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The King of Swords Tarot card brings a decisive message in Tarot readings. This sour and serious man represents a high authority with respect to intellect and decision making. Associated with authority figures, this card can represent a lawyer, a judge, a police officer, or any other person related to law.
He is in control of himself, and although he has an excellent capacity for public speaking, he does not let himself get carried away by sentimentalities. This card is connected to the energy of Justice Major Arcane. Nevertheless, with the King of Swords Tarot card, moral judgment takes a practical turn and becomes palpable through actions. Impartial, objective, inflexible, and somewhat impatient, this severe man will make sure the law, HIS law, is enforced – strictly.
King of Swords Tarot Card Meanings:
The words associated with the King of Swords Tarot card are action, decision, and intelligence. He can easily wield his sword if you try to fool his. Yet, is he an angry and impulsive man? Not at all. On the contrary, he is the representation of self-control and serenity.
The King of Swords Tarot card is a character who has learned from experience and knows how to control his thoughts. That is why he has the capacity to conquer any goal when he is in charge. Able to accomplish each of his objectives, the King of Swords Tarot card may be somewhat authoritative, but he is also governed by strong ethical patterns.
The King of Swords Tarot Card in the Upright Position:
When the King of Swords Tarot card appears upright in a spread, we are in the presence of a person of excellent leadership skills, self-confidence, and authority. Therefore, their way of communicating is usually through orders rather than vague suggestions. Although the King of Swords Tarot card is qualified to be diplomatic, friendly, and approachable, he prefers to avoid taking any detours.
His vast capacity for discernment, logic, and rational thinking give him the possibility to go beyond the obvious and to read between the lines. This king can judge what is right and what is wrong. That is why he can be somewhat difficult to be around as he is a skilled critic and is continuously evaluating everything that happens around him. Whether he be a director of a large company, a judge, a chief, or a manager of an organization, the King of Swords Tarot card represents accomplished strict leaders.
Furthermore, he has an excellent capacity for teaching, and to some extent, he comes to impose a new order and a new way of doing things. In that sense, he is related to another of the Tarot deck’s great authority figures: the Major Arcane Number 4, The Emperor Tarot card. Seeing the King of Swords Tarot card upright in a reading indicates that everything will go according to plan.
Overall, when this card appears upright in a spread, it indicates that justice, reason, and objectivity will prevail and problems will get solved. Karma manifests itself, and all things will continue in a positive direction for the querant.
The meaning of the Upright King of Swords Tarot card when it comes to:
Love
When it comes to a love reading, the King of Swords Tarot card is not a romantic forecast. This indicates that you can be acting very harshly towards your partner. Criticism, authoritarianism, and some coldness in the relationship may be undermining the feelings you have for each other. It is essential to reconnect with the reasons that you fell in love. Difficulty expressing feelings has soured the way that you communicate with your significant other.
Health
Take the word of your medical advisor. When the King of Swords Tarot card appears upright in a health reading, it means that your attitude and nerves have begun to have effects on your health. The origin of the symptoms you are suffering is in your mind. This does not mean that they are imaginary. On the contrary, they are very real. The thing is that they will vanish only if you learn to control your thoughts.
Work
Stop being so authoritarian with your subordinates or co-workers. The King of Swords Tarot card in a work reading indicates that a male figure of great authority can be the difference between getting promoted or being unemployed in the near future. You have to appeal to reason, facts, and profits to get his support for your project.
Money
It is time to rethink investments and expenses and to avoid splurging. The King of Swords Tarot card brings us a conservative message when it comes to finances. It is time to be practical, austere, and strict. If you are about to apply for a loan, evaluate whether you can afford to pay it off. Alternatively, if someone is borrowing money from you, weigh the chances of recovering it or giving it up for good.
The meaning of the King of Swords Tarot Card in the Reversed Position:
When the King of Swords Tarot card appears reversed, it means that an authority figure has become a tyrant. He uses his ability to reason, think, and analyze to hurt and manipulate others.
He only trusts himself. Therefore, he is unable to recognize his own mistakes or accept different points of view. He lacks practicality and has let perfectionism stop the progress of his projects. Being excessive about details has become a prison for this person of masculine traits who does not know how to face reality and its constant changes.
Loneliness another possibility. The manipulative attitude, poor communication skills, and despotic behaviors have managed to isolate you from your loved ones.
There could be violence, to the point of verbal and physical abuse towards his spouse. When it comes to living together, abuse of authority and humiliation are some of the most negative characteristics of this card.
The meaning of the Reversed King of Swords Tarot card when it comes to:
Love
For singles, finding the reversed King of Swords Tarot card in a reading means that it is not time to get too excited with new prospects. Problems of jealousy, impulsivity, and even violence can arise in the relationship. It is essential to work on communicating better, even with therapy, if necessary.
Health
It is time to work on controlling your impulses and reduce stress. Do not hesitate to listen to advice and seek second and third opinions if necessary so that you can understand what you are feeling right now.
Work
A despotic boss, unjustified dismissals, and problems communicating your ideas. You are in a time of low productivity. It is not a good time to change your career or profession. Tensions in the office, problematic relationships with your co-workers.
Money
When the King of Swords Tarot card appears reversed in a business reading, it implies that you have been making impulsive decisions. You have to think twice before acting. Avoid making decisions that may compromise your savings or your stability.
The King of Swords in a Yes Or No Question:
The talent for assessing situations and solving the problems of the King of Swords Tarot card has no comparison. Intelligent, fair, and objective, he knows when it is time to remain silent, and when it is time to take action. Therefore, when this card appears in a Yes or No Question the answer is: Maybe. Only you can shape your reality.
King of Swords Tarot Card Keywords:
Upright: Laws, a judge, strictness, rules, a supervisor, a chief, a manager, analysis, logic, authority, power, leadership, an observer, justice, wisdom, prudence, balance, honesty, rationality, impartiality, severity.
Reversed: Injustice, prejudices, conflicts, robberies, manipulation, losing control, poor judgment, narrow-mindedness, violence, imposition, despotism, cynicism, arrogance.
King of Swords Imagery and Symbolism:
In the King of Swords Tarot card, we find a crowned man looking at us severely. His stone throne is adorned with cherubs and butterflies. In his hand, he wields a sword that is slightly tilted to the right. He is wearing a blue robe, a purple cape, and a red shirt. In the blue sky, two birds are flying to his left, and there are clouds behind him.
The purple color of its cape is the color of divinity, while blue is related to learning and mental agility. Red is the color of will. Thus, we find a king who can balance action and his ambitions, calculating each movement in his favor. The tilt of his sword speaks of his willingness to take action when necessary.
There is a ring on his hand which indicates his willingness to compromise. The cherubs point to the more ethereal and emotional aspects of the King. Butterflies are the symbol of spiritual transformation. The presence of two birds indicates that this King can establish more prosperous social relationships than his consort, the Queen of Swords, balancing patience with action.
Important Card Combinations:
King of Swords combined with The Moon:
There is someone, a man of authority, who may be plotting something against you. His intentions are unclear, and he has the means to harm you.
Read more about The Moon
King of Swords combined with The Devil:
The interests and wishes of others are truncating the justice you expect to receive. Bribes may be the cause of your legal problems, but the law will prevail.
Read more about The Devil.
King of Swords combined with the Queen of Cups:
It represents a couple in which the female balances the male’s temper through empathy and understanding. When the King of Swords Tarot card appears with any Queen, it is a relationship that needs balance because he might be very distant.
Read more about the Queen of Cups.
King of Swords with the Page of Swords:
There is a tense relationship between father and son that prevents both from showing affection. There are father issues that need to be resolved. Don’t be so severe with your children. Reconcile with your inner child.
Read more about the Page of Swords.
Rider-Waite images used with permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT c. 1971 by U.S. Games Systems.