Queen of Swords is a card of the Minor Arcana, suit of Swords in the Thoth Tarot. In a reading it speaks of lucidity, observation, independence and judgement. In the Golden Dawn system it corresponds to the sephirah Binah, the element Air and 21° Virgo – 20° Libra in astrology.
lucidity · observation · independence · judgement · sincerity
What does Queen of Swords mean?
Look at the situation without illusions: the truth sets you free.
Everyday meaning
A sharp, independent and lucid person, or the ability to see beyond appearances. It points to unpleasant but liberating truths, impartial judgements, decisions that cut away the superfluous.
Psychological meaning
The mind that unmasks illusions and defences: sincerity, autonomy, the ability to observe without becoming involved; it can stiffen into coldness.
Initiatic meaning
Water of Air, the He of Vau, referred to Binah: the clouds, air made visible. She rules from 21° Virgo to 20° Libra, joining the analytical precision of Virgo to the sense of justice of Libra.
The shadow side
Ill-dignified, she is cruel, sarcastic, unreliable, able to wound with words.
Queen 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:
Judgement that is too harsh, or a fear of the truth; sarcasm, coldness, isolation.
Queen of Swords in love, work and spirit
In love
An independent, frank partner; a relationship that demands absolute sincerity.
At work and career
Analysis, judgement, objective management, the ability to expose problems.
In spiritual practice
Freeing the mind from illusions.
Kabbalah, astrology and the Hebrew letter of Queen of Swords
Binah · Air · 21° Virgo – 20° Libra
Crowley on Queen of Swords
The Queen of the Thoth deck, seated among the clouds, holds the sword and the severed head of a bearded man, a symbol of illusions cut away by the mind; on her head she wears the head of a child.
Frequently asked questions
What does Queen of Swords mean in the Thoth Tarot?
Look at the situation without illusions: the truth sets you free.
What does Queen of Swords mean in love?
An independent, frank partner; a relationship that demands absolute sincerity.
What does Queen of Swords mean for work and career?
Analysis, judgement, objective management, the ability to expose problems.
What does Queen 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: Judgement that is too harsh, or a fear of the truth; sarcasm, coldness, isolation.
What are the Kabbalah and astrology correspondences of Queen of Swords?
In the Golden Dawn system Queen of Swords corresponds to the sephirah Binah, the element Air and 21° Virgo – 20° Libra in astrology.
