What Does the King of Swords Mean? A Tarot Card Guide

Unlock the spiritual truth behind this noble and powerful card

Power. Intellect. Authority. The King of Swords tarot card can provide spiritual guidance in your time of need. This Minor Arcana card has masculine energy and a plethora of meanings. So, if you pull the King of Swords out of your deck, what does it mean? We have everything you need to know right here, from basic interpretations to more nuanced readings for finances and love. Read on to discover what the King of Swords may say about your life.

Things You Should Know

  • An upright King of Swords symbolizes intellect, reason, authority, discipline, and high standards.
  • A reversed King of Swords represents irrationality, oppressiveness, manipulation, and dishonesty.
  • The king on the card can represent you individually or someone you know, such as a friend, relative, partner, or colleague.
Section 1 of 3:

What does the King of Swords tarot card mean?

  1. This tarot card features a king sitting on a throne, holding a sword in his right hand. Spiritually, the right hand represents the conscious, rational mind. In many renditions of this card, the king’s sword points to the left, spiritually representing the subconscious, intuitive mind. The King of Swords’ imagery symbolizes decisiveness and the ability to communicate and make authoritative decisions rationally and intuitively. [1]
    • More often than not, the king wears a blue tunic, symbolizing spiritual knowledge and intelligence.
    • The image of the king himself evokes power. He sits upright on his throne, looking out at you with a chin held high, demanding respect.
    • Keep in mind that every tarot card can have similar but different illustrations. [2] For instance, some renderings may include background imagery or show an object in the king’s left hand. Refer to your tarot deck’s booklet for a more defined interpretation.
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Section 2 of 3:

King of Swords Upright Meanings

  1. If a King of Swords appears during your reading, it often means you’re on the right track in life. You’re dependable, strong, and an effective communicator. You’re like a king, so stick to the facts, be smart, and make rational choices. The universe believes you have the power to control your own story. [3]
    • Alternatively, the King of Swords may also indicate that you need to be more strict with yourself. Perhaps you’ve forgotten your goals or have moved away from your passions. An upright King of Swords could indicate that you need to consider the consequences of your actions and act reasonably.
    • Key concepts: reason, authority, discipline, high standards
  2. If an upright King of Swords appears in your reading, you have high standards—you know what you want. You’re respectable when it comes to your emotions, thinking rationally instead of emotionally. You crave intellectual partnership, and your ideal partner is someone who challenges you to be the best version of yourself. [4]
    • Don’t be afraid to discuss controversial topics with your partner. If they’re the one for you, you can have a healthy, intellectually stimulating debate.
    • Try taking a class or attending a seminar with your partner, as these types of dates can spark intellectual conversations.
  3. Financially, you need to think before you act. If you pull the King of Swords, the universe is telling you to be disciplined with your money. Consider what big financial decisions are in your future, then think long and hard about their consequences before making anything final.
    • Identify what you want to spend and what you have to spend. This way, you can decide if making a big purchase is the right choice for now or later. [5]
    • Keep enough money in your bank account in case of emergencies to have power over unforeseen circumstances.
    • Aim to pay essentials—rent, groceries, debt—before paying for fun things.
  4. High standards don’t start and end in your romantic life—you also strive to be the best at your job. You’re likely a perfectionist at heart and may feel slightly overwhelmed. The King of Swords reminds you to stick to a routine and follow your goals.
    • If you’re working on climbing the corporate ladder, the King of Swords could be your sign to make a bold move and ask for that promotion.
    • If you’re thinking about starting a business, this card may indicate that it’s time to take power over your situation and do it.
    • If you’re stressed, regain discipline by following a strict routine. Wake up at the same time each morning, go to work, and head back home.
  5. Pulling this card indicates that your life may need a bit more structure. Use your authority to establish healthy habits and stick with them. [6] This can be as easy as:
    • Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
    • Scheduling exercise into your daily routine.
    • Attending a fitness or dance class.
    • Eating set meals throughout the day.
  6. The king on an upright card represents you—you control your destiny. Your power is within you; you just have to be brave enough to reach it.
    • Tap into your spiritual potential by meditating or doing yoga daily.
    • Whisper positive aspirations, like “I am strong” and “I am intelligent,” to energize yourself.
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Section 3 of 3:

King of Swords Reversed Meanings

  1. Pulling an upside-down King of Swords from a tarot deck may indicate that you are a silent but deadly presence. Your power (or someone you know) is most likely out of control. Because of this, this card is usually a sign that you’re being overly aggressive, oppressive, or judgemental. [7]
    • As an alternative, the King of Swords could also mean you’re indecisive. Perhaps you’re unsure which direction to take in life or are going back and forth on an important decision. The King of Swords reminds you to clear your mind and be rational.
    • Key concepts: irrationality, oppression, control, dishonesty
  2. Take a moment to consider how you’ve been using your power and authority lately. Have you given back to your partner and loved ones? Have you shown forgiveness? If not, use this card as a sign to use your energy to mend your relationships and be less selfish.
    • Ask your partner what they want and need in the relationship. Then, have an open discussion about whether you feel wanted and needed.
    • Take turns picking dates with your partner. This way, you can both be romantic and plan fun adventures for each other.
  3. You’ve likely hit a rough patch when it comes to money if you’ve pulled this card. Maybe you’re having a hard time with overspending or saving. Either way, the King of Swords is a sign that you’ve been irrational and need to be more logical with your money.
    • Use an envelope system to help yourself save. Divide your paycheck into labeled envelopes like “rent,” “vacation,” and “grocery.” Then, only use the cash in those envelopes for the specified thing.
    • Stop spending too much money by creating and sticking to a budget. This way, you can track how much you earn and spend each week or month.
  4. If you pull this card, you’re likely considering quitting or changing jobs. Perhaps something doesn’t feel right in your life—you need a change. Maybe a boss or coworker is dominating your space and is aggressive. [8] Their presence represents the king, and you must find a way to regain power over your life.
    • Evaluate your current work environment and ask yourself, “Is this where I want to be?” If not, perhaps it’s time to quit your job and follow a different path. [9]
    • Stand up for yourself with your boss or coworkers if they’re bullying you. If nothing changes, it may be best to seek help from HR if you’d like to stay within the company.
    • Believe it or not, sometimes leaving a company can help you advance your career. Think about your long-term professional goals. Does your current job give you the space to grow?
  5. 5
    In health, the King of Swords suggests you might feel powerless. Pulling the King of Swords could indicate that you haven’t been tending to your body, or maybe you've been unconsciously neglecting it. Perhaps you’re struggling with anxiety or depression or juggling a busy schedule. Either way, take this card as a sign to prioritize your mental and physical health.
    • Practice listening to your body by eating when you’re hungry and drinking water when you're thirsty.
    • Try journaling to sort through and acknowledge your thoughts.
    • Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes daily to keep your mind and body healthy.
  6. If you pull this reversed card, you’re likely feeling lost or frustrated. You probably don’t feel in control, and it scares you. The King of Swords is a sign to look deep within yourself and connect to your higher power.
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      Tips

      • Reading tarot cards is a personalized experience, so your life may not match these interpretations directly, and that’s okay! When reading tarot, interpret the cards however you see fit.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about tarot cards, check out our in-depth interview with Emily Christensen .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.zodiacsign.com/tarot/cards/king-of-swords/
      2. ↑ https://www.themorgan.org/collection/tarot-cards/the-king-of-swords
      3. ↑ https://www.astrology.com/tarot/card-meanings/king-of-swords
      4. ↑ https://astrostyle.com/tarot/tarot-cards/king-of-swords-meaning/
      5. ↑ https://stanfordmag.org/contents/how-to-be-smart-with-your-money
      6. ↑ https://astrostyle.com/tarot/tarot-cards/king-of-swords-meaning/
      7. ↑ https://www.astrology.com/tarot/card-meanings/king-of-swords
      8. ↑ https://astrostyle.com/tarot/tarot-cards/king-of-swords-meaning/
      9. ↑ https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/career/good-reasons-for-leaving-a-job
      1. ↑ Emily Christensen. Spiritual Advisor & Founder of Rainbow Raaja. Expert Interview

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