King of Swords
Minor Arcana · Swords (Air)

King of Swords

Clear reason and authority. Judge fairly and lead with your mind.

Card
Minor Arcana · Swords (Air)
Upright keywords
Reason, Authority, Judgement, Fairness
Reversed keywords
Coldness, Arbitrariness, Abuse of power, Excessive strictness
Yes or no
Leans yes

Traditional correspondences　Element: Air of Air / Golden Dawn: Prince of the Chariots of the Winds / Thoth: Prince of Swords / Capricorn 21° to Aquarius 20° / Sephirah: Tiphareth (Beauty)

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Upright meaning

Reason and authority. Make fair judgements.

A king sits on a throne facing forward, sword held upright, with clouds and birds behind. The King of Swords is intellectual authority: clear judgement, fairness and leadership. Upright, he asks you to decide based on reason and truth.

Reversed meaning

Coldness or abuse of power. Don’t be too harsh.

Reversed, authority becomes harsh or manipulative. Avoid using intelligence to dominate.

For ways of reading reversed cards, see how to read reversals.

Love

Upright

A rational, fair partner.

Reversed

Coldness or control.

Work

Upright

Leadership, expertise and fair decisions.

Reversed

Abuse of authority.

Money

Upright

Clear-headed decisions.

Reversed

Ruthless dealings.

Relationships

Upright

Fair and principled.

Reversed

Domineering.

Health

Upright

Mental clarity.

Reversed

Stress from overthinking.

Tarot does not diagnose physical conditions. If you have symptoms that worry you, please see a doctor.

Mind and spirit

Upright

Wisdom and truth.

Reversed

Rigidity.

As a person

Upright

An authority figure: judge, lawyer, expert.

Reversed

Someone cold or controlling.

Timing

Within weeks, a decisive judgement. In the calendar, mid January to early February is also a guide (roughly January 10 to February 8).

Advice

Upright

Decide with fairness and reason.

Reversed

Lead without harshness.

Questions to ask yourself

  • What does reason tell me?
  • Am I fair?
  • Am I too harsh?

A common misreading

The King of Swords isn’t a tyrant. Upright, he is fair and wise.

The story of this card

The King brings air to maturity: thought guided by justice.

The Waite deck’s picture and symbols

In the Waite deck the King sits on a throne decorated with butterflies and crescent moons, holding a sword upright. Birds fly in the sky behind him.

History and differences between traditions

In the Golden Dawn system he is the Prince of the Chariots of the Winds.

Words for today

Upright

I decide with reason and fairness.

Reversed

I lead with wisdom, not force.

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