logic, authority, fair judgment
King of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
What King of Swords means upright and reversed, with readings for love, money and career.
The picture and its symbols
King of Swords shows a king on his throne facing straight ahead with sword in hand. It belongs to the suit of Swords, the element of air (thought, judgment and conflict), and its rank carries the theme of responsibility and control (King). Judgment by principle and logic rather than feeling. A time when expert opinion or a fair standard is needed.
Upright meaning
logic, authority, fair judgment. You solve the problem cleanly with logic and principle.
- Love
- A relationship with a rational, trustworthy person.
- Money
- Expert advice or a contract helps.
- Career
- You lead through expertise and sound judgment.
- Yes or no
- Yes
- Advice
- Check the facts and set a clear standard before you decide.
Reversed meaning
abuse of power, harshness, biased judgment. Ask whether you are using principle to drive people into a corner.
- Love
- An attitude that ignores feelings pushes the relationship apart.
- Money
- Watch out for unfavorable contracts or legal problems.
- Career
- You run into an authoritarian boss or an unfair decision.
- Yes or no
- No
- Advice
- Ask whether worry has grown larger than the facts, and whether sharp words are tangling the situation.
Timing
Because this is a Swords card, change is likely to show within days, sooner than you expect.
The question this card asks
If this were a friend's problem, what would you tell them?
Draw the cards yourself
For entertainment and self-reflection only. Do not use a reading to make health, legal or financial decisions.