Suit: Suit of Swords
Card Type: Minor Arcana
Tarot Element: Air
Star Sign: Aquarius, Gemini, Libra
Planet: Venus
Angel: Archangel Michael
Key Meaning: Assert Yourself
The King of Swords indicates that you are ready to tell us what you think and how things should be. You are asserting yourself.
A to Z: List of Tarot Cards
King Swords Keywords
🥰Upright: Wisdom, authority, leadership
😒 Reversed: Arrogance, cruelty, manipulation
King of Swords Description
This description is based on the Rider Waite Tarot Deck. A powerful King sits on his throne, holding a sword which points towards the sky and higher truth. A look of intense concentration on his face shows he is about to deliver a judgment or plan. Few will call this merely his opinion. When this King talks, everyone listens.
When the King of Swords turns up in your reading, it means you have enough experience about a subject matter or job to be considered authoritative. Occasionally, it can mean, however, that you are resisting taking on a leadership role or you lack faith in your abilities. Notice the two birds approaching in the distance, in the card. Birds are messengers of the spirit world, and they announce that you are ready now.
All four Kings have specific life lessons to learn. As swords are associated with mind and communication, the lesson here is to communicate what you have learnt, experienced or discovered during your life.
Court Card Personality Traits
The King is one of the Tarot court cards. This King is usually a person over 30 who is well educated, most likely with a professional career. He is logical and speaks his mind, and is skilled at solving problems. Not usually the most spontaneous person you’ve met, he does enjoy a set routine and an orderly environment. This person often climbs to the top of his career and is highly respected by peers. King of Swords celebrities include Ralph Lauren (designer), Michael Bloomberg (billionaire investor) and Paul Allen (co-founder of Microsoft). This card is associated with sun signs Aquarius, Gemini and Libra.
LOVE: What does The King of Swords Mean when You Ask About Love?
When the King of Swords turns up in a love reading, the meaning will depend on whether or not you are in a relationship.
❤️ If you asked will I find love? – the answer is Yes. Your new love is likely to be an air sign, that is Aquarius, Gemini or Libra. Regardless of gender, they will embrace some of this court card’s personality traits (see above).
❤️ If you asked how do they feel about me? – This may be a case of opposites attract. What they like about you, is that you are different and spark them to think or act in new ways.
❤️ If you are having relationship issues, this card guides you to be less emotional and more logical at this time. What exactly do you want to happen? If you keep flip-flopping, then you end up going nowhere.
CAREER: What does This Card Signify When You Ask About Work?
If your question relates to work, business, career or study and you receive the King of Swords, then your guidance is:
⭕ If you have doubts about your abilities or worry that others are not impressed with you – stop. You’ve got this.
⭕ You are too concerned about being liked, and it is holding you back. That wild idea, project or business may never see the light of day otherwise.
⭕ If you are struggling with your studies or exams, keep going. It will be worth the effort.
Jobs associated with this card include: Lawyer, barrister, tech industry, soldier, human rights activist, preacher, government administration, security, investment banking and CEO.
MONEY: What is the Meaning of King of Swords in a Money Reading?
💲 If you asked the Tarot about finances, and you receive the King of Swords, it means this is a good time to put structure around your income and spending. For example, start a budget or put a savings plan or pension scheme in place.
Tarot Card Combination Meanings
“King of Swords combined with Justice” – A decision goes in your favor.
“Combined with The Devil” – Do what’s right, not what’s easy.
“King of Swords combined with The Moon” – Higher powers are inspiring you with ideas.
HEALTH: What does The King of Swords Mean When You Ask About Health?
When you asked about health – mind, body or spirit – this card means that you will benefit from putting a routine or structure in place. For example, if you want to lose weight then start by planning your meals a week ahead. If you want to reduce stress, then make an effort to eliminate the sources of your stress, where possible.
Health conditions associated with this card include: Arthritis, brain fog, migraines and fertility issues.
YES/NO: Does The King of Swords Mean Yes or No in a Reading?
❓ When you ask a Yes or No question and this card turns up, then the answer is not clear. What actions you take now, will affect the outcome.
TIMING: Does The King of Swords Predict any Particular Timeframe?
🕔 This Tarot card is only a timing indication when you specifically asked a timeframe question. For example, if you want to know if something will happen, and when, then you need to draw two separate cards. These are in fact, two separate questions. This is a fundamental principle to understand if you want an accurate tarot reading – and it is core to my teaching in my book Tarot in 5 Minutes.
🕔 Using my timing method, the King of Swords is about 14 days. If the card is reversed, timing will be slightly longer – so up to 21 days.
Karina’s Timing Method:
Swords are days. Wands are weeks. Cups are months and Pentacles are years. Please note this is my personal timing method. Feel free to adopt it (or not).
What is the Meaning of The King of Swords Reversed?
When our King is upside down then he falls unceremoniously from his throne. This means:
✔️Someone is being unfair or cruel.
✔️There may be cause for a lawsuit.
✔️Someone is abusing their position of power. This is being done quietly and secretly.
✔️Other keywords associated a reversal include: arrogance, hypocrisy, prejudice, sexism and racism.
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King of Swords Symbolism
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Previous Card: Queen of Swords
Complete List: Tarot Card Meanings
Karina, author of Tarot in 5 Minutes.
