THE QUEENS
The Queens of the Tarot represent not only women, but anyone, male or female, who has reached a level of growth and maturity on the spiritual as well as the material path. This maturity has led them to positions of power and authority. The Queens represent fulfillment and competency.
The Queens are the highest of the Court Cards, for they have attained the highest qualities symbolized within the Major Arcana. All Queens are shown seated on thrones, bearing the emblems of their suits.
The significance of more than one queen in a single spread is as follows.
| Four Queens in a Single Spread | Governments and institutions |
| Three Queens in a Single Spread | Groups of women; powerful friends |
| Two Queens in a Single Spread | Gossip or slander |
QUEEN OF CUPS
Water of Water
The Queen of Cups is the Sensate One, The Feeler. She is ruled by the dreamy, romantic sign of Pisces and represents the emotional part of Water. She gives free rein to her emotions, and is the Mother Spirit.
The individual represented by this card is a reflection of those around her. She gives an illusion of dreaminess and tranquility. She gives and receives all without being emotional affected by it. She represents the pinnacle of emotional maturity and balance. As with the Empress, she nourishes the needy.
This card emphasizes the need to open up and allow true feelings to show. Although there may be those who do not understand, there should be commitment and sharing with those who do. It speaks of emotional balance. Both lust and love are necessary. However, they should be balanced, the instinct in harmony with the transcendent.
Symbolism
| Hidden Queen: | Symbolic of the inability to understand intellectually what can only be felt |
| Lotus blossom: | Represents a loving, compassionate disposition; altruistic love |
| Blue light: | The light of enlightenment; of emotional transformation |
| Water Depth: | Symbolizes the depth of emotional maturity, as well as the depths of emotions |
| Two lotuses: | Represent emotional balance |
| Reflection: | Represents awareness, honesty, and openness of emotions |
| Stork: | Symbolizes fertility |
| Shell cup: | Contains Cancer the Crab, and is a symbol of domesticity |
Interpretation
DIGNIFIED: |
Easily influenced by others; dreamy. Imagination and affectionate. Experiences emotions at a deep level, yet allows others to feel theirs. Tender and artistic; a woman in love. |
ILL-DIGNIFIED: |
Frustration in love or romance. Emotions are exaggerated and superficial. Caught up in romance and seduction. |
QUEEN OF WANDS
Water of Fire
The Queen of Wands is known as The Seer. She represents the watery, emotional part of Fire and is ruled by Aries. She symbolizes self-knowledge, compassion, and change. She illustrates the traits of adaptability, energy, and authority. The Queen of Wands is the most perceptive member of the Royalty. She has undergone complete Self-Transformation and is committed to Truth, which she can instantly perceive. Achieved through deep meditation, her emotional aspect is portrayed through her compassion for all creatures who are still in bondage to their emotions.
The individual represented by this card radiates an inner authority which comes from knowing who and what she is. She has a calm and commanding presence. She is generally kind and generous, but will not allow opposition. She is stubborn in her beliefs. and cannot stand for anyone to contradict them. She makes a terrific friend and lover, but only if she can initiate the relationship; she will not be forced.
Symbolism
| Crown: | Represents enlightenment and remembrance of pain experienced in the achievement of it |
| Dark spots on leopard: | Symbolic of the darkness in our life which must be overcome before attaining self-realization |
| Fish Symbol: | Appearing on her breast, symbolic of the union of water and fire, of emotion and intuition. Represents compassion and sensitivity |
| Staff: | Extends beyond the border of the card, symbolizing the need to remain grounded in the search for self-actualization |
| Pine Cone: | Symbolizes spiritual growth and enlightenment |
| Fiery Colors: | Symbolize strength, energy, and passion |
| Hand on Leopard: | Symbolic of protectiveness towards all unself-actualized creatures |
Interpretation
DIGNIFIED: |
Success of a goal. High degree of personal integrity and maturity. Self-knowledge and self-confidence. The perfect person in which to confide. |
ILL-DIGNIFIED: |
Self-assurance and self-confidence, though this may not be evident to others; a loner. Restlessness, rigidity, jealousy, and domineering natures. Disregard for other's feelings. |
QUEEN OF SWORDS
Water of Air
The Queen of Swords is the watery part of Air. She is the Crystallizer, the Judgement. She cuts through the masks and securities of the old world. Her vision is farsighted and cannot be trapped by today's illusions. She advises risk-taking by accepting new roles and breaking old habits. In doing so, she promises understanding and liberation.
The individual represented by this card will be attempting to separate from old roles and habits. There should be awareness of the individual's role in family, friendships, and society as a whole. This will not be accomplished without pain, but the rewards will be worth it.
This individual has an accurate perception of the world and its people. She has strong powers of observation, passionate individuality, and is confident in her actions.
Symbolism
| Sword: | Symbolic of slicing through the masks of illusion |
| Crystals: | Symbolize new clarity and understanding |
| Old Head: | Represents old habits which have been cut away |
| New head: | Represents the emergence of the child of innocence |
| Queen's Post: | Her location high above the clouds symbolizes farsightedness and the ability to see things different perspectives; awareness |
Interpretation
DIGNIFIED: |
Intelligence, complexity, perceptiveness. Strong in communication. Aggressive, hard-working, and capable. Able to lead a different lifestyle without being threatened by others. |
ILL-DIGNIFIED: |
Deceit, cunning, narrow-mindedness, and intolerance. Danger of insecurity and neurosis. Possible sexual dysfunction. |
QUEEN OF PENTACLES
Water of Earth
The Queen of Pentacles is the Succeeder, and represents the watery part of Earth. She is ruled by Capricorn. Within this card are the seeds of an inner knowing there is more than this physical world. Though success has been achieved, sometimes at great cost, it has still left an emptiness inside. This card can sometimes represent one who is ready to step on the path of the Seeker.
The individual represented by this card is self-sufficient. She has achieved success, and feels her dues have been paid. She takes pride in all that she has accomplished. She is rooted in the material with wealth and health. However, for all her past successes, this individual will still be looking for something. She probably will not know where to look or exactly what she is looking for. She has mastered the material side of life and is now ready to find the spiritual path.
Symbolism
| Throne: | Symbolic of the rewards of achievement. |
| Globe in Hand: | Authority, control. |
| Gold Coins: | Denote financial success. |
| Snake Dress: | Symbolizes concern for health. |
| Goat: | Sign of Capricorn. Represents focus, independence, tenaciousness, and courage. |
| Desert: | Symbolizes the dues she has paid for achievement. |
| Green Oasis: | Symbolizes the comforts of present rewards. |
| Horns: | Represents the desire to see that which is beyond; to evolve. |
| Crystal: | Symbolizes the need to know the true meaning of Life. |
| Extended Staff: | Indicates being rooted in the physical world. |
| Colors: | Symbolize money, health, and attainment. |
| Looking Back: | Symbolizes the knowing that there must be more than what has been achieved. |
Interpretation
DIGNIFIED: |
Business or career person. Security and competence within job or career. Possesses a skill which can be used at any time to earn money. |
ILL-DIGNIFIED: |
Changeability, narrow outlook, suspicious of what is not understood. Spendthrift. Bad for business matters, especially with reference to business partners. |