King of Swords Tarot Card – Keywords
Upright
Strength, Determination, Professionalism
Reversed
Psychopathy, Abuse of Power, Poor leader
King of Swords Tarot Card Description
The final card in the Suit of Swords shows a stern King sitting on a stone throne adorned with symbols. The butterfly is a symbol of immortality and transformation. The crescent moons represent the cycle of time and connection to the heavens. Alternatively seen as sickles, they also symbolize truth, harvest, and life cycles.
Like previous swords court cards, a swift wind blows through the King of Swords card. Air is the element of thought and communication, suggesting a need to think before you speak.
The King has an air of authority, sharpened by his gaze and stern expression. He holds a large sword in one hand extending it outward with a gesture that speaks of strength and justice. His facial features are dignified and set with considered thoughtfulness.
Lastly, his double-edged sword represents the power of words and intellect. The sword is a reminder that whenever there is an issue, it can be solved with thought instead of force or violence. However, it is also a reminder of what the King is capable of, if necessary.
Upright King of Swords Tarot Card Meanings
The King of Swords tarot card represents the qualities of intelligence, justice, authority, and leadership. This card reminds us to be decisive and fair while making difficult decisions.
When this card appears in a reading, the Swords encourages you to take control over your life by gathering facts and making informed decisions. It can also suggest that you approach conflicts with reason and logic, rather than emotional outbursts.
The King of Swords can represent a person in your life who is intelligent, focused, and analytical. This could be a professional figure such as a lawyer or teacher, or someone you look up to for their logical approach to problems. It can also suggest that you embody these qualities yourself when taking on difficult tasks or tackling certain situations.
As a fatherhood card, the King of Swords can represent the ideal father figure, one who is both wise and fair. He encourages us to take responsibility for our own actions and make decisions that are best for our future.
King of Swords as a Person
The King of Swords person has a sharp intellect. He sees the big picture but can also analyze and discern the details. He is an authoritative figure who uses his power for justice, not tyranny. The King has a firm grasp of reality and acts without emotion or bias.
When you think of the King of Swords person in your life, picture someone with strong self-discipline. They could be a personal trainer, a former alcoholic, or someone with an unshakable work ethic. This mature male is someone who knows things because he’s seen things, and he is likely someone who introduces more structure into your life and encourages you to be your best self.
King of Swords – Love Meaning
When you pull the King of Swords card in a love tarot reading, he likely represents your romantic partner. This man possesses great intellectual power and stimulates you mentally. He has high standards for his relationships but doesn’t expect more of you than he expects of himself. As a lover, he likes to take control in the bedroom and thrives off of clear feedback.
In a soulmate reading, this card implies that your true love is fiercely loyal with a logical mind. His sun and moon are likely in an air sign.
Situationally, this card says you need the King’s decisiveness in a matter of love. Find a partner that connects with you on a physical and emotional level, and do not settle for less.
The King of Swords love card is also an indicator that you need to take a leadership role in your relationship. Your partner may be too passive or indecisive to take on this role, and it is up to you to be the responsible one. Step up and make sure you both know where you stand.
King of Swords – Health Meaning
Tarot imagery factors into each card’s meaning, and the King’s blue tunic is particularly relevant in a health reading. Buddism associates the color blue with purity and healing. The Swords King represents a person or treatment that speeds along your recovery process.
Querents often turn to the Tarot when an illness or injury concerns them. In this case, the King of Swords advises you to consult a power of authority (aka healthcare providers) to get to the bottom of the issue.
In terms of mental health, the King symbolizes a wise mind that can take on emotional obstacles. He encourages you to take charge and be proactive in your healing.
The King is also a reminder to stay vigilant and protect your body and mind from harm. Take the small actions that will serve as your sword against bad health. Wear your seatbelt or helmet. Don’t “hate-follow” or fall down a true crime rabbit hole before bed. Remove things from your life that threaten your mental clarity, and you’ll follow the advice of the King.
King of Swords – Financial and Career Meaning
The King of Swords tarot card is a signifier of success, and it often appears in financial readings. When it comes to financial matters, this card encourages you to keep your wits about you and consider every option before making a move.
In terms of career advice, the King encourages you to take control of your destiny. With the help of the Two of Wands card, you can take an entrepreneurial path and do something that will bring in the financial rewards you deserve.
The King symbolizes those who are in positions of power over finances. He can stand for a manager or boss with a sharp eye for detail and an understanding of budgets. As this is a fatherhood tarot card, it could also represent a financial advisor, lawyer, or accountant who could guide you in the right direction.
King of Swords Reversed Meaning in a Tarot Spread
In the reversed position, the King of Swords has a broken moral compass. Power-hungry ambitions taint his clear thinking. Intellectual conversations become one-sided monologues.
The King is no longer a monarch appointed by God. He is a harsh god in his own right.
At its worst, this card symbolizes an abuser. Abusive behavior can come in many forms, from psychological manipulation to physical violence. The Swords King reversed is prone to verbal abuse and could be an indicator of an emotionally controlling person.
When the King of Swords card appears in your tarot spread reversed, it’s a warning that you may be going against your better judgment. You’re likely to struggle with making decisions at this time. An external authority figure might also challenge you or push their ideas onto you, preventing you from finding clarity and direction.
Finally, the reversed King of Swords tarot card speaks to the tendency for people in power to become complacent and corrupt. Those with a family title or corporate job may become apathetic, believing that their role comes with immunity from consequences. This card warns of the dangers of believing that you can do whatever you want without repercussions. It is important to remember that all actions have consequences, and those at the top must take responsibility for their decisions.
Reversed King of Swords as a Person
Every King is a composite archetype made up of various archetypes. The crooked politician, egotistical boyfriend, and absent father are all represented by the reversed Swords King.
In its most basic form, the reversed King of Swords is someone who uses their power and intellect to manipulate others. Although they thirst for power, they cannot handle the responsibility. When the going gets tough, they turn and run.
This card also represents someone who lacks empathy or understanding for those in pain. They may find it difficult to put themselves in other people’s shoes and instead focus on their own needs and desires.
Tarot Kings
Card | Upright | Reversed |
---|---|---|
King of Wands | Preparedness, Protection | Intolerant, Impatient |
King of Pentacles | Charisma, Strength, Strategy | Belligerence, Overbearing, Windbag |
King of Cups | Balanced Male Energy, Perceptive, Self-Assured | Power-hungry, Controlling, Cruel |
King of Swords | Strength, Determination, Professionalism | Psychopathy, Abuse of Power, Poor leader |
King of Swords Reversed – Love Meaning
The reversed King of Swords meaning is negative for a love reading. Someone’s intellect or desire for power is getting in the way of their relationship. It could be that one partner is dominating conversations and overpowering the other, preventing them from having an equal voice.
Furthermore, the reversed King of Swords points to a lack of communication or an unwillingness for one partner to talk about their feelings. They may be cold and distant, lacking empathy for the other’s emotions.
Finally, this card could indicate that someone uses their influence to manipulate their partner. They control them by offering money, gifts, or favors in exchange for obedience.
Once the gifts lose their shine, the King will start putting down his partner and targeting their insecurities. Strategically, he disregards all your knowledge and spotlights what you don’t know, especially in front of other people. At social gatherings, he utilizes big words and lofty topics to demonstrate his intellectual power and diminish your own.
Unless you want to spend a vast amount of your relationship fighting back tears, the best course of action is to cut yourself free from the reversed King. Otherwise, your bedroom will be a dungeon.
King of Swords Reversed – Career or Financial Meaning
In a career tarot reading, the reversed King of Swords is someone who tries to make himself look important instead of focusing on getting results. He may be full of big ideas but lacks the necessary actions to see them through. In other words, the King carries the sword but doesn’t know how to use it.
This card can also represent someone who has created an illusion that they are in control and know what they’re doing when really they don’t. They can come across as authoritative and intimidating, but they’re no Emperor. Really, they just have a lot of hot air. Although they may hold a higher title or position than you, it’s important to remember that wisdom and knowledge are not determined by rank.
In a financial tarot spread, the reversed King of Swords is a big spender who can’t foot the bill. The King wears the flashiest robes and the most expensive jewelry, but when it comes to paying for it all, he’s not so eager. He’ll be the first one to sign up for a fancy dinner and the last one to admit that his credit card has reached its limit.
Lastly, the King of Swords represents someone who is making risky financial decisions or taking shortcuts in their career path. They may be desperate for success and willing to go to any length to get it, even if it means crossing ethical boundaries. Supporting cards like the Devil may suggest that this person is maintaining their lifestyle through shady means, like embezzlement or fraud.
This card warns against unethical behavior and advises you to think twice before making a decision that could have long-term repercussions.
King of Swords Tarot Card Reversed – Health Meaning
As a health card, the reversed King implies a sense of helplessness, powerlessness, and victimization. You may feel like you have no control over your body or the situation at hand. It’s important to remember that although it feels like you are powerless, you still have the power to make decisions and take action in your life.
The King of Swords reversed could also indicate a lack of emotional intelligence when it comes to health. You may be so focused on the physical aspects of your health that you forget to address the mental and emotional ones.
You may also be taking out the stress from your health problems on other people. Friends, family, and caregivers bear the brunt of your verbal assaults. Direct your energy into your recovery, or you risk losing more than your good health along the way.
King of Swords Tarot Card – Timing Meaning
Swords represent months in our Tarot timing methods, so the King of Swords indicates an event occurring after or during a period of 14 months.
Winter is also associated with the Swords, as is the sign of Aquarius.
The King of Swords represents power, authority, and decisions. In a timing spread, it can indicate something happening after long contemplation or deliberation. It’s also possible that an official ruling will be handed down, either from a court system, legal case, or government agency.
Finally, this card could represent a decision-maker coming into play – someone who has the power to make a judgment or ruling that can have far-reaching consequences. You may be waiting on the outcome of something for months, only to finally receive a verdict from someone in power.
King of Swords Tarot Card Meaning – Yes or No
The King of Swords tarot card is generally seen as a positive omen in terms of yes/no questions. Upright, it suggests that the answer to your question is ‘Yes’ and that you should use your intelligence and knowledge to achieve success.
Questions For the King of Swords Tarot Card
- Do I need to be more direct with someone?
- Is it time for me to exercise authority and make a ruling?
- What kind of leader am I?
- Are my decisions being influenced by someone in a position of power?
- How do I use my influence?
Long Live The Kings of Tarot
The King of Swords tarot card is a reminder of the price of power and the consequences of its use. It is a warning to be mindful of the power dynamics at play in any situation and to let our inner logic guide us. This card advises us to respect ourselves, practice emotional intelligence and self-care, and always stand up for our beliefs and values, no matter what.
If you enjoyed this article about the King of Swords tarot card, be sure to check out our other articles on tarot and its many meanings! With informed insights, up-to-date information, and intuitive advice, we’re here to help.
Suit of Swords
Card | Upright | Reversed |
---|---|---|
Ace | Initiative, Clarity, Focus | Boredom, Insecure, Shy |
Two | Denial, Impasse, Decisions | Conflicted, Information Overload, Action |
Three | Heartbreak, Betrayal, Cardiovascular Issues | Following Your Passion, Faith, and Strength from Suffering |
Four | Rest, Peace, Isolation, Meditation | Refusal, Anxiety, Exhaustion |
Five | Bullying, Ego, Entitled | Moral Rebellion, Conflict Resolution, Grudges |
Six | Moving Away From Battle, Seeking Calmer Waters | Procrastination, Passive Aggressive, Wrong Place/Wrong Time |
Seven | Thief, Spy, Turncoat | Loyalty, Brotherhood, Tribe |
Eight | A Prison of Your Own Making, Jail, Self-Pity | Integrity, Standing For What You Believe In |
Nine | Obsessing, sleepless nights, regret | Spirituality, Revelation, Learning from the Past |
Ten | Health issues, Exhaustion, Surrender | Hope, Acceptance, Renewal |
Page | Clear Communication, Curiosity, Thoughtfulness | Irritable, Inexperienced, Unwanted. |
Knight | Quick Wit, Overbearing, Crusader, Tunnel Vision | Unreliable, Aggressive, Perverse, Abrupt |
Queen | Honesty, Assurance, Refined, Discerning | Ice Queen, Distant, Cruel |
King | Strength, Determination, Professionalism | Psychopathy, Abuse of Power, Poor leader |