The suit of Swords describes the intellect and conscious mind. It relates to all things logical and analytical.
As one of its rulers, the Queen of Swords is an intelligent, capable, and active ruler. She is very capable of achieving her goals, and relies on her quick wit and clever solutions to do so.
About Queen of Swords
- Keywords: Honesty, integrity, intellect, useful criticism, a quick wit
- Keywords (Reversed): Cynicism, bitterness, tactlessness, a lack of empathy, coldness
- Yes or No: Yes
- Yes or No (Reversed): No
- Element: Air
- Zodiac Sign: Libra
The suit of Swords is associated with the element of Air. For this reason, artist Pamela Colman Smith gave the Queen of Swords a lot of air-related imagery.
Her crown is made of a circle of golden butterflies, and winged angels and still more butterflies adorn her throne. Even her clothing has a unique airy quality to it.
Her gown is light gray, with bishop’s sleeves that resemble puffy clouds. Her cloak is blue, decorated with a cloud motif.
Her expression is stern and focused. She holds a sword in one hand, and gestures with the other. This is the posture of a woman who is accustomed to seeing through deception and won’t be easily fooled.
Her surroundings are very similar to the background of the Page and Knight of cups. Puffy clouds rest in a blue sky, and there’s a single bird soaring on the breeze. The ground is flat, and there is a small grove of wind-buffeted trees far in the distance.
See also: Check out Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot decks here.
Queen of Swords Meaning (Upright)
In general spreads, the Queen of Swords represents being intelligent, honest, and, at times, blunt. You may be in a situation that requires skepticism, in which case she advises you to exercise your discernment.
The Queen of Swords doesn’t get taken for a fool, and you shouldn’t either.
All of this intellectualism can come at a price, however. Sometimes, the Queen of Swords upright warns against suppressing your emotions in favor of pure logic. Over time, these repressed feelings can become a big problem. Strike a balance between the two.
The Queen of Swords can also be a signifier for an older feminine person who was born under an Air sign. This person is likely to be very protective, witty, and just. They may have a wickedly sharp sense of humor, as well.
Queen of Swords Meaning (Reversed)
Reversed, the Queen of Swords can represent coldness, bitterness, or unconstructive criticism. You may also be feeling too dependent on your partner or family, and long for the independence symbolized by the Queen in her upright orientation.
In general, this card indicates the most negative aspects of valuing the intellect over the emotions.
As a signifier, the Queen of Swords can represent an older feminine person who was born under an Air sign, but demonstrates the Queen’s negative traits. This person may be cold, uncaring, manipulative, and have a very pessimistic outlook on life.
See also: Check out alternate Tarot decks here.
Queen of Swords Meaning – Love & Relationships (Upright)
The Queen of Swords isn’t a great omen for love and relationships, but she doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad one.
Sometimes, she just represents the desire for some freedom or a little space. She can also indicate that you or your partner don’t go for over-the-top displays of romance, and prefer to show love and passion in private.
Sometimes, she may represent the desire to end your relationship and return to the freedom of the single life.
If you’re single, the Queen of Swords can indicate that you’re hesitant to enter a relationship. Don’t forget that you don’t need a stereotypical romantic partnership if you don’t want one.
If you’re willing to candidly communicate your desires to a potential partner, you might be able to enjoy your liberty and the perks of being in a relationship at the same time.
The Queen of Swords can also signify a potential romantic partner. This person is most likely older, feminine, and an Air sign. They’ll be funny, quick-witted, and very bright.
Queen of Swords Meaning – Love & Relationships (Reversed)
When the Queen of Swords appears reversed in a relationship reading, things may seem good on the surface. Paradoxically, this sense of harmony can conceal that one or both partners are chiefly in the relationship because they fear being alone.
This card can also represent a person who is deceptive, unfaithful, or feels smothered by their partner.
For single people, the Queen of Swords reversed can indicate that you feel dependent on a potential partner, or else have a generally pessimistic attitude toward love and relationships.
This card can also signify a potential partner who is feminine, older, and an Air sign. Be very careful with them, however, since they are also likely to be uncaring, manipulative, mean, or rude.
See also: Check out the current top 100 Best-Selling Tarot books in the USA here.
Queen of Swords Meaning – As Feelings (Upright)
The Queen of Swords upright describes someone who doesn’t wear their heart on their sleeve. This person feels positively toward you, but they tend to view relationships from a detached, logical perspective.
They have firm boundaries and a good sense of who they are and what they want. Avoid pressuring them if you want to build a relationship with them.
Queen of Swords Meaning – As Feelings (Reversed)
Reversed, the Queen of Swords is toxicity. This is someone who is very intelligent, but they’re using that power to judge and criticize right now.
It’s possible that you’ve wronged them in some way, but it’s also possible that they’re feeling emotionally vulnerable and are doing this as a defense mechanism.
Queen of Swords Meaning – As Reconciliation (Upright)
The Queen of Swords upright says that your ex accepts your separation. They’ve gone through the stages of grief, they’ve thought about it, and they’ve come to the conclusion that things ended as they should’ve.
If you want to reconcile with them, you’re going to have to make it worth their while — this isn’t someone who’s going to change their stance without a very good, logical reason.
Queen of Swords Meaning – As Reconciliation (Reversed)
Reversed, the Queen of Swords points to someone who was hurt very deeply by your breakup. Rather than try to heal or grow from this, they’re spending time reframing your entire relationship to make you the villain.
They’re feeling critical and unforgiving. They don’t want to reconcile right now. Even if they did, they probably aren’t in an emotionally healthy or mature enough place to do so.
Queen of Swords Meaning – Careers, Business & Money (Upright)
The Queen of Swords upright is a good omen for communication in a career or business spread. If your job involves a lot of emailing or meetings, things are likely to go very well for you.
You may also be recognized for your honesty, integrity, and ability to get your point across. In some cases, this card may signify a co-worker (usually an older woman) who offers you constructive criticism or wise counsel.
In financial readings, things are likely to go well for you at this time. You may have made some smart investments, or found that your gift for communication has led to lucrative opportunities.
Either way, don’t let yourself slack off now. Keep your wits about you so you can keep protecting your financial stability.
Queen of Swords Meaning – Careers, Business & Money (Reversed)
If the Queen of Swords is reversed in a career or business reading, she spells trouble. You might be feeling disorganized right now, or have trouble effectively communicating with others.
There may be an environment that fosters gossip, slander, or back-biting at your job. You may also receive some harsh criticism of your performance or products.
For money readings, the Queen of Swords reversed warns of miscommunications. Remember: Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. Make sure you have money in your hand before you plan how you’re going to spend it.
This card can also represent unwise spending, foolish financial ventures, and bad advice.
Queen of Swords: Yes or No?
The Queen of Swords symbolizes independence and intelligence. She is an active, involved Queen who makes her own luck. In a “Yes or No” reading, she’s a great omen to have on your side and represents a “Yes.” Things are probably going to go your way.
Reversed, she becomes a malicious figure, who may even be cold or hypercritical. She’s no longer on your side here, and your query most likely will not end the way you want. The answer is “No.”
The Queen of Swords can come off as a harsh figure, but her bluntness comes from a place of love and wisdom.
While her advice may sometimes be hard to swallow, this is only because she knows when it pays to be candid. Listen to her words, and she can help you.
See also: For more Tarot Card Meanings, check out our full list of Tarot Card Meanings here.
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