King of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

Visual Description of the King of Swords:

The King of Swords sits on his throne facing the viewer head-on. He has no problem with confrontation and is ready for any outcome. On his throne the butterflies represent his ability to change when needed. His sword is held in his right hand, the side of higher thinking and leans over to the intuitive left side, showing that the King is powerful in both these areas. As a result he is compassionate and intellectual as well as Spiritually oriented, characteristics that are further symbolised by his purple cape and blue tunic. His vast wisdom has calmed the storm that blows and bundles in the other court cards of this suit, showing that the King has the power to be a powerful yet gracious leader.

Divinatory Meaning of the King of Swords:

Upright Meaning of the King of Swords Tarot Card:

The person represented by the King of Swords has a powerful countenance, but not a malicious one. People can see that this person is friendly and not too severe and that he will offer his advice and wisdom to anyone who is ready to take it. The King of Swords can either represent the querent, in which case they will be a mentor or leader to someone, or it can point to a leader or mentor in the querent’s life.

“Some people have a quiet power that comes with wisdom and the knowledge that they are a whole human being. You have nothing to hide and you’re in tune with your emotions, but you usually use your reasoning to decide on what the best plan of action is. This being said, you also have a deep Spiritual connection to the Universe, which gives you a greater understanding of the way it works.

You like advising others and have many friends that come to you for advice, which you tailor to suit their best interests. Being kind does not mean telling them what they want to her, but rather helping them to understand what the problems are that they are facing and coming up with solutions that will require change, but not an impossible amount of it.”

This person is well balanced and well-disposed to give incredible advice. Thus if the querent is looking for a solution to a problem when this card shows up in a reading someone will make themselves known as the perfect guide in the near future and the querent can rest assured that they will be in good hands.

Reversed Meaning of the King of Swords Tarot Card:

Reversed the King of Swords shows someone who has let their power go to their head. This person may still have a soft spot, but they use their kindness to lure people into agreement. In actual fact the person indicated here has a sick sense of humour and think of people as playthings. They are a puppet master and wants nothing more than to create destruction in the lives of the people they meet so they can look more powerful by comparison.

“You’re taking this a step too far. You’ve had a taste of power and now you’re manipulating and threatening others to do things that either make you more powerful or that makes you look more powerful when they fail. You might be so good at this that other people don’t even realise and end up thanking you for helping them through the difficult times that would not even have happened if it weren’t for your input.

Is this really the type of power you want? Do you get satisfaction out of causing chaos and disaster in other people’s lives? Is it not perhaps time to start using your powers for good rather than for personal gain? This card indicates that even if you don’t change your ways completely you’ll at least start becoming aware of when you’re being a little too domineering and self serving.”

If this card points to someone in the querent’s life rather than the querent themselves it’s a warning that this person may already be playing an active role in the querent’s life. They querent should take stock of the people they know and ensure that they are not being manipulated.