It's been a while since I'd been "talking" to my Tarot cards and quite frankly, I should devote more time and energy to them. But I only consult my cards when the circumstances require, and it often amazes me the insights they provide.
When I first started dabbling in Tarot, initial research of the cards with several correspondence - especially astrological - revealed that the Queen of Swords (QoS) was "my" card (there are two schools of thought; the Major Arcana was Justice [another cringer!] whereas the Court Card was her). Now, anyone having read Rider-Waite Smith's (RWS) interpretation of that card, would know that this is not a card of great joy. It doesn't even indicate a great personality!
The RWS pictorial shows a majestic woman who, although seated on a throne, is in a defensive pose. The sword is upright and the sides are sharp and keen. More tellingly, she is seated on her side and facing sideways - compare this with the other queens whose postures are open and inviting. It's as though this queen doesn't want to face the realities/troubles that is in front of her. I felt she was a wimp.
That was the belief I had five years ago but over time, my fondness for QoS has grown, and with that, a great shift in thinking. This affection for QoS has, perhaps, made me adopt the very characteristics she represents - whether I knew it or not. I have both her negative and positive energy and I must say, I am damm proud to be associated with her now. I think this love is for life! :-)
Recent research on the Net (what a vast resource of information!) has also revealed a subtle shift in thinking of how/what QoS represents to the querent. After much reading, I believe that Kathy Cooper's balanced interpretation has given a lot of justice to my qeen.
"Physically usually (though not always) tall and/or slender woman. Quite often has dark hair. Refined appearance and conservative in dress most of the time. Gracious manner. She prefers sophisticated clothing.
Personality is cautious and clever. Can be cunning, destructive and manipulative. She is often aloof and distant. She keeps her distance and puts up barriers around herself. She displays an air of unemotional responses. She may appear hard, selfish and self-controlled. Beneath her facade she hides much previous emotional pain and/or hardship. She has learnt how to survive. She is a woman alone. She is either a widow, divorced, a spinster or without a loving partner. She may have spent a long time on her own and keeps up her defences and her sword drawn to protect her at all times. She has a fondness for red roses.
She looks good in black clothing. She likes to wear expensive or perhaps antique and conservative jewellery most of the time, though sometimes she wears some bold jewels. She knows she would or could be seduced if she lets her guard down. She is not a social butterfly. She can seem to be unforgiving in some circumstances, but this is her self-defence mechanism being activated to avoid feeling pain and disturbing emotional reactions. She cries in her sleep, and little elsewhere.
She feels more in control if she can avoid having too deep feelings for anyone, lest they puncture her heart and give her reason to despair. She can become big hearted if in the right company and circumstances and when she feels safe and secure. There is hope for her and she is wise enough to know it. She is symbolic of the rose, seductive and potentially dangerous, capable of cutting the skin and making it bleed, yet the soft velvety petals can blossom into the most beautiful arrangement and captivate your heart. She is wistful and reflective, serious yet sensuous, yet always alert. She is capable of being the Goddess or the crucifier.
Occupations suited to her would be the head of a company or large organisation. Also she would make a great surgeon, doctor, police officer, dentist or anything that involves the use of sharp items or weapons. She would make a good soldier, warrior, fighter or leader of a revolution. She knows only one truth, her own.
Her future lies in learning to trust others again. She has been severely betrayed in the past by women and men alike. She may need to take a leaf out of the book of the Queen of Cups, who is more giving, loving and affectionate. She could have a love relationship but only if total trust exists. There is no room for dishonesty or lies. If she is betrayed, she severs her relationships completely and irrevocably and never goes back. Friends are cast off and not seen again should they make the mistake to betray or abuse her. Her goodwill only stretches so far and behind that she may lose some of her sense of compassion, knowing that others should learn to be more self-reliant, like herself. She may go to the extreme of cutting off her husband's head, should he betray or deceive her.
Querent's card. If this is you, then you may be being called to meet the challenge of your strengths and you will meet this head on regardless of whether this produces success or failure. Even in failure, you will learn where you went wrong and this is the ultimate lesson.
If you are not the querent and this card appears, I suggest that you make an ally of this woman, because she can be a powerful opponent if you should cross her. She is loyal and steadfast to those she gets close to, just don't mess with her, because you will wish you hadn't. " (from http://www.uraniannights.com/tarot/queenofswords.html)
Now, there are some characteristics said by Kathy Cooper that I disagree *chuckles* but overall, I think she has hit it quite right on the spot!
Also, much to my surprise and pleasure, was a charming website I found that talks about Tarot cards featuring famous manga characters, especially bishounen personalities *wide smile* I almost fell out of my chair when I saw the corresponding card - the personality was Setsuna Mundo from "Angel Sanctuary"!!! (http://www.iei.net/~spandora/swords.html) Considering that I had, for some time, been considering whether or not to start collecting this series, and the fact that I can so totally relate to him ... well, I just think that the coincidences are amazing, isn't it???
Long live the Queen!
