The Queen of Swords is known for both her ability to create boundaries and for a special brand of compassion. This Queen did not set out to explore compassion as a theory, but rather she is a survivor of turmoil and conflict. She holds the wisdom gained by enduring experiences she would prefer had not happened at all. Because of this, she now knows far too much to hold judgment based on how she imagines she would behave in circumstances she has never confronted.
It is through her experiences that she has learned to simultaneously protect not only herself with firm and direct communication that never stoops to belligerence, condescension, or abuse. If one must do such harm, one is far less powerful than one attempts to display.
What we tend speak less about when it comes to this highly intelligent Queen is her ability to change her mind where meaningful subjects are concerned. It is one thing to change one’s mind about something relevant but not character altering like deciding the color one’s partner prefers for the kitchen is nice actually. It is another thing altogether to shift a belief or position on an intellectual, political, or spiritual matter. The Queen of Swords, however, made this capacity a priority.
She teaches us that belief and stance are the core objects for belonging within groups and families, but that these same core objects are also the root of social strife and conflict. What is vital to parse here is that tolerance for harmful ideas is no measure of grace nor is it a reflection of what this Queen intends to impart.
The Queen of Swords turns to look at you directly. She tells you it is time to understand that war is no more a blueprint etched on your soul than it is an apple in your eye. She tells you that war is manufactured by architects who make sure that each of us remain deficient of the ability to shift what we think we know without losing who we are.
If beliefs and stances are objects, then why would we allow them to take power over us? Why would we claim them as our identity? We wouldn’t save for being fooled.
To change your point of view is to say: I have reviewed the objects and choose now to arrange these to better reflect what I know reality to be.
The Queen of Swords has sent each of us this message and it is, indeed, a measure of our strength and intelligence to move our own beliefs in what we think we know or what we insist must be.
by Michelle Embree
Author of Daydream Tarot: A Basic Guide for Visionaries
Read Michelle’s monthly Tarot column in ANTIGRAVITY
Listen to Michelle’s podcast SECRET ANTENNA
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