The Queen of Swords: Modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
‘The Queen of Swords’, Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.
Upright Queen of Swords Meanings
Keywords
Clarity, Independence, Unbiased Judgement, Clear Boundaries, Direct Communication
Generally
The Queen of Swords signifies a time of intellectual clarity, independent thought, and unbiased judgement. This card represents a person or an energy that is sharp, perceptive, and values truth above all else. It is the archetype of the clear-headed matriarch or the discerning judge who cuts through confusion to get to the heart of a matter. This can manifest as setting firm personal boundaries, communicating your needs directly and honestly, making a decision based on facts rather than emotion, or a period of sharp mental focus.
In a Love Context
In matters of love, this card often points to a relationship that values independence, open communication, and intellectual equality. It can represent a partner who is witty, intelligent, and honest, though perhaps not overly sentimental. For a single person, it may signify a period of enjoying your own company and having very clear standards for any potential partner. It is the energy of a connection based on mutual respect and clear-eyed truth, rather than romantic fantasy.
In a Money/Career Context
This card can represent a professional who is an expert in their field, known for their unbiased judgement and clear communication. It might be a lawyer, a judge, an academic, or a sharp business consultant. This card can also signify a time when you need to be brutally honest about your financial situation, make a decision based on hard data, or set clear professional boundaries with colleagues. It is the energy of a clear-headed and authoritative professional.
In a Spiritual Context
This can signify a spiritual path that is based on intellectual rigour and a search for truth, rather than blind faith. It may represent a Gnostic, a Theosophist, or any seeker who uses their discerning mind to cut through spiritual dogma and illusion. It is the energy of a soul that values clarity and truth above comfort and consolation.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Be objective. Speak your truth. Set clear boundaries. Cut through the confusion.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A clear and logical decision. A situation resolved with honesty. A period of intellectual independence.
As Obstacles
An overly critical or cold attitude is causing problems. A person who is brutally honest without compassion. A judgemental mindset.
As Hidden Energy
An unacknowledged truth. A secret that needs to be brought to light. An untapped capacity for clear judgement.
As Resources/Alliances
An intelligent and honest person. An expert consultant. Your own clear mind and independent judgement.
The Queen of Swords Reversed
Generally
Reversed, the Queen of Swords can point to a period where judgement is clouded by emotion, or where intellect is used in a cruel and manipulative way. It signifies bitchiness, malicious gossip, or a complete lack of empathy. This can manifest as a bitter and resentful attitude, a decision made out of spite, or a person who uses their sharp wit to hurt others. It is the energy of a mind that has become a weapon.
In a Love Context
This card often signifies a relationship that is being damaged by cruel words, bitterness, or deceit. It can represent a vengeful ex-partner, a relationship where communication has become a series of cutting remarks, or a person who is emotionally cold and manipulative. It is the energy of a partnership that has lost all compassion.
In a Money/Career Context
This can mean a toxic work environment where backstabbing and malicious gossip are common. It might represent a bitter and resentful colleague, a boss who is a cruel tyrant, or a business decision that is made out of pure spite. It can also signify a complete lack of clarity and focus, leading to professional failure.
In a Spiritual Context
This can mean a spiritual path that has become dogmatic, judgemental, and devoid of compassion. It may represent a spiritual teacher who is a hypocrite and uses their knowledge to control others, or a belief system that is based on exclusion and condemnation. It is the energy of a spiritual path that has lost its heart.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
A warning against being overly critical or acting out of spite. It is time to reconnect with your compassion or to be wary of a deceitful person.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A bitter argument. A decision based on lies. A period of cruel and isolating judgement.
As Obstacles
A bitter and resentful person is the primary hindrance. Malicious gossip is sabotaging the situation. Your own clouded judgement.
As Hidden Energy
A secret resentment is about to be revealed. A hidden manipulation is at play. An unacknowledged bitterness is driving your actions.
As Resources/Alliances
Help comes from exposing a lie. The clarity that comes from seeing someone's true, malicious intentions.
Additional Notes on The RWS ‘Queen of Swords’
Waite’s Divinatory Meanings of The Queen of Swords
"Widowhood, female sadness and embarrassment, absence, sterility, mourning, privation, separation. Reversed: Malice, bigotry, artifice, prudery, bale, deceit." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911)
A.E. Waite’s Queen of Swords Card Symbolism
A.E. Waite’s Queen of Swords depicts a stern and regal queen seated on a throne, which is adorned with butterflies, symbols of transformation. She holds a sword upright in her right hand, representing her clear, decisive intellect. Her left hand is raised in a gesture of reception, indicating that she is open to receiving information, but will judge it with impartiality. The single bird flying in the clear sky above her represents her ability to see things from a high, objective perspective. The entire scene is one of intellectual clarity, independent thought, and the power of unbiased judgement.
Meditations On The Queen of Swords Card
Am I speaking my truth with compassion, or with cruelty?
Where in my life do I need to set clearer and firmer boundaries?
Is my judgement clear and objective, or is it being clouded by emotion and bias?
Question: Is the Queen of Swords a negative card in a love reading?
Not necessarily. While she can represent a cold or overly critical partner, especially when reversed, in her upright form she signifies a relationship based on honesty, independence, and intellectual equality. She represents a partner who will always tell you the truth, which is a necessary foundation for any mature and lasting partnership.
Continue Reading About The Minor Arcana
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Previous Card: The Knight of Swords
