Queen of Swords
Minor Arcana · Suit of Swords
- clear boundaries
- honesty
- independent thinking
- perception
- coldness
- bitterness
- harshness
- emotional distance
In the picture
A queen sits in profile on a high throne among the clouds, holding an upright sword and raising her other hand. A single bird flies above her.
Upright meaning
The Queen of Swords sees clearly and speaks honestly. She has learned from experience and judges fairly, without sentimentality. The card favours clear thinking, independence and direct communication.
Reversed meaning
Reversed, honesty turns harsh or cold. Bitterness, a sharp tongue or keeping people at arm's length may be the issue. Let some warmth back in.
About the suit of Swords
Swords are the suit of air: thoughts, words, decisions and conflict. Swords cards can be sharp, because they deal with truth, worry and the hard choices made in the head. The four court cards of each suit (Page, Knight, Queen and King) can stand for people in your life, or for ways of handling a situation: the curious beginner, the person of action, the one who understands it from the inside, and the one in charge.
