King of Swords
Minor Arcana · Suit of Swords
- authority
- intellect
- truth
- clear judgement
- abuse of power
- manipulation
- cruelty
- cold logic
In the picture
A king sits facing forward on a throne decorated with butterflies, holding an upright sword. Clouds and a few tall trees are behind him.
Upright meaning
The King of Swords rules by reason and fairness. He sets clear rules, makes decisions on the facts and speaks the truth. The card can point to expert advice, legal matters or your own need to think clearly.
Reversed meaning
Reversed, intellect is used to control or hurt. The card can warn of manipulation, abuse of authority or logic without compassion.
About the suit of Swords
Swords are the suit of air: thoughts, words, decisions and conflict. Swords cards can be sharp, because they deal with truth, worry and the hard choices made in the head. The four court cards of each suit (Page, Knight, Queen and King) can stand for people in your life, or for ways of handling a situation: the curious beginner, the person of action, the one who understands it from the inside, and the one in charge.
