Queens are associated with inner and personal control, competency, maturity, introspection, self-awareness, nurturance, healing and fulfillment.  Cups are associated with the element of water, with emotions, love, pleasure in life, matters pertaining to the unconscious, intuition and inner planes.  The Queen of Cups may be devoted to the needs of family and friends, and at her best shows a radiant, compassionate heart.  She is intuitive and able to tune in to the emotional needs of others.  She's a dreamer who can turn her imaginings into creative activity. 

"Reversed:  Your psychic or intuitive abilities are well-developed and may feel like second nature to you.  You have reached some level of maturity and competency in dealing with your unconscious awareness.  You can rely on your intuitive inspiration." - Gail Fairfield

I think this card ties in with my issues yesterday.  The Queen of Swords and Queen of Cups are opposite ends of the spectrum.  The Queen of Cups has always represented vulnerability and emotional connections, at least to me.  Perhaps she is reinforcing the Queen of Swords' message to me.  It's time to put the sword down for a while and learn to love myself.  That doesn't mean I need to be exposed and vulnerable, simply that I don't always need to be on guard and defensive. 

I've always had issues with the Queen of Cups.  We're not exactly old friends.  In fact she has traditionally been my least favorite of the Tarot Queens.  Over time I am learning to appreciate her gifts.  She is a kinder, gentler influence.  She is subtle in her workings.  Rather than trying to force her way through a brick wall (my usual response to most situations), she uses her skills, grace and charm to work around them.  She is like a river that seeks its own path.  Eventually her gentle persistence will change whatever she comes up against but it is so subtle and slow that the change is not dramatic. 

Maybe that's one of my issues - perhaps I like the drama.  I mean despite all my protests to the contrary, I have never really minded taking center stage in almost any situation.  I like to be noticed and have developed a very dynamic persona to ensure that happens.  I know there is a softer, kinder side to me and some of my close friends have seen her too, but overall that is not as aspect I'm comfortable exposing to most people.  Of course  not manifesting that aspect does not mean it doesn't exist.

I guess my mission, should I chose to accept it, is to figure out how to merge the Queen of Cups into my current personae.  She is a valuable ally and has proven her worth on many occasions.  Now I need to learn to listen to her guidance and honor her more.  Just because she is subtle and gentle in her approach does not mean she is weak.  I think she is a bit like the steel magnolias I have seen Southern women likened to or perhaps the steel hand in a silken glove.  She will not be denied but she achieves her goals in a non-confrontational way.  In the past I have often brushed off this more traditional (almost stereotypical) feminine approach as weak.  I am learning the error of my ways.  Now I need to learn how to actually utilize that energy in a positive and beneficial manner for myself and others in my life.  Perhaps her cleansing energy is one of the keys I need to use to truly heal myself of my inner wounds.