Queen of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

Tarot, like astrology, has long been one of our favorite divination systems. Interpreting either takes practice. As you learn, we wanted to help you to quickly connect to the cards and use them in ways that are actionable and practical in every area of life. xoxo, Tali & Ophira

Co-authored by James Kerti

What does the Queen of Swords tarot card mean?

The Queen of Swords has a strong independent spirit and speaks her mind. There’s wisdom and maturity to this card.

While this Queen comes through in a supportive manner, like other Swords, there’s a focus on communication and mental processes. The Queen of Swords embodies fairness but also straightforward authenticity. She’ll tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.

Whatever is happening in your life right now, stay open to expert advice and be willing to hear an unpleasant truth. Sometimes this card appears when you’ve been turning your attention away from something you don’t want to face.

As with other court cards, the Queen of Swords may correspond to a specific person in your life. When that’s the case, you might recognize that person by their wisdom, candor and their mature, parental (maternal) energy. This individual is compassionate and supportive, but also a straight shooter—someone who doesn’t mince words and gets right to the point.

What is the Queen of Swords zodiac sign?

The zodiac sign of the Queen of Swords is Libra

Queen of Swords Tarot Guide

Keywords for the Queen of Swords: Honest, fair, discerning, independent, straight shooter, communicative, candid

Yes or No: It depends

Planet of the Queen of Swords: Uranus

Element of the Queen of Swords: Air

What does the Queen of Swords card mean in a love reading?

The Queen of Swords may show up in a love reading because you or a romantic partner are ready for direct communication. This Queen is independent and can sometimes come across as aloof or buttoned-up. Beneath that exterior, however, is someone who is wise, authentic and highly supportive. If that describes you or your partner, we wouldn’t be surprised.

By the same token, pay attention to how a cool—or cuttingly candid—approach may be affecting intimacy. Are you hiding behind an “above it all” attitude to avoid dealing with unpleasant dynamics? One of you may be stonewalling the other by refusing to engage in an important discussion. Something about your relationship may not feel totally safe as one or both of you may fear criticism or unsolicited coaching. Here’s your cue to bring in the compassion and cut the codependence.

As a general theme, the Queen of Swords can highlight the importance of maintaining a sense of independence and self-sufficiency in dating and relationships. If you have a history of “losing” yourself in love, this court card might be showing up as a reminder to pivot back into developing your own skills and interests. Besides, absence (in the right amount) can make the heart grow fonder.

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What does the Queen of Swords tarot card mean for career, money and finance?

The Queen of Swords sometimes represents a mentor figure when it appears in a career reading. If you meet someone who has the wise independent spirit of the Queen of Swords, be open to learning from them. This card’s appearance highlights the value that connection can bring to your life.

This court card may also be encouraging you to tap into some of that energy for yourself. If you’re in a work environment where you can freely speak up, do! The Queen of Swords urges you to share your vision. Not only will it help your work, but you’ll be recognized and appreciated for your savvy thoughts and directness.

What does the Queen of Swords tarot card mean for health?

The Queen of Swords is sometimes associated with repressed emotions. If you’re seeing this card in a health reading, consider it a summons to explore feelings that you’ve potentially been stuffing down.

Begin by looking at recent challenges that you’ve gone through. Did you allow yourself to fully feel what was coming up for you? If you suffered a loss, did you make space for the grieving process? Or did you force yourself to move on as quickly as possible?

You might meet someone who embodies this card’s fair-minded spirit. Someone who can support you in processing your emotions. While you may resist allowing yourself to open up to them, this card encourages you to lean into vulnerability.

Queen of Swords Tarot Card in Reverse Meaning

The energy of the Queen of Swords can take a darker turn when this card comes up in a reversed position. While there can be much power in speaking your mind and being direct, it can also descend into cutting words that cause harm. Just because you can say something doesn’t mean you have to!

This court card could represent you or someone in your life. Look at yourself first to see if you’ve been showing up in a cold manner. If that’s the case, course-correct back toward empathy and compassion. If the Queen of Swords reversed corresponds to someone else, this card might be a warning about them.

The Queen of Swords reversed can also be a signal that you’re letting other people’s opinions and judgments shape your choices and how you live your life. You might be playing it safe to avoid letting someone down or hurting their feelings. If that brings a situation to mind, you may find yourself called to tap into the Queen of Swords’ strength and independence. Find your way back to your inner truth.

Is the Queen of Swords tarot card a yes or no?

While the Queen of Swords may be a generally positive sight, this Queen keeps her cards close to the chest, supporting you in making choices for yourself. This one is up to you. You’re being guided to get close to yourself and your own intuition so that you reach the decision that’s right for you.

What does the Suit of Swords mean?

Swords are associated with air signs (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius), which get things moving, acting as the winds of change. Air energy is communicative, and people with air signs like to connect and share ideas.

Feature art by Diana Hlevnjak