King of Swords: Tarot Card Meaning

Meaning of the King of Swords card upright

The King sits on a throne with a raised sword and looks straight ahead. He decides by reason and law, not by whim. The card calls for logical thinking, for fair judgement and for a firm, clear-headed approach to a complicated question.

King of Swords reversed

• manipulation
• cruelty
• abuse of power

Reversed, the King shows cold manipulation, the use of knowledge as a weapon or an abuse of authority. Check whether you are being fair, and whether you hide behind logic to avoid feeling.

King of Swords in love and relationships

In love he is a rational and fair partner who values honesty, though he may seem distant. Reversed, coldness, control or sharp criticism.

King of Swords in work and finances

At work he is a lawyer, a judge, an analyst or a manager who decides with facts. Reversed, abuse of power or harsh decisions.

Symbolism of the King of Swords card

The upright sword is the law of reason. The blue sky and clouds are intellect. The butterflies on the throne show that thought can change and grow.

King of Swords in a yes or no reading

In yes or no spreads, King of Swords upright reads as “maybe” and reversed as “maybe”. The answer comes from the general meaning of the card (intellect, justice), so always take the wording of the question and the neighbouring cards into account. Try a yes or no reading.