The Archetype and The Tarot: The Shapeshifter and Queen of Swords

This week, the Shapeshifter and the Queen of Swords are guiding us on a journey of self-discovery and authenticity. Can we accept their challenge to look closely at who we are—beneath the masks, the roles, and the ever-changing external forms we adopt?

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The Shapeshifter Archetype

For me, the Shapeshifter is one of the most fundamental archetypes. Those of us with animist values might recognize that the very building blocks of life—the elements—are shapeshifters by nature. Eternally becoming one form, then another, they maintain an unchanging core while being cloaked in forms that constantly shift. The Shapeshifter is part of our very essence and it is through this pattern that we relate with our powers of resiliency, fluidity, and adaptability.

In the light, the Shapeshifter offers us a gift: the ability to understand differing perspectives. They move like water, flowing with life’s changes, never clinging too tightly to any one identity or paradigm. They don’t over-identify with their roles, which grants them a sense of hope and renewal. They teach us that change is not something to be feared, but something we can choose and embrace with intention.

However, the shadow side of the Shapeshifter tells a different story. When we shift reactively—motivated by fear, insecurity, or the need to please others—we can lose our sense of self. Sometimes the Shapeshifter in the shadow is unable to stop trying on roles to fit the expectations of others, never settling into who they truly are. Because of this, they may have forgotten that they have an unchangeable core essence, a part of themselves upon which they can always rely. As a result, the shadow Shapeshifter may feel invisible or unseen, and could struggle with authentic intimacy with themselves or others.

When the Shapeshifter comes up in a reading, I believe we’re being called towards that elusive notion of identity; to be clear on who we really are, even while we are ever-shifting. What is our core identity? Can we come to know ourselves at that level?

Some questions to consider this week:

• How do I adapt to the changes in my life, and is it from a place of intention or reaction?

• In what ways do I cling too tightly to certain identities or roles?

• What is my unchangeable essence? Can I feel into that part of me that remains steady, even when everything else shifts?

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The Queen of Swords

Here we see a queen seated on a solid-looking throne that’s decorated with butterflies and a cherub. In their right hand, the queen holds steady a large sword. The background is a great expanse of air with puffy, white clouds on the horizon.

I tend to think of the queens of the tarot as the spiritual advisors of the court.

The Queen of Swords is a no-nonsense kind of spiritual advisor. Rather than speaking in soothing tones to us over a cup of herbal tea (looking at you Queen of Pentacles), the Queen of Swords sits us down, looks us in the eye and gives it to us straight. Brutal honesty is their superpower. Like the goddess Kali, they cut right through the bullshit of our lives. Though their tongue may be sharp and cutting, their words possess the wisdom we most need to hear. They know we have what it takes. And their guidance always comes from a place of love (albeit it sometimes it can feel like tough love).

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How does this pair work together?

With these two, I see the Shapeshifter standing before a full-length mirror, struggling to see their true reflection. They shift continuously, appearing as mother, father, friend, lover—all the roles they play in relationship to others. Yet, no matter how hard they try, they cannot glimpse their most intimate self. They are lost in their shifting forms, uncertain of their core identity.

Enter the Queen of Swords.

This queen appears within the mirror, their sword flashing as they cut through the roles and masks. With brutal honesty, they strip away everything the Shapeshifter has been clinging to until all that remains is the one shining, unchangeable essence. They reveal the truth that the Shapeshifter has been seeking all along.

I think this is our call this week: can we channel the Queen of Swords' fierce clarity and sharp wisdom to see ourselves as we truly are? Can we stop the endless shifting and look in the mirror with honesty and compassion?

I can’t wait to discuss who we all discover ourselves to be! Let me know in the comments below! 🤗

SC A&T Mini Ritual Shapeshifter And Queen Of Swords

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