King of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

The King of Swords depicts a powerful, willful, and formidable ruler of human lives, bearing all the trappings of power — a throne, a crown upon his head, a royal mantle on his shoulders. The enormous sword in his hands is not simply a symbol of strength, but a serious weapon which its master is ready to wield without hesitation.

However, the gleam of metal, the piercing gaze, and the unfriendly aspect of the monarch himself inspire terror in those around, so very few willingly approach such a stern man. Enemies tremble, and even friends are wary of the King of Swords' harsh temperament.

The tarot card King of Swords likely points to an authoritative man in your circle — a father, brother, husband, leader, or protector. This person wields power over your life, and in any difficult situation, you turn to him for practical help or advice. A significant advantage of the King of Swords is that he doesn't fear difficulties, manages to maintain composure under all circumstances, and relentlessly achieves his goals!

The tarot card King of Swords, when drawn in the upright position, is a good sign, showing the favor of a strong person towards you. You have earned the attention of a powerful patron, and now, thanks to his aid, you can accomplish a great deal. He will be the locomotive that enables you to reach unprecedented heights in your endeavors, attain material prosperity, and secure social status.

Even if there are many ill-wishers around, the King of Swords tarot promises the support of an influential person and, ultimately, the realization of your boldest dreams. This Major Arcana foretells success in business negotiations, a promotion, and logical solutions to the most complex and tangled problems! Achieving your goals will be facilitated by objectivity, clarity, honesty, and adherence to the rules.

Key Meanings of the Upright King of Swords Card

• A powerful patron, protection, strong ally.
• Clear leader, firm hand, rugged man.
• Power, law, civil service, political activity.

The Tarot card of the King of Swords in a reversed position is a warning of danger from a powerful and strong adversary. The reversed arcana points to a known male figure, a competitor or rival, who is against you. His goal is to knock you out of the saddle by any means necessary, to break and subdue you, and he will resort to cunning, baseness, and open conflict. Frequently, the reversed King of Swords appearing in a reading predicts complications with the law or a court case with an unfavorable outcome.

The negative prediction of the reversed King of Swords card can be overcome by a bit of military cunning. To stand your ground in this unequal battle, try to join forces with other people, secure the support of a powerful patron, and if you feel the assault is too harsh - retreat!

Your gentleness, friendliness, and diplomatic skills will help neutralize the King of Sword's anger partially, but it will not be possible to entirely avoid confrontation with him. In any case, this tarot card in its reversed position warns you to prepare for a battle.

Key meanings of the reversed King of Swords card

• Despotism, coercion, submission, limitation, powerlessness.
• Confrontation, disputes, exacerbation of relations, pressure.
• Enemy, adversary, opponent, competitor.
• Injustice, court, intrigue, intimidation, breaking the law.

In love readings, the upright King of Swords card speaks of demanding and critical relationships. There is likely a stark lack of warmth, love, sensitivity, and empathy in your life.

Either you or your significant other is averse to romance, sentimentality, and human frailties, displaying no signs of love or joy about meeting, yet is exceedingly generous with unpleasant remarks. Ignoring the desires and mood of a partner makes it hard to build harmonious relationships. Control over feelings is good in moderation, but coldness in relationships is a direct path to separation. In a reversed position, the card warns of vengeance from a scorned suitor.

When divining for a suitor, loved one

In divination for a suitor or partner, the upright card indicates that in love and shared life, your chosen one can provide you with care, protection, and complete comfort. His main role in the relationship is a given; it's indisputable.

The reversed card suggests that in love, your chosen one is a true tyrant! He can give you a lot, but will demand no less in return.

In business readings, the King of Swords card speaks of establishing an independent venture based on clear rules and executing professional plans through a precise analysis of the situation and decisive actions.

You must move forward energetically and cautiously, assessing your abilities and risks accurately, and augmenting your influence. Your weakness lies in your inability to yield and compromise, yet your inner strength and sharp intellect enable you to achieve significant results and profits. You can count on assistance and wise counsel from a seasoned and experienced professional.

When reversed, the meaning of the card changes to its opposite, indicating encounters with dangerous individuals and unlawful actions.

When reading this card for a person in an upright position, it signifies someone who is prudent and insightful, possessing a keen mind and strong will. They wield influence over others, and their opinions and words often prove decisive.

In the reversed position, this card represents a determined, intelligent, and sometimes rigid individual, for whom only one opinion matters—their own. However, it's often this very opinion that turns out to be true.

In the upright position, the card advises you to seek the support of a strong and influential person to achieve your goal.

When appearing in the reversed position, the card suggests that you should come to terms with the fact that you have to submit to someone's authority for the time being. It is necessary for now.

If the card appears in an upright position, the forecast for your situation is extremely favorable! You will achieve everything you strive for—your willpower and earned authority will assist you in this.

In the reversed position, the forecast for your situation is not very favorable. You may encounter significant conflicts, strong adversaries, or resistance from those around you.

With card 0, the Fool - Vengeful personality, embittered individual, a former person wronged.

With card 1, the Magician - Tax inspection, summons to court, lawyer consultation, an attempt to become independent.

With card 2, the High Priestess - Investigation, wiretapping and surveillance, fair claims.

In combination with card 3, the Empress - Struggle between emotions and reason, a deal with conscience, pure logic, and pragmatism.

With card 4, the Emperor - Increase in power, unquestionable authority, powerful levers of influence.

With card 5, the Hierophant - Asceticism, controversial personality, a great orator who leads people.

With card 6, the Lovers - Prosecution, judicial system, bureaucracy, and arbitrariness at a high level.

With card 7, the Chariot - Law enforcement agencies, a loved one serving in the police, attention from authorities.

With card 8, Strength - Prosecutor, judge, or investigator, serious life circumstances connected with the letter of the law.

With card 9, the Hermit - Thoughtful person, considering other people's opinions, seeking an acceptable solution.

With card 10, Wheel of Fortune - Settling a third-party dispute, being a peacemaker or a judge, calling someone to account.

With card 11, Justice - Guarding one's interests, fierce personality, victory over enemies.

With card 12, the Hanged Man - Undeserved honors, bravado, or unworthy boasting, a deal with conscience.

With card 13, Death - Spiritual destitution, murder, a reckless person without moral guidelines.

With card 14, Temperance - Affiliation with the judicial system, fair judgment, advice from a knowledgeable person.

With card 15, the Devil - A bandit or high-ranking official, having connections with criminals, leveraging authority or seeking patronage from dangerous people.

With card 16, the Tower - Treacherous partner, suffering due to the imperfections of the system, influential ill-wisher.

With card 17, the Star - Influential patron or admirer, unofficial marriage, being together out of habit.

With card 18, the Moon - Distorted perceptions, physical or moral violence, a ruthless man.

With card 19, the Sun - Prudence, extensive experience, a person capable of decisive action, official ways of problem-solving.

With card 20, Judgment - Strength and sagacity, a high-ranking person, a judge.

With card 21, the World - Clever plan, gaining fame and followers, moving to a new level, learning from the best.

With the Ace of Wands - A rigid approach, extreme measures, lack of emotional expression, a cynical personality.

With the Two of Wands - A rational approach, relying on authority, firm conviction.

With the Three of Wands - A representative of the law, a dangerous plan, criminal environment, or a criminal.

With the Four of Wands - Tyranny in the family or collective, protection of finances or real estate, dealing with government agencies.

With the Five of Wands - Coming under the scrutiny of authority, conflict with law enforcement agencies, fines or penalties.

With the Six of Wands - Striving for something valuable, originality and strict order, assertiveness and warrior-like behavior.

With the Seven of Wands - A cynical man, discontented and unsuccessful, inflated ego without reason.

With the Eight of Wands - The need for a wise advisor, seeking advice, legal assistance.

With the Nine of Wands - Hesitation, changing circumstances, pressure from outside.

With the Ten of Wands - Domination and a thirst for control, a man from the military or law enforcement, a tough approach to business.

With the Page of Wands - Service in law enforcement agencies, military call-up, receiving a summons, or having serious connections.

With the Knight of Wands - Negative attention from authorities, fights or problems with the police, intensified relationships.

With the Queen of Wands - Struggling against a powerful person or structure, resisting the law, involvement in criminal environments and using forceful methods.

With the King of Wands - Prejudiced opinions, resistance to change, clashing personalities, or legal problems.

With the Ace of Swords - Total surveillance, strict adherence to the law, a male judge or prosecutor, a strict and harsh husband in the family, a military or law enforcement professional.

With the Two of Swords - Rigidity in any situation, suppressing conflicts, formulating an official position or version, dictatorship.

With the Three of Swords - An individualist, a bachelor, defending oneself or not allowing oneself to be offended, a cautious approach to love and relationships.

With the Four of Swords - A state close to insanity, inaction of authorities, taking justice into one's own hands.

With the Five of Swords - Projecting blame onto others, attempting to shift guilt or responsibility, legal proceedings for fights or insults.

With the Six of Swords - Seeking a defender or patron, needing support, having an influential acquaintance.

With the Seven of Swords - Corruption, compromising material, illegal activities, or a charismatic criminal.

With the Eight of Swords - Uncertainty in affairs, unclear threats or consequences, chaos in the process, negligence and carelessness.

With the Nine of Swords - Legal problems, bureaucratic red tape, criminal or administrative punishment, persecution by authorities.

With the Ten of Swords - Punishment, the inevitability of the law, a sentence or imprisonment, the end of the familiar life.

With the Page of Swords - A young follower, promoting an idea, finding someone with similar ideals, police arbitrariness, propaganda.

With the Knight of Swords - Receiving guidance from a senior professional, learning from the best, composure, lack of emotions and calculating behavior, pairing with a similar temperament, a well-coordinated team.

With the Queen of Swords - A couple in a family, strict leadership, complete subordination to logic, rejecting emotions, regulations, instructions, or prescriptions.

With the Ace of Cups - External pressure, inequality in a relationship, suppressed rights, or fear of being abandoned.

With the Two of Cups - Alienation, coldness, and changes for the worse, transitioning to rigid communication boundaries.

With the Three of Cups - Strong political influence, not tolerating objections, an uncompromising man, or problems with the law.

With the Four of Cups - Compromising material, blackmail, or extortion, an attempt to subdue others, an intrusive ideology, or a sect.

With the Five of Cups - The power of the law, falling under its heavy hand, feeling of injustice and helplessness.

With the Six of Cups - Being at someone's mercy, accepting whatever is offered, going to law enforcement agencies.

With the Seven of Cups - Abuse of power, a sense of omnipotence and impunity, an illusion of being protected.

With the Eight of Cups - The struggle between cold calculation and heated passions, a meticulous and calculating man, a military enthusiast or admirer.

With the Nine of Cups - A positive person in power, a cunning ruler, or a charismatic politician, a complex and ambiguous situation.

With the Ten of Cups - Totalitarianism, support for official marriage, rigid hierarchy.

With the Page of Cups - Breaking an established alliance, divorce, attempting to seek justice through state authorities, filing for child support.

With the Knight of Cups - Receiving a favorable court decision, having connections in government agencies, a two-faced man.

With the Queen of Cups - Abusing trust, betrayal, foul play, or a person trying to become intimate for personal gain.

With the King of Cups - Renunciation or a change in worldview, confronting an impenetrable opponent, acting maliciously or contrary to expectations.

With the Ace of Pentacles - Successful but tough entrepreneurship, a serious approach to finances, bringing order to a business or enterprise, increasing profitability.

With the Two of Pentacles - Unresolved difficulties, complex issues, loss of development prospects, limited resources.

With the Three of Pentacles - The ability to showcase knowledge or expertise, more talk than action, empty promises, deceiving someone.

With the Four of Pentacles - Greed and tight-fistedness, a possessive admirer, an old bachelor with a bad temperament, no desire to share experiences or disclose secrets.

With the Five of Pentacles - Making the wrong decision, experiencing material losses, negative influence or interference from others, a bad direction of development.

With the Six of Pentacles - Help from an influential person, providing a service, receiving insurance payouts, compensation for damage or moral harm.

With the Seven of Pentacles - A new direction in work, losing one's bearings, expecting the resolution of a difficult situation.

With the Eight of Pentacles - Combining intellect and diligence, a change in leadership, gaining valuable but challenging experience.

With the Nine of Pentacles - Facing a serious problem, finding a way out through clever maneuvering, leveraging useful connections.

With the Ten of Pentacles - Traditional family structure, using relatives for personal gain, benefiting at the expense of family members.

With the Page of Pentacles - Engaging in shady income or tax practices, a daughter of influential parents, sharp intellect and entrepreneurial spirit, gaining benefits through dishonest means.

With the Knight of Pentacles - Resolving relationship issues, incompatibility with a romantic partner, discord in the relationship related to work or financial matters.

With the Queen of Pentacles - Providing for the family, being the main breadwinner, knowing how to secure a good position.

With the King of Pentacles - Engaging in intellectual work, receiving patents or substantial sums for inventions, accumulating wealth through one's intelligence.