The Four Queens

One day I felt a bit lonely and washed out. There was no solid reason behind it but my stomach churned with a vague worry. The old woman’s eyes examined me over the rim of her cup.

“You need the Queen of Clubs my dear,” she said before taking a sip of tea.

“I’m sorry?”

“Hmm,” she nodded, rummaged down the side of the cushion, and whipped out a pack of playing cards.

Her hands shuffled through the deck throwing four cards down on the table before scooping them up and presenting them in a fan-shape.

“The Four Queens. You can name them?”

Before I could answer, she rattled off “…The Queen of Diamonds, the Queen of Hearts, the Queen of Spades, and the Queen of Clubs..”

“Um, Yes that’s them.”

“Very good. And what can we learn from them?”

I shrugged.

“Everything!” Her little fist pounded the armrest.“You must learn to be be a bit of each, but not too much of any. You must play each card at the right time but know when to put her back into the deck.”

“Oh.” I had no idea what she was talking about.

The woman peered into my eyes. “I’ll have to explain further…”. And then she did.

The Queen of Diamonds

“The first is the Queen of Diamonds. She is pure and beautiful because she sees beauty in everything.

She is the Queen of art, inspiration, curiosity and creativity and can get equally excited about a painting or a pigeon. She pauses for a long time just to drink in the quiet beauty of a passing moment - the wind tickling leaves, the sunlight in friends’ laughter, milk billowing into a cup of coffee. She sees the timeless in all that is temporary. It can take absolutely forever to walk anywhere with her.

So, when should we play the Queen of Diamonds? When we need to pause, reflect, appreciate, and let inspiration greet us. When we have to remember that there’s more to life than first meets the eye. A cynical mind delights in making the world hollow, this Queen delights in the depths of magic, mysteries, and meaning.

However, don’t play this card for too long. The Queen of Diamonds is so swept away in beauty that she never quite gets around to turning that inspiration into action. Use her sister card to get things done…

The Queen of Spades

The Queen of Spades is hard-working and connected to the earth. She is a squat woman with firm feet and a strong back. She is not one for wandering through meadows or letting her mind drift with the stars. No, she knuckles down and gets doing.

She is the Queen of action, work, consistency, and dogged persistence. She thinks talking and dreaming is fine but it’s action that really matters. She pushes her limits, scoffs at excuses, and never gives up.

When should we play the Queen of Spades? When we feel the desire but lack the drive. When it can wait until tomorrow. When we give up. This Queen doesn’t worry about failure, instead she grits her teeth, straightens her shoulders and tries again. She sees talent transformed to action, potential become realised, and dreams become reality.

However, be careful not to play this card too long. This Queen is so focused on work that satisfaction is always just out of reach. She forgets that life is not a task to be tackled or a game to be won but is also an experience. That is why we need her sister card...

The Queen of Hearts

The Queen of Hearts has welcoming arms for squishy hugs and a big joyful body that shakes with laughter. She sees the best in everyone and recognises their struggles and sadness. She quietly does what she can to improve life for others and asks for nothing in return.

She is the Queen of friendship, humility, compassion, and love. She never worries about her place in this world and instead is grateful to be a small part of it. She never judges, or holds grudges, and is never deliberately hurtful. Her legacy is the lives she touched and those who will remember her with a fond smile.

When do we play the Queen of Hearts? When we forget our connection to others and become weary of life. When we see the world as cruel and cold and isolate ourselves. When we feel lonely. The Queen of Hearts reminds us to find the good and give strength to it. She reminds us that making a real difference does not have to be a celebrated achievement, it can be small and sincere like a smile to a stranger or a call to an old friend.

However do not play this card alone. The Queen of Hearts cares so much for others that she forgets herself. She has to remember that though she’s not above others, she is not beneath them either. That is where her sister comes in..

The Queen of Clubs

The Queen of Clubs is willing to fight for what she believes in. She is the rebel - strong, intelligent, and resilient. She has piercing eyes and a mind that whirls with questions, passion, and debate. She is not afraid to go against the crowd and speak up for what she believes is right. She trusts her gut feeling. She questions the received wisdom. She takes a stand.

She is the Queen of individuality, tenacity, and bravery. She knows that sometimes our principles call us to step out of our comfort zone and into an unforgiving spotlight. She is not deterred by obstacles, ashamed of being different, or afraid of standing alone.

When should we play the Queen of Clubs? When our voice is getting lost in the crowd, when others decide the meaning of our lives for us, when we feel insignificant. This Queen sees life as a rich symphony and knows that for the music to soar each of us must play our unique, true note to its fullest strength.

However do not play this card alone. The Queen of Clubs’ passion can stir to anger. Every day becomes a battle, every discussion an argument ,and every stranger an enemy. She can become too sure of her own views and too quick to disregard others.

To lead a balanced life we should play with all four cards but not one exclusively. We must work hard but pause to recognise the beauty around us, we must be passionate and confident but we must not lose our connection to others or value our journey above theirs.

*****

“And so my dear, perhaps today you need the Queen of Clubs, though it’s best to take all Four Queens and carry them with you”.

She handed me the cards. And then she shuffled off to make another pot of tea.

I’m on Twitter @theroryjohn