From the Hoi Polloi Tarot, the Queen of Swords; from the I Ching Pack, Thunder Over Wind (hexagram 32):
An unbelieved truth can hurt a man much more than a lie. It takes great courage to back truth unacceptable to our times. ―John Steinbeck
The Queen of Swords has a knack for seeing through any distraction or deflection. This ability allows her to be a truth teller. But doing so doesn't put her on many favorites lists, and in fact might be dangerous. As the tail-end of Steinbeck's quote states: "There's a punishment for it, and it's usually crucifixion." Maybe not literally, but definitely metaphorically. Which makes sense for the 32nd Hexagram to appear since it relates to constancy, perseverance and holding firm. As William Faulkner wrote, "Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed."
