The Hollow Queen, a card of strange and unpredictable sadness. This figure is decked out with all the robes and jewels, presented with all the pageantry and yet possess no true power. The Queen of Swords gives off connotations of putting on a happy face; of repressed sorrow and the performance of gaiety. This may simply be perceived impotency, similarly to the seven of swords and its connotations of imposter syndrome. It may be fully self-criticism that has deemed this queen unworthy or unfit to rule. As a mother, this card again suggests a sadness, and a degree of abandonment, not necessarily in a sinister sense but it evokes the widow who has lost a partner and now whose children have grown and left home. She finds herself, for the first time in years, suddenly and completely alone, and cannot help but contemplate what has become of so many selfless years. How does one confront the self after prioritising others for decades? What does one say? What do they do next? As a female mentor, the Queen of Swords is someone who would never know that they are thought of as a mentor, or even looked up to and admired at all. This Queen shares a lot of the nurturing kindness as the Empress, though they would never admit to it, but performs this persona with a lot more dry humour and sharp wit. She proves herself in actions, and though she may not think of herself as a teacher, those who pay close enough attention will learn a lot in compassion, cultivation, brilliance and love.