Uprightintellect, authority, truth, ethics
Reversedmanipulation, abuse of power, cold judgement
Upright meaning
The King of Swords represents intellect, authority and truth. He makes decisions based on logic and ethics. It points to a fair judge, an expert or the need for clear thinking.
Reversed meaning
Reversed, he can show manipulation, abuse of power or judgement without compassion.
What the card shows
A king sits on a throne holding an upright sword, facing forward. Butterflies decorate the throne, and clouds move in the sky behind him.
As your card of the day
Lead with logic and fairness. Decisions based on facts will serve you best. Your clarity earns respect.
“I make wise decisions based on truth.”
Make one decision based purely on the facts.
Questions
What does King of Swords mean in tarot?
The King of Swords represents intellect, authority and truth. He makes decisions based on logic and ethics. It points to a fair judge, an expert or the need for clear thinking.
What does King of Swords reversed mean?
Reversed, he can show manipulation, abuse of power or judgement without compassion.
Is King of Swords a yes or no card?
Maybe. Yes, if the facts support it.
Card pictures: the 1909 deck by Pamela Colman Smith (public domain). Meanings based on A. E. Waite's The Pictorial Key to the Tarot (1910), rewritten in modern language. For inspiration and reflection only.