to withdraw emotionally from the situation or someone who is doing so in our environment.
The Queen of Swords reversed can be someone who has been hurt by life and is very very bitter. She (or he) may tear down everything in their environment because they wish the world to feel the pain that they are feeling. Alternatively, they may carry it all inside and poison themselves from the inside (this often expresses as many different degenerative illnesses). This card can also represent someone who is overwhelmed by past sorrow and can not bring themselves to enjoy the present moment.
–GAR
Fate’s Whisper:
We all have that strong figure that helps us reflect when we need it. This could be yourself or a loved one. They show us the importance of bearing the emotional weight of our decisions even if we hate it at times. Look to them at this time as you are at the pinnacle of something new. The insight they hold is key to fully grasping what is to come.
–NF