The Queen of Swords is often seen as a dominant, intelligent and independent woman.  In fact she is sometimes referred to as "the widow" because she is perceived as capable of doing things alone.  But I think her reality is much more subtle than that.  It's not that she doesn't need a man or a partner, it's that she doesn't depend upon them for her existence.  She exists and thrives separate and apart.  She is confident of her opinions and thoughts and effectively communicates her ideas and philosophy.  She can be diplomatic when the need arises and cutting when the occasion calls for it.  I often associate the Queens with the element of Earth.  So the Queen of Swords would represent Earth of Air.  She combines the traits of sensing and thinking.  She is at ease in her physical space but does not become lost in it. 

"Your mental faculties are well-tuned.  You are expressing your philosophy, fully and powerfully, through your lifestyle and activities.  You are not likely to be threatened by other peoples' lifestyles because you are sure of your own.  Your communication process is strong and effective, you are powerful in presenting your ideas because you understand them so thoroughly." - Gail Fairfield

"A clever, well-informed woman. One who has gifts with language, ideas, law, organization, information transfer or teaching. May be gifted in mathematics as well; or have multiple talents that include art and music. She will use her intelligence to assist others, or to help them organize their plans. She is a brilliant strategist, and an excellent partner in business if she has dedicated her loyalties, persistence and organizational skills to the outcome. A witty woman who loves to dance. Sometimes a widow or divorcee, or alone by choice. If married, she chose her partner for intellectual qualities." - Whispering Tarot companion book

"Knowing how to view the best aspect of a situation is a quality that belongs to those who are determined and do not underestimate the risks." - Spirit World LWB

This seems to tie in nicely with my take on yesterday's card.  The Queen of Swords is the Morrigan.  She uses her sword to carefully and determinedly excise any part of me that are dead or useless.  She is usually very focused and careful with her sword but sometimes she does draw blood - I do so have a tendency to squirm.  She is focused and powerful and also very clear that she knows what is in my best interests.  Naturally I disagree with her on occasion.  After all who knows me better than me.  Well it turns out that very often - she does.  She looks into those places I prefer to avoid and decides what lessons I need to learn.  Then she sets about forcing me to face those lessons.  She is quick-witted and subtle - although not always diplomatic. 

I think the Queen of Swords also represents as aspect of myself that I need to fine tune more.  I have often seem myself as very at home in the Queen of Wands skin - dynamic, opinionated, strong-willed and passionate about life.  Unfortunately sometimes that dynamic and forceful approach to life turns other people off.  I beat them over the head so strongly that they get a headache and go away.  The Queen of Swords is just as opinionated and strong-willed but she possesses a subtlety and diplomacy that I lack.  Her sword is a weapon but she uses it so skillfully and with such finesse that her opponents often don't realize she has drawn blood.   It's not that I have to give up my Queen of Wands ways (I don't think that's possible) but a healthy dose of the Queen of Swords energy would certainly prove to be of unlimited benefit.