Princess of Swords is a card of the Minor Arcana, suit of Swords in the Thoth Tarot. In a reading it speaks of vigilance, firmness, practical wisdom and defence. In the Golden Dawn system it corresponds to the sephirah Malkuth, the element Air and Celestial quadrant of Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces; throne of the Ace in astrology.
vigilance · firmness · practical wisdom · defence · resolve
What does Princess of Swords mean?
Act with firmness and prudence: protect what matters and cut away what is no longer needed.
Everyday meaning
A young, alert and determined person, able to defend herself and to step in promptly. It points to conflicts to be handled with common sense, uncomfortable truths to face, the need to protect something.
Psychological meaning
The intellect descending into concrete life: pragmatism, lucidity in crises, the ability to say no. It can stiffen into suspicion or a spirit of revenge.
Initiatic meaning
Earth of Air, the final He of Vau, referred to Malkuth: the wind that subsides and condenses the clouds into concrete form. Throne of the Ace of Swords, she rules the celestial quadrant of Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces, guardian of the vengeance of the gods that restores order.
The shadow side
Ill-dignified, she is cunning, petty, frivolous, vindictive, ready to strike out of fear.
Princess of Swords reversed
The Thoth Tarot is traditionally read without reversed cards: the reader judges from the cards around it whether a card is well or ill dignified. This is its ill-dignified or blocked reading:
Excessive defences, suspicion, petty retaliation; or an inability to set necessary boundaries.
Princess of Swords in love, work and spirit
In love
A relationship that asks for clarity and healthy boundaries; frank but constructive discussions.
At work and career
Solving practical problems, crisis management, quality control and checks.
In spiritual practice
Wisdom that becomes concrete, vigilant action.
Kabbalah, astrology and the Hebrew letter of Princess of Swords
Malkuth · Air · Celestial quadrant of Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces; throne of the Ace
Crowley on Princess of Swords
The Princess of Swords is an Athena-like figure, armed and helmeted, who plunges her sword before a bare altar beneath a stormy sky: the incarnated mind defending order.
Frequently asked questions
What does Princess of Swords mean in the Thoth Tarot?
Act with firmness and prudence: protect what matters and cut away what is no longer needed.
What does Princess of Swords mean in love?
A relationship that asks for clarity and healthy boundaries; frank but constructive discussions.
What does Princess of Swords mean for work and career?
Solving practical problems, crisis management, quality control and checks.
What does Princess of Swords mean reversed?
The Thoth Tarot is traditionally read without reversed cards: the reader judges from the cards around it whether a card is well or ill dignified. This is its ill-dignified or blocked reading: Excessive defences, suspicion, petty retaliation; or an inability to set necessary boundaries.
What are the Kabbalah and astrology correspondences of Princess of Swords?
In the Golden Dawn system Princess of Swords corresponds to the sephirah Malkuth, the element Air and Celestial quadrant of Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces; throne of the Ace in astrology.
