Knight of Swords Overview

Learn what the Knight of Swords tarot card means, whether it’s upright or reversed

The Knight of Swords card is all about assertiveness and taking action—but what does that look like in your life? Whether you draw the Knight of Swords upright or reversed in your tarot reading, we’ll walk you through exactly what significance this card holds for your love life, career, finances, spirituality, and health. Keep reading for the details!

Things You Should Know

  • The Upright Knight of Swords is all about recognizing opportunities and taking action. If you see this card, be prepared to take risks and seize the day!
  • Reversed, this card is a sign you may be a little too impulsive and impatient, and that you may need to practice pausing and reflecting before acting.
  • The Knight of Swords card typically depicts a knight in armor riding a rearing horse. The knight holds his sword up as if he is about to charge fearlessly into battle.
Section 1 of 6:

Knight of Swords Upright & Reversed Meaning

  1. The sword suit is all about the intellect and facing challenges head-on. [1] The knight of this suit, then, is all about taking action and making things happen. If you draw the Knight of Swords card in a reading, the universe may be telling you it’s time to be brave and make your move. Big changes are afoot, and even if they’re changes you’ve been longing for, they’ll still require you to have courage and march forth into the future with faith and hope.
    • This card could also indicate that you’re a risk-taker generally: you’re not afraid to go against the grain. This is a great quality to have, but sometimes it may make you a little more impulsive than is wise! [2]
    • Keywords: Opportunities, risks, impulsivity, daring, reckless, ambitious, leader, soldier, intellectual
    • Element: Air
    • Sun sign: Gemini
    • Planet: Mercury
    • Yes or no: If this card comes up in response to a yes-or-no question, take it as a yes. [3]
  2. In reverse, this card may indicate a big change is coming, one you’ve been waiting for—but you may fail to seize the opportunity when it comes, either because you didn’t recognize it or you were too scared. Take this card as a warning to stay alert and stay focused on what you want—and don’t be afraid to carpe diem !
    • This card in reverse could also suggest your impulsivity is getting the best of you. Bravery is an excellent trait, but bravery without wisdom or reflection is foolishness. The cards ask you to consider before acting, both for your sake and the sake of the people around you. [4]
    • Keywords: Missed opportunities, fear, arrogant, obsessive, dangerous, tactless, inferiority complex
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Section 2 of 6:

Knight of Swords Meaning for Love Life

  1. You can use tarot cards to better understand how to approach specific aspects of your life, such as your love life. [5] Upright, the Knight of Swords suggests that when it comes to your love life, you take control of your destiny, no matter how scary it might be. You’re not afraid to ask out a stranger and display no hesitation when committing to another person—or, if you’re in a relationship already, you easily and eagerly show love, and you talk about the future with confidence and transparency.
    • If you’re in a relationship: This card could also suggest that you’re about to head into a new phase of your relationship, whether it’s marriage, moving in together, or just saying “I love you” for the first time.
      • Be brave and embrace the opportunity to show your devotion to your partner—or be confident enough to take a step back if you’re not sure commitment is what you want.
    • If you’re single: You may be feeling discouraged if you’re looking for a new relationship, but “fear” isn’t a part of the Knight’s vocabulary. Be like the Knight! Launch yourself fearlessly into the unknown:
      • Ask out your crush, talk to a cute stranger, and perhaps most importantly, don’t be afraid to be alone; learning to appreciate solitude will make you more discerning when it comes to choosing the right partner.
  2. This card in reverse may suggest either you or your partner (if you have one) tends toward impulsive and reckless behavior. You or your partner may struggle with control issues, which is bound to negatively affect your relationship in the long term.
    • If you’re in a relationship: Work to foster some interdependence in your relationship so that neither you nor your partner possesses too much control over each other. If the situation doesn’t improve, it may be time to end the relationship. [6]
    • If you’re single: Casual dating is fun, but try not to be reckless with other people’s hearts, or with your own. Realize you’re not in control of everything, and that there is still the possibility of deep hurt even in a casual relationship.
      • If you find yourself longing to be in a relationship to the point of desperation, your impulsiveness may lead you into a relationship that doesn’t suit you. Practice pausing and reflecting on what you really need and want. Does it align with what’s in front of you? If not, keep moving, and don’t look back.
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Section 3 of 6:

Knight of Swords Meaning for Career

  1. In career matters, the Knight of Swords is a sign to go after what you want fearlessly. This card is a message from the universe that the professional goals you may feel are unattainable are really within your reach; all you have to do is grab them. [7]
    • Tip: You may feel like an imposter going after your dreams sometimes, as if you haven’t “earned” your success. But the Knight of Swords encourages you not only to “dress for the job you want,” but to act as if you have that job already—this will help you manifest it into reality.
  2. The Knight of Swords knows how to get what he wants, and sometimes he does so without regarding the feelings of others. He can be logical to a fault, which affects his relationships with the people around him. If you get this card upside-down, it could be a sign to check your behavior: being too cutthroat at work may have negative consequences on your own career as well as your coworkers'. [8]
    • Tip: You may think being kind to others will stand in the way of seizing opportunities, but is it possible the opportunities you're meant to be seizing aren't the ones you think? It's easy to feel like you need to adopt a go-go-go mentality in order to get ahead in the world, but it's not always the case, and being merciless won't win you any friends.
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Section 4 of 6:

Knight of Swords Meaning for Health

  1. If you’ve been struggling with your mental or physical health lately, relief is on the horizon. You’ve endured bravely, but you won’t have to for much longer. If you haven’t been experiencing poor health lately, this card could indicate you’ll enter a period of extra energy and happiness.
    • Tip: As you segue into better health, avoid rushing to do all the things you had to take a break from when you weren’t well. Ease back into vitality, or else you may slip into poor health again.
  2. When it comes to your health, the Reversed Knight of Swords isn’t exactly a welcome sight. This card may be a sign that an illness or chronic pain you’ve been struggling with will get worse before it gets better. But try not to lose hope—try to employ the fierceness and endurance of the Knight; they will serve you well at this time, though they’re hard to summon in duress.
    • Tip: This card may also bring with it poor mental health. Be mindful of how you’re feeling for the near future, and don’t be ashamed or reluctant to turn to friends and family for support. Nobody goes through life alone, not even the brave Knight.
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Section 5 of 6:

Knight of Swords Spiritual Meaning

  1. Spiritual ascension is in your future. The impatient Knight of Swords may be all about action, but in order to transcend the metaphysical realm, it’s important to sit and silently cultivate your spiritual identity.
    • Tip: Practice regular meditation to grow spiritually and open your third eye wider. If you struggle to sit still, try meditating while hiking in nature: it will rest your soul while giving your body something to do.
  2. Reversed, this card may be a sign you’ve missed an opportunity for spiritual growth, perhaps because you were too impatient to cultivate your spirituality. The universe will likely give you more chances—don’t let them pass you by.
    • Tip: Try not to be too hard on yourself or push yourself to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Spiritual awakening can only occur with time and without pressure. Be gentle and forgiving towards yourself when you fail; this is the only way you’ll be able to succeed in future.
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Section 6 of 6:

Knight of Swords Description

  1. The horse is typically portrayed rearing up on its back legs, as if the knight is about to charge forth into battle. The knight’s sword is raised high, as if he is about to strike. He is wholly dedicated to his mission—fearless, motivated, unwavering.
    • Storm clouds are sometimes depicted in the sky of the Knight of Swords card, but they do not deter the Knight: he still charges fearlessly forward.

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      References

      1. ↑ Stina Garbis. Psychic Astrologer. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ https://www.sibyltarot.com/knight-of-swords-as-career-advice-upright-reversed-tarot-card-meaning/
      3. ↑ https://www.sibyltarot.com/knight-of-swords-as-yes-or-no-upright-reversed-tarot-card-meaning/
      4. ↑ https://www.trustedtarot.com/cards/knight-of-swords/
      5. ↑ Jennifer McVey, Cht. Spiritual Director. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ https://www.trustedtarot.com/cards/knight-of-swords/
      7. ↑ https://www.sibyltarot.com/knight-of-swords-as-career-advice-upright-reversed-tarot-card-meaning/
      8. ↑ https://www.ata-tarot.com/resource/cards/skn.html

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