King of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
Upright keywords
Reversed keywords
King of Swords upright
The King of Swords presides serenely, sword steady and gaze straight ahead, while butterflies adorn his throne. He embodies the authority that comes from knowledge, ethics and strategic thinking. As a person, he is rational, fair and highly analytical, someone who listens to all sides before deciding. He may represent a mentor or anyone whose word carries weight. In your reading, he asks you to act from reason, with clear principles and without giving in to outside pressure.
King of Swords reversed
Reversed, intelligence is put at the service of control or manipulation. It can reflect rigidity, coldness or abuse of authority, in other people or in yourself. It also warns of decisions made without thinking about those who will be affected. Balance reason with humanity.
The suit of Swords
The suit of air: the mind and the word. The Swords speak of thoughts, decisions, truths and conflicts.