King of Swords
Authority built on reason.
Logical, principled and decisive. Seek fairness.
- intellect
- authority
- reason
Element: Air
What the card shows
A crowned king sits on a throne facing forward, holding an upright sword in one hand and gesturing with the other. Clouds and birds fill the sky behind.
Kings turn their suit outward into mastery. Air mastered is judgment, ethics and clear rule. The head-on pose suggests someone who stands behind their words.
▲Upright
Fair, informed judgment; thinking things through and standing by the result.
What principle do I want my decisions to stand on?
▼Reversed
Reason becomes rigid or cold, or judgment is clouded.
Am I being fair, or just being firm?
King of Swords in a reading
In love
Clear agreements and fair dealing.
Reversed: Reason becomes rigid or cold, or judgment is clouded.
At work
Analysis, decisions made on principle, advising.
Its shadow side: rigidity, using authority to cut people off.
As one of the Swords
Thought, conflict and truth. The suit's element is Air. It shows where in daily life the reading plays out.
Related cards
The other kings: the same kind of person or approach, in another area of life.
King of Wands
King of Cups
King of PentaclesRead it with other cards
Questions about King of Swords
What does King of Swords mean in tarot?
Fair, informed judgment; thinking things through and standing by the result. Keywords: intellect, authority, reason.
What does King of Swords mean reversed?
Reason becomes rigid or cold, or judgment is clouded. Excess: tyranny of logic. Blocked: inability to decide. Fading: trust in your own judgment shaken.
What does King of Swords mean in love?
Clear agreements and fair dealing.
What does King of Swords mean for work?
Analysis, decisions made on principle, advising.
What question does King of Swords ask?
Upright: What principle do I want my decisions to stand on? Reversed: Am I being fair, or just being firm?
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