The watery identity of the feminine Queen card combined with the airy disposition of the Swords suit again brings to the surface a potential conflict between emotions and intellect. That is one of the reasons this card is traditionally not considered very good counsel, no matter how great the intellectual and intuitive capabilities of the Queen of Swords are. Her face indicates that she is a person who knows much about life and that her experience hasn't always been positive; she surely knows suffering. Maybe that is the reason her sword is positioned as if she is warning people not to come close; on the other hand, she is reaching out her hand to those she knows will not hurt her. It is interesting that her hand points in the direction of the wind, suggesting good support for turning thoughts and ideas into action. The clouds on the card are pressed to the bottom of the card while at the top the sky is clear, perhaps a message that clarity of thought is based on awareness heightened through suffering and bad experiences. The ornaments on the throne and the butterflies on her crown suggest that her mind is swift and her insight almost unparalleled. The Queen of Swords is honest, direct and sharp as a sword. Her wisdom enables her to see through lies and call things what they are. As such, she is not too popular.
On the card
The Queen sits in profile on a high stone throne, facing to the right. In her right hand she holds a sword straight up, its point towards the sky, perfectly vertical and steady. Her left hand is raised and extended forward, open, as if inviting someone to approach or as if making a point in conversation.
Her crown is decorated with butterflies, and butterflies are also carved on the throne, together with a crescent moon and the small winged head of a cherub. The butterfly is a symbol of the soul and of transformation, and also of the air element of the Swords suit.
Below her, near the bottom of the card, clouds gather, while the sky above her head is clear and blue. A single bird flies high in the sky. A few trees stand in the distance, moved by the wind. Her face is serious and composed, and she looks out over the scene with calm attention.
The image speaks of clear judgment, honesty and a mind that has risen above confusion. The upright sword stands for truth and fairness, and the open hand shows that this clarity can still be offered to others.
Upright
Independent, intelligent, subtle, honest, perceptive, astute, direct, open, autonomy, self-control.
Reversed
Intolerant, distant, critical, brutal, vengeful, malicious, frustrated, solitude, deceitful.