Queen of Swords

Clear sight and honest speech, held with grace. Someone who has known sorrow and sees straight because of it. Kind, and not easily fooled.

clarity · honesty · independence · discernment

Clarity turned cold: sharp words, judgement without warmth, a guarded heart. Or truths left unsaid to keep the peace.

coldness · harsh judgement · bitterness · guardedness

A woman in layered grey-blue robes sits upright on a stone throne that seems to rest on white clouds, a small gold crown on her pinned hair. In her right hand she holds a straight sword upright; her left hand is raised, palm open, toward the empty sky. Butterflies are carved on the arms of the throne and worked into her sash. High in the clear blue a single bird flies alone.

In Rider–Waite–Smith tarot the Queen of Swords sits among clouds, sword raised, hand extended, butterflies on her throne and one bird above. She is the mature mind of the suit: clear, fair and honest, often wise from experience of loss. The open hand matters as much as the blade. Her truth is offered, not thrown. The butterflies, a traditional sign of the soul and of change, keep her clarity alive rather than hard.

A love that values truth and independence. Say what you mean, and let the other person keep their own mind.

Clear boundaries, fair judgement, plain writing. Your view is useful. Speak it without softening it into nothing.

Say the honest thing you have been rounding off. Keep it short, keep it kind, and do not apologise for having seen it.

Yes

Clear sight is on your side; the card favours yes where the facts are faced squarely.

Who needs your honest words, said kindly, this week?