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

As much as I am wary around the Queen of Cups, I have always adored the Queen of Swords.  To me she has always symbolized an independent, strong-minded, intelligent and occasionally blunt mature woman.  Lunaea chose Barbra Streisand to epitomize her Queen of Swords and I think she's a fabulous choice.  I can also see Hillary Clinton fitting embodying this energy.  Both are powerful women who are not sometimes too blunt for their own good.  Both have been accused of being difficult or temperamental when the reality is that it just doesn't occur to them that they can't play by the same rules as men.  They are as intelligent, as talented and as strong-willed so why shouldn't they be able to achieve the same goals and accomplishments.  They are also women who are strong and talented in their own right.  Perhaps Hillary was able to build a political career after becoming well known during her husband's presidency.  However she also managed to create her own achievements and milestones apart from her husband.  And Barbra certainly does not seem to rely on a man for her success in life.  

My perception of the Queen of Swords is someone who has the ability to cut through the falseness, illusions and obstacles that might block her path.  She is clear in her goals and her sense of direction is focused and unswerving.  She is comfortable wielding her sword, usually in a way that is as painless as possible.  She does not use her skills and gifts to hurt other unnecessarily.  However she does realize, like a surgeon, that sometimes we must excise the dead skin to allow new skin to grow.  Just as dead wood must be cleared out of a forest in order for new growth to occur, we sometimes need to focus on our lives and cut away the friends, jobs, activities which no longer support our ability to grow and expand our horizons.  This can be quite a scary prospect sometimes but at least when we are at one with our inner Queen of Swords we know it will be as painless and therapeutic as possible.

So her message to me today might be that it's time to take a look at my life with a Queen of Swords eye.  I know there are things I hold on to because I dislike change but in reality now might be time to let them go.  That doesn't mean it has to happen all at once, but over a period of time.  However I have to accept it needs to be done, with a sense of clear-mindedness and intelligence rather than malice or anger  Let the cutting begin.