Queen of Swords

What was I saying the other day about identifying more with the Queen of Swords than the Queen of Cups? Seriously, when I pulled this card about a minute ago, I burst out laughing. What a welcome treat. Even though I'm not a water sign and not an air sign, I have a lot of respect for the Queen of Swords, far more than I have for the intuitive and caring Queen of Cups. I know, I know, I should accept both aspects of these cards into my life, but I've done the intuitive, sensitive, and caring thing, and all it does is lead you to heartbreak. Right now, the Queen of Cups isn't quite compatible with how I should be living my life. Maybe one day I'll be able to accept what she offers again, but right now, I really just can't do it.

Anyhow, onto the symbolism. The Queen of Swords regards the learner seriously. Her hair is unbound and wild, and she holds a sword, the hilt of which is completely hidden by roses. She looks formidable, intelligent, and untamed. I love her. But once again the symbolism doesn't lead us too far unless we're familiar with the message of the entire suit, which I refer to privately as the suit of the mind. Many of the swords are related to activity, logic, curiosity, and consequences. Every action has its results. Every rose has its thorns. To be aware of them is part of being aware of yourself. The Queen of Swords is no exception. She is honest, astute, forthright, witty, and experienced. She will always tell you the truth. No matter how much it might hurt.

But she is at heart a positive card, like all the Queens. In addition to her commitment to being truthful, she is also always willing to laugh at herself as easily as a good joke, which is very important when approaching the truths that we might find unpleasant. She can size up any situation very quickly and see the way out of it. She understands human folly and doesn't condemn it. And though she has experienced much in life, she isn't bitter about a single thing.

It's no secret that I'm prone to being bitter. It's really easy to go over whatever situation I've landed myself in and curse the stupid things I've done or the horrible things other people have done to me. The Queen of Swords is there to remind us that there's no reason to be bitter. The past is in the past; either learn from it or let it go. And I've become so much less bitter lately than I have been in the past three-odd years. I laugh a lot. Even if I go through awful bouts of self-doubt, anxiety, and thoughts that I'll never be able to do anything ever again, I still laugh. I can only hope that one day I'll be able to approach life with as much clarity, wit, and humor as the Queen of Swords. And with as much commitment to honesty.