QUEEN
Queen of Swords
Symbols in the artwork
A queen with hair mixed with gray sits on a stone chair decorated with butterflies and winged figures. She holds a sword upright in one hand and extends the other hand with the palm facing up. Butterfly decorations are visible on her crown and clothes. The cloth billows in the wind, and a bird flies between mountains, water, and clouds. The raised sword suggests an attitude of clarifying my thoughts, and the open hand suggests listening to another person's explanation. It should not be interpreted as meaning a specific gender is cold or that a relationship is ending.
Sources and interpretation
The original deals with sadness, loss, separation, and the reversed aspects of malice, prejudice, and deception. Since the modern interpretation focuses on independent judgment and honesty in the upright position, it must be distinguished from the original list.
Written with reference to Rider–Waite–Smith symbolism and modern interpretations.
A. E. Waite's original text · Tina Gong / Labyrinthos modern interpretation
Upright
Independent judgment · Honesty and discernment · Clear standards
State your thoughts clearly, and also listen to stories you haven't heard yet.
Core meaning
The Queen of Swords follows a modern interpretation symbolizing independent judgment, honesty, and discernment gained through experience. It depicts a state of viewing facts coolly while establishing necessary standards.
The raised sword and open hand show the ability to speak clearly while also being able to listen. My experience is important, but it doesn't tell me everything about the current situation. Separate what I have confirmed from what I don't know, and listen to the other person's explanation. I don't need to ignore my feelings. However, it would also be good to examine whether I am judging based only on those feelings.
What to keep in mind
You don't need to push away all your emotions just to judge accurately. Don't predetermine the other person's intentions based only on past experiences; look at the facts confirmed now along with the explanations.
One small step today
Write down one thing that is important to me as a concrete action. Talk about it along with one question to ask the other person.
A question to consider
Does my standard fit the current situation? What stories have I not heard yet?
A thought for today
I can state what I must keep, and I can also listen to other thoughts.
Reversed
Coldness and harshness · Bitter emotions · Judgment biased by prejudice
Reflect on whether the words you ask for are mixed with words that evaluate the other person.
Core meaning
The reversed Queen of Swords symbolizes judgment becoming biased or cold and harsh due to bitter emotions. It includes not only cases where expression is clumsy but also cases where one harms others through words and judgment.
Also examine how much past wounds or strong first impressions influence your current judgment. It's not necessary to ignore those feelings. However, you can separate what you have confirmed now from what you anticipated due to past experiences. Ask about what you don't know yet. It doesn't mean that everything the other person explains must be acceptable just because you say so.
What to keep in mind
Try not to use insulting expressions while saying things that must be firm. You don't need to give up everything you must keep just to understand the other person. Examine the impact of the content and the tone of what you convey.
One small step today
Recall one word you used to evaluate the other person recently. Rewrite it as the actual event, the impact it had on me, and the desired action, and also ask a question.
A question to consider
Am I explaining what is necessary, or am I assuming what kind of person the other person is?
A thought for today
I can convey what is important to me, while also using words that are easy for both of us to understand.
Tarot offers a way to reflect on yourself through its symbols. Read it as a point of reference, not a certain prediction of the future or another person's feelings.