Queens in the Tarot

I don't know why I didn't think of this for P and K week, as these are generally the cards I have the most trouble with. I'll do one for Pages, Knights and Kings anyway as I really feel I need the extra experience with them. It's more that I am unsure of the universal meanings of the court cards and how they relate to the other cards and their elemental affiliations. When I am doing a reading I usually rely on my intuition for these cards, but I also feel that getting the hang of the universal meanings would benefit me greatly. I have used the 'Tarot Revealed' book to help me here, but also my own intuition and understanding and interpretation of the cards based on elemental knowledge and personal experience.

General meaning of the Queens

For me, the queens are about the feminine qualities of feelings and emotions, intuition and nurturing and correspond to the element of water. They can describe a woman over the age of 21 or someone with the specific qualities inherent in the card. For example, the queen of cups can also relate to a young male who is very aware of his emotions and family oriented. 

Each of the suits corresponds to a particular element which has an effect on the specific meanings of the cards. I will go into detail in the next section, but as I recently discovered no element is independent of the other, so there are always going to be elemental overlap! The basic gist is as follows:

- queen of cups: watery part of water, which is equal to 100% emotion.

- queen of wands: watery part of fire, which is emotionally directed passion or passion for emotional fulfillment. 

- queen of swords: watery part of air, which is analytical approach to emotions.

- queen of pentacles: watery part of earth, which is practical application of emotions or someone who is grounded in their emotions.

I like these correspondences, and feel that an understanding of this connection will add depth to my readings. 

Specific suit meanings

As unsaid earlier, I have used the book as the basis for my research but have applied my own perspective and intuitive interpretation to it in places, making connections for myself that will help me understand the cards better. 

Queen of Wands - success through inner strength and acting upon emotions.

This combines the fiery, passionate and enthusiastic characteristics of fire with the emotional nature of water. These people love a challenge and can use their intuition to manifest their desires. The watery aspect of the queen lends patience to an otherwise impatient element. They are usually very strong and independent, with a tendency to speak their mind, often void of diplomacy. They mean well yet get lost in the moment. They are enthusiastic, energetic and outgoing and happy to help in any situation but can overlook the fact they were not asked for it! The lesson in this card is to find a balance between relationship and career, as these queens tend to focus on one at the cost of the other. 

Queen of Cups - success through listening to your feelings and intuition; employing creative imagination.

As the watery part of water, I'd describe these queens as pure emotion. They focus on their family and relationships and get more out of emotional fulfillment than any other aspect of relationships. Their focus will be on unions and true emotional intimacy. These women can be over emotional if not disciplined, but this sensitivity allows them to be great listeners, often taking on the counselling role. When this discipline is mastered they will be able to direct their emotions and inherent creativity to create something of beauty. The lesson of this queen is to listen to your heart and intuition when making decisions and planning a course of action. 

Queen of Swords - success through clarity of thought. 

As the watery aspect of air, these women will apply their intellect to their emotions and try to make sense of them. They are analytical and logical in all things, preferring the rational to the emotional. They have developed an intellectual understanding of life and tend to be able to see above emotional turmoil as a result. They welcome new experiences but analyse that which approaches. They have a quick wit making them excellent talkers, but you must be listening in case you miss their subtle sense of humour. These queens are the 'watchers' of the world. They will try to discover the reasons for people's behaviour through an analysis of their mannerisms and actions. As a result, they are often the best judges of character as they often see that which other people miss. Their shrewd understanding of human behaviour and their own experiences allows them to give the best advice; it is founded on rationality and deep thought. Their relationships will be based upon an intellectual match and you will need to challenge them on this level to keep them interested. The lesson in this queen is to observe opportunities as they approach and focus on gaining clarity of thought through careful consideration of your emotional reactions to guard against repeating last patterns.

Queen of Pentacles - success through trust in your own abilities and practical and realistic approach to emotions and intuition.

As the watery aspect of earth, these reliable, dependable women will be down-to-earth in their approach to their emotions. They look at what is real and assess their emotions on a practical level and discard any that are of little use. They enjoy all aspects of the physical world, from animals and plants to good food. As a result they will take pride in their bodies and look after them, eating healthy foods and exercising regularly. These women love routine and physical contact, becoming disconnected in a relationship without it. They have tested the limits of their abilities and are confident within them, having gained an emotional understanding of herself. These women have an excellent business sense, usually with a little near egg off to the side for a rainy day. Not given over to spontaneity, they work hard for long term gains in over and career. The lesson of this queen is to work towards lasting success in relationships and career and also to be grounded in your emotions when making decisions for success. 

As a cusping water/fire sign, I have as yet not gained a deep understanding of he element of earth, but this had helped on what I would call a superficial level. If nothing else it has highlighted a need for me explore this element more. 

Still, the above exercise has helped me to see the deeper aspects of the Queens and to understand how they are different. I hope it has helped you as much!! Feel free to add any comments below that will help deepen my knowledge!