King of Swords

Swords, court card

Keywords

• authority
• logic
• unvarnished truth
• intellectual command

Upright meaning

Authority, logic, unvarnished truth, intellectual command.

Reversed meaning

Rigidity, abuse of power, argument used as a weapon.

A reversed card isn't simply a bad sign: usually its energy is blocked, turned inward, delayed or excessive.

Image and symbolism

Seated upright, sword slightly tilted — reason, not force.

Element and place in the deck

Swords belong to air. They speak of thoughts, truth, decisions, communication and conflict. Swords show what is happening in the mind and are often the sharpest suit.

The King is the mature outer power of the suit: responsibility, decisions, leadership and experience.

Other cards in this group: Ace of Swords, Two of Swords, Three of Swords, Four of Swords, Five of Swords, Six of Swords, Seven of Swords, Eight of Swords, Nine of Swords, Ten of Swords, Page of Swords, Knight of Swords, Queen of Swords.