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. 

Reversed:  "You have been involved with a particular set of attitudes or beliefs for a long time.  There is a depth and maturity to the way you understand what you believe.  You've worked out the kinds in what you believe to be "true" about life and are now confident that your values will hold true no matter what comes your way.  You communicate with yourself at a rich and meaningful level." - Gail Fairfield

"Ill-Dignified: A shrew, or a woman who makes catty remarks and gossips. An embittered divorcee, or woman whose heart has been broken by the loss of a loved one or child. She may be cunning, or play at intrigues and cloak-and-dagger games. Too smart for her own good. Clever in her own way, but does not respect or understand the boundaries and emotions of others, thus causes hurt. She may be exiled from family or friends, or carry a grudge for years. Lack of compassion; deny responsibility and blame others. Excessive fault-finding or criticism." - 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

I have drawn the Queen of Swords quite a bit over the past month - five time to be exact.  Her energy -both upright and reversed, has shown it's influence quite a bit over the past month.  Obviously she is trying to tell me something.  Whether I've received her message or not is unclear. 

I have always felt a connection to the Queen of Swords.  Her energy and persona is one with which I am very comfortable.  although she is often portrayed in negative terms, I find her very strong and empowering.  She does not rely on stereotypical "feminine wiles" to get her way.  She uses intellect, logic and wits to achieve her goals.  She is sometimes misunderstood by others and may not always be well liked, but she always does what she believes is right.  She is sometimes seen as being too masculine because she believes that logic and sense should win the day rather than being forced to win the case by guile or charm.  I've often viewed the Queen of Swords as a breath of fresh air - honest to a fault.  She does not like to use deception to achieve her goals.

Of course there is a negative side to her too.  She can sometimes subsume her emotional side so much that she no longer connects to it.  This may leave her unable to understand the motivations of others.  As I've mentioned before, this is a trait with which I can completely identify.  I think the tendency to be sarcastic and very cutting is one of the more negative Queen of Swords traits that I possess too.  Sometimes it can be an asset such as when I'm on a roll and expressing my wittier, comic side.  When I am in a nasty mood I can be quite cutting and vicious.  I'm not always proud of it but I do acknowledge it.

I'm not sure if the Queen of Swords is reminding me that I have these traits and it's time to put them to good use or if she's warning me not to rely solely on her talents.  Perhaps it's a bit of both.  Considering I've drawn her 5 times this month, the Queen of Cups 4 times and the Queen of Wands once, perhaps what they are telling me is that I am quietly developing my inner Queen of Cups (whom I have previously avoided like the plague) but I still keep her well protected by surrounding her with my Swords persona.