King of Swords
Affirmation
My word is my bond.
Symbolic Attributes
- Element:Fire of Air.
- Arcana:Minor Arcana
- Suit:Swords
- Archetype:
- Numerology:
- Hebrew Alphabet:
Keywords
Description
He sits in judgment, holding the unsheathed sign of his suit. He recalls, of course, the conventional Symbol of justice in the Trumps Major, and he may represent this virtue, but he is rather the power of life and death, in virtue of his office.
Light Meaning
- Expressing yourself with firmness and authority
- Rendering a final decision
- Consulting an expert
- Calling in advisors and consultants
- Coming to a final conclusion
- Reaching a beneficial agreement based on sound information
Shadow Meaning
- Insisting on having the last word
- Flaunting your intellectual capability
- Talking over the heads of others
- Waffling on an important decision
- Constantly changing your mind
- Refusing to make choices that are in your own best interest
- Wishing in vain you could take back what's been said
Questions to Ask Yourself
- •What would your decision be if you had to render a binding verdict right now?
- •How comfortable are you saying exactly what you mean? How often do you temper what you have to say for fear of offending others?
- •If you were to ask others, What's my area of expertise? what would they say?
Personal Meaning
Look at your situation logically, with your mind instead of your heart. Be truthful with yourself and others. Be fair in your judgement of yourself and others. Express your truth in a way that others can understand.This card might also represent a mature person whose relationship with you will involve intellect, intelligence, knowledge, logic, ethics, morality, impartiality, justice and honour. This can sometimes be an uncomfortable association, as sometimes we do not always wish to face the truth. However, appreciate this person, for these energies will be particularly significant for you.
Using your mind instead of your heart. Being truthful with yourself and others. Being fair in your judgement of yourself and others. Expressing your truth in a way that others can understand.This card might also represent a mature person whose relationship with you involved intellect, intelligence, knowledge, logic, ethics, morality, impartiality, justice and honour.
Analyze your situation logically, with your mind instead of your heart. Are you being truthful with others or yourself? Are you being fair in your judgement of yourself or others? Are you expressing your truth in a way that others can understand?This card might also represent a mature person whose relationship with you involves intellect, intelligence, knowledge, logic, ethics, morality, impartiality, justice and honour. This can sometimes be an uncomfortable association, as sometimes we do not always wish to face the truth. However, appreciate this person, for these energies are particularly significant for you at this time.
Personal Reversed Meaning
You may be prone to thinking with your heart instead of your head. Step back and carefully analyze your situation objectively, and then apply your knowledge and wisdom for everyone's highest good.
You acted and reacted on emotion, rather than using your head.
You are acting and reacting on emotion, rather than using your head. It's time to step back and carefully analyze your situation objectively, and then apply your knowledge and wisdom for everyone's highest good.
Fortune Telling
- •This card represents an older man with an insightful, deliberate spirit, likely born between May 11th and June 10th, who is known for his integrity and sharp decision-making ability
How to Interpret This Card in a Reading
A guide to deepening your understanding of Tarot symbolism.
Context is Key
No Tarot card exists in a vacuum. While the meanings above provide a foundation, the true significance of this card depends on where it lands in your spread. Is it in the past position, indicating a phase you are moving away from? Or is it in the outcome position, suggesting a potential future? Always consider the neighboring cards — they often tell a story that modifies or amplifies the message.
Trust Your Intuition
Traditional meanings are the starting point, but your intuition is the compass. When you look at the card imagery, what draws your eye first? A specific color, a symbol, or a facial expression might trigger a personal memory or feeling. That immediate reaction is often the most relevant message for your current situation, even if it differs from the standard definition.
Understanding Reversals
If this card appears reversed (upside down), don't fear it. Reversals often suggest an internalizing of the card's energy, a delay, or a need to revisit the lesson before moving forward. It can also indicate that the "shadow" aspects described above are currently more active, inviting you to bring them into the light for healing.
Connecting with the Element
Remember the suit this card belongs to. Wands speak to passion and action (Fire). Cups dive into emotions and relationships (Water). Swords navigate the mind and conflicts (Air). Pentacles ground us in the material world and resources (Earth). The Major Arcana represents larger life themes and soul lessons. Filtering the card's meaning through its elemental lens will give you a grounded, practical way to apply its wisdom to your life.