Knight of Swords
Minor Arcana · Swords (Air)

Knight of Swords

Charging forward with a sharp mind. Speed and logic, but mind your aim.

Card
Minor Arcana · Swords (Air)
Upright keywords
Speed, Charging ahead, Logic, Daring
Reversed keywords
Recklessness, Aggression, Carelessness, Spinning wheels
Yes or no
Leans yes

Traditional correspondences　Element: Fire of Air / Golden Dawn: Lord of the Winds and the Breezes, the mounted “King”, equivalent to the Waite Knight / Thoth: Knight of Swords / Taurus 21° to Gemini 20° / Sephirah: Chokmah (Wisdom)

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Upright meaning

Charge ahead with speed and logic.

A knight charges forward on a galloping horse, sword raised, into the wind. The Knight of Swords is speed and determination: quick thinking, decisive action, ambition. Upright, he helps you act boldly on a clear idea.

Reversed meaning

Recklessness or aggression. Slow down.

Reversed, speed turns reckless. Aggression, rash words or carelessness can cause damage. Think before acting.

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

Love

Upright

Fast-moving romance, or direct communication.

Reversed

Harsh words or rushing in.

Work

Upright

Quick decisions and ambition.

Reversed

Rash moves.

Money

Upright

Fast action on opportunities.

Reversed

Reckless choices.

Relationships

Upright

Straight-talking.

Reversed

Aggression.

Health

Upright

Energy and drive.

Reversed

Accidents from haste.

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

Mind and spirit

Upright

Pursuit of truth.

Reversed

Impatience.

As a person

Upright

A fast-thinking, ambitious person.

Reversed

Someone aggressive or reckless.

Timing

Things move fast, within days. In the calendar, mid May to mid June is also a guide (roughly May 11 to June 10).

Advice

Upright

Act quickly on a clear idea.

Reversed

Slow down and think.

Questions to ask yourself

  • What am I charging towards?
  • Am I moving too fast?
  • Are my words kind?

A common misreading

The Knight of Swords isn’t always aggressive. He can be decisive and brave.

The story of this card

The Knight carries air into action: thought becomes a charge.

The Waite deck’s picture and symbols

In the Waite deck a knight charges on a white horse, sword raised, through wind-swept clouds and bending trees.

History and differences between traditions

In the Golden Dawn system this figure is the King, the fiery part of air.

Words for today

Upright

I act boldly with a clear mind.

Reversed

I pause before I strike.

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