Queen of Swords Tarot Meanings
The card of perception, clarity, & independence.
Last Updated: April 16, 2024.
The Queen of Swords is the thirteenth card in the Suit of Swords (also known as the suit of blades) and one of the fifty-six suit cards from the minor arcana. In divinatory tarot, the Suit of Swords is associated with thought, intellect, mental strength, and integrity. They can also represent conflict, hardship, and misfortune.
Divination practices such as cartomancy can help us make decisions, offer guidance, and help us tune into our intuition when we are at a crossroads in our lives. Understanding the meanings of each tarot card can help you sharpen your interpretative skills so you can get the most out of your readings.
Queen of Swords is a Minor Arcana court card that represents a wise person with intellect. She can seem quite cold and without emotions which suggests making decisions without feelings. Queen of Swords also represents freedom and independence.
In this article, we will discuss the meanings of the Queen of Swords in various tarot reading contexts as well as the different symbols and nuances that can be found within this court card.
Pictorial Symbolism in the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck
The artworks from the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck contain deeper esoteric meanings that tarotists love to decipher.
The Queen of Swords seated on her throne holds one sword in her right hand. On her head, there is a yellow crown decorated with butterflies. Butterflies mean transformation, independence and freedom of thought. Her clothes are blue with imprinted clouds. This represents her ability to quickly adapt to changes and react.
She looks in front of her and her left hand is open with an inviting gesture to come closer towards her and exchange ideas. At the same time, she holds the sword in her other hand which means that she does not trust everyone blindly. Her throne is made of stone and it is not comfortable, helping her to stay focused and concentrated but there is a cherub on the throne suggesting that she is not without emotion or affection entirely.
In the background, there are clouds which are not covering her sight. She can see clearly in front of her. However, in the background, there is a storm that moves trees and clouds. This represents an upcoming change. One part of the clouds at the lower right bottom is somewhat darker. They represent her concerns that are coming to light.
The Queen of Swords key correspondences
Upright keywords | communication, independence, experience, wisdom, intelligence, cleverness, strategy, and wit. |
Reversed keywords | Coldness, impulsiveness, lack of empathy, poor communication, cruelty, emotional, widow, absenteeism, and manipulation. |
| Yes or No | Maybe |
| Numerology | 13 (XIII) |
| Element | Air |
Ruling Planet | Uranus |
| Astrological Sign | Aquarius, Libra, Gemini |
What does the upright Queen of Swords mean in the Tarot?
The Queen is a very proud, wise, and honest woman that has deep emotional awareness. She is not interested in long discussions, she expresses her opinions briefly and clearly. Some may think that she is not a social person or that she is cold, but that is not true.
Under the mask, there is a dominant but gentle woman and a duality in her personality. On the one hand, she is making a strategy to come towards her goal. On the other hand, she is trying to make sure that those who are innocent are not harmed by her sword.
The Queen of Swords card represents someone who is too proud to ask for help but might require help. In specific situations, this card signifies that decisions should be brought rationally and calmly.
When pulled in the upright position, the Queen of Swords is associated with communication, independence, experience, wisdom, intelligence, cleverness, strategy, and wit.
What does the upright Queen of Swords mean in a love reading
Queen of Swords is an interesting person for the opposite sex. This card can sometimes indicate that someone’s mother is interfering with the relationship. For singles, the card suggests reflecting on past experiences before making a strategy to meet someone new.
It is also important to use communication skills more when looking for a partner. Queen of Swords talks about a person who uses their sharp intellect even in relationships. Queen of Swords stays very often rather alone than in a relationship that is not fulfilling.
However, in general, it is a positive card in love readings. In questions related to a relationship, this card suggests that the partner is critical and too cold. Due to the independency of the Queen of Swords, the card is usually interpreted in a bad way. T
his card is actually asking you to look past how emotionally heavy this situation is – in some cases, even if you’re struggling in your relationship and this card comes up for you, it can signify a couple who shares similar life goals and mutual interests, and this isn’t to be overlooked.
What does the upright Queen of Swords mean in a career reading?
In a career reading the Queen of Swords announces empowered opportunities. This card speaks about a confident person who knows how to improve their career. They are sharing their experience with generosity. There is an energy of readiness for knowledge and a correct perception of reality.
This card represents someone who can see things clearly. This person needs to stay independent in discussions and business negotiations but at the same time flexible. There might be an older person in your life who gives you constructive critics but also supports you.
Queen of Swords is a respectable person in the work environment and her analytical skills will impress others as she is always goal oriented.
The Queen of Swords as feelings/emotions
The Queen of Swords is a person who processes their emotions by analysing them first. The person is withdrawn and not really open with their emotions. Sometimes they fear intimacy with other people and reject those that show interest. They know exactly how they feel about their partner but they do not share their emotions always.
However, it is important to understand that they connect first on the brain level with their partner before they have emotions, and their emotions are as deep and warm as anyone else’s, you just have to take your time to show them you’re happy to be there with them.
The Queen of Swords as a person
As a personality archetype, the Queen of Swords represents a person who usually works as a lawyer, philosopher, in higher management or doctor/surgeon. They are good at mathematics and very confident people.
Furthermore, they are good at argumentation. The card indicates that the person likes their freedom. However, they are humble, honest, and loyal. They are a quick thinker. However, even though they come across as cold, they are empathic people.
Sometimes they can be very demanding and have high expectations towards themselves and others. They are honest persons and they value honesty from others. They can be very good mentors. They come across as mature and wise.
They are also chatty, direct people but charming as well. It is never boring with them. They are knowledgeable and can speak about different topics.
The Queen of Swords as advice
You should be more independent and think freely for yourself. However, you should not become too isolated. Use your logic to process and analyse events and do not take decisions based on your emotions.
At this time it is more important to listen to your head instead of your heart. Separate how you’re feeling from what is happening, and speak your truth. You can listen to your instincts and your inner voice. It is better to hear the hard truth than to believe in lies.
You should be careful from whom you take advice too as someone might have been trying to manipulate you with gossip, lies or general manipulation.
What is the zodiac or astrological sign associated with the Queen of Swords?
Queen of Swords is related to air signs in astrology Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Representatives of these zodiac signs are highly logical and communicative. Queen of Swords does not express her emotions and moves on quickly to whatever demands her attention next.
Is the Queen of Swords a yes or no card?
This card is supportive but sceptical. This means that as a Maybe card, you should look at what other cards say for you, and really think about what happens next for you.
Below are some of my interpretations, as an experienced tarot practitioner, based on different types of questions:
- Will I get the job? If the role is into one of more independence where your voice is valued, then yes. However, think about whether this job will be right for you for the long term, and if not, it may be best to seek roles to support your end vision.
- Is this new person in my life good for me? No. It seems like they are not emotionally invested in this relationship.
- Will I achieve my current goals? Yes, especially if you plan every step precisely and use your intellectual power then you might have a good chance.
- Should I start my own business? Maybe. Make sure that you thought about everything before, made a strategy and maybe even consulted some knowledgeable people. Mentors may be especially beneficial for you to keep you supported and motivated.
What does the reversed Queen of Swords mean in the Tarot?
Queen of Swords reversed represents a woman who can make chaos in your life because she might be unsupportive, careless and a little absent. The reversed card talks about a selfish person. You could be harmed in an area where a woman has power.
You should not be surprised if you come across conflicts, tricks and intrigues. Maybe you are paying too much attention to the opinions of other people.
You are focusing too much on your feelings and less on your thoughts. You need to use more your head to process events you are going through.
When pulled in the reversed position, the Queen of Swords is linked with coldness, impulsiveness, lack of empathy, poor communication, cruelty, emotional, widow, absenteeism, and manipulation.
What does the reversed Queen of Swords mean in a love reading?
This card represents someone who could be guided by their emotions or even the person who is currently not clear about their emotions. This card can also talk about someone who envies your relationship and might cause you harm. This person might be rude and ignorant towards the needs of others. They tend to isolate themselves from others or be overly pessimistic. They come across as nasty and untrustworthy.
Queen of Swords in a relationship indicates that partners are struggling to reach a compromise. A partner might be immature and not loyal. The relationship might be less enjoyable. The card also indicates that there are misunderstandings between partners in the relationship.
Even small things are leading to conflicts which are pretty tiring. Impulsive actions create stressful everyday life. Queen of Swords reversed in the relationship indicates also that one partner is needy and under the influence of the other partner.
If you are single someone might be interested in you. However, this person has the character of the Queen of Swords. Be wary of manipulation, or ghosting.
What does the inverted Queen of Swords mean in a career reading?
Queen of Swords reversed in a career reading talks about someone who cannot make decisions easily. In order to be successful you need to be more confident and believe in yourself. In this way, you will also get more respect from others. There might be a lack of communication at the workplace which could create conflicts or alternatively, this card talks about gossip and quarrels at work.
If you are looking for a job you will have to compete with others. Queen of Swords indicates that a bad relationship with some persons could affect your judgement. Hence, you should focus back on your goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Queen of Swords tarot card is a powerful symbol of communication, independence, experience, wisdom, intelligence, cleverness, strategy, and wit. When this card appears in your reading, it is often a sign that you will be able to face your problems in a head-on and direct way. You may find yourself being mentally strong and determined, as the Queen of Swords encourages you to use your intellect and wit to come out on top.
Despite its association with mysticism and occultism, the tarot has grown to become much more than a simple “fortune-telling” tool. For many tarot practitioners, it is a complex system made of symbolic imagery and psychological considerations (Jungian archetypes for example) that can be used for self-exploration, meditation, and personal transformation.
The 56 lesser arcana cards relate to the day-to-day events of our lives, the more mundane aspects of our existence. Even though that part of the tarot is about the “smaller picture”, it symbolizes the constant choices we make that shape our lives, our characters, and ultimately our destinies.
Have you ever had a reading where the Queen Of Swords appeared? What was the outcome? What does that card mean to you personally? How do you interpret this card in your own tarot practice?
Share your thoughts and experiences with me in the comments below.
Additionally, If you want to know more about the different tarot cards, feel free to check out my complete list of all 78 tarot cards and their meanings.
I have been reading Tarot for more than 15 years. I have always enjoyed using my intuition to provide clarity and insights to others. Tarot is one of my favorite forms of divination, and I love sharing that passion with like-minded folks.
Learn more about the Suit of Swords
This page is part of our comprehensive list of the 56 minor arcana tarot cards & their meanings. If you enjoyed the read, then you’ll love the following articles.