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King of Swords

Strength.png

Card Information:

Numerical Value: 14

Element: Fire


Upright:


  • Authority

  • Leadership

  • Intelligence

  • Clarity

  • Rationality

  • Wisdom

  • Justice

  • Integrity

  • Analytical

  • Fairness

  • Objectivity

  • Discipline

  • Command

  • Strategy

  • Mastery

  • Professionalism

  • Logic

  • Problem-solving

  • Expertise

  • Mentorship

Reversed:


  • Tyranny

  • Abuse of power

  • Manipulation

  • Cruelty

  • Domination

  • Coldness

  • Harsh judgement

  • Dishonesty

  • Unfairness

  • Ruthlessness

  • Authoritarianism

  • Arrogance

  • Close-mindedness

  • Legal issues

  • Misuse of intellect

  • Lack of empathy

  • Dictatorship

  • Sharp tongue

  • Conflict

  • Miscommunication

Meaning of the King of Swords:

In the King of Swords card, we see a king seated on his throne adorned with butterflies and crescent moons. He holds a sword in his right hand and rests his left hand on his lap. The king is depicted wearing a blue robe, symbolizing spiritual understanding. Despite a few clouds, the sky is clear and azure, symbolizing the clarity of the mind. The trees in the background appear motionless, indicating calmness and the absence of storms.


Like all King cards, the King of Swords symbolizes reaching a pinnacle in destiny. Kings are the highest-ranking cards in their respective suits, consistently offering insights into reaching the summit. The King of Swords is no different, but the sharpness of the sword comes into play in this card. Among all the kings, the King of Swords is the most ruthless, the most warrior-like, and the bravest. His stern demeanor reminds us that in this phase of closure in our lives, we should listen to reason rather than emotions. The sword is a deadly weapon, and if necessary, it must be wielded to close a chapter.


The King of Swords also represents judgment, command, and rulership. It is sometimes associated with the military, military strategies, the harsh nature of warfare, and the use of power for one's benefit when needed. The King of Swords is in control of all the sword cards below it and governs them all. Therefore, when representing a person, this individual might be someone with the authority to give orders or judgments. The decisions made by the King of Swords are unquestionable orders, and only those in lower positions will carry out these orders.


The King of Swords is a high authority figure who lacks emotions and keeps them under control. Hence, it can represent not only an individual but also a state or a corporate entity. When this card appears, it may indicate receiving an order or news from the government. For a government official, seeing this card can mean possibilities such as appointment, transfer, promotion, or dismissal. In some cases, it can symbolize appearing before a judge or signify a decision in a legal matter. The King of Swords is the high authority that gives orders and decisions. After raising his sword and making a decision, radical changes will occur in a person's life.


The King of Swords signifies the culmination of a challenging journey and reaching a moment of accomplishment. Battles that needed to be fought have been fought, all obstacles have been overcome, rivals have been defeated, and finally, you have reached your goal. It's now time to receive the reward and meet the king. This card can sometimes indicate shaking hands with or meeting someone of high rank, or seeking help from that person. It can also represent good news or assistance from the government. As the king sitting at the very beginning of the Pentacles suit and on the edge of the final boundary, the King of Swords signifies the stage where the last touches and final reviews of this planting phase will take place.

Person Represented by the King of Swords:

When this card represents a person, it portrays an individual who holds a position of authority or leadership in their career or organization. Their decisions carry weight, but they don't seek input when making them. They are not fond of criticism and may even perceive criticism as an attack, responding defensively. Despite having emotions, they base their decisions on logic. They can be dictatorial when necessary and lack empathy. They excel in friendship but can be ruthless in enmity. They are resilient in the face of challenges and can overcome any adversity. They use all their power to achieve a goal, even resorting to force when needed. They have no tolerance for defeat.


The person represented by the King of Swords is also a legislator and a judge. Their position and sword represent their power, which they can use to overcome obstacles and eliminate adversaries when necessary. They are a high-ranking individual with subordinates, a force against chaos and disorder. Their decisions influence both their own life and the lives of those beneath them.


The King of Swords is a king devoid of emotions, making him the least emotional among all the kings. During a time of love, they focus on love, and during work, they focus on work, never mixing the two. They are goal-oriented and have a clear mind. When they set their sights on something, they will try every option to achieve it. The King of Swords is also a successful king. As they sit at the beginning of the Pentacles suit and at the final boundary, their successes often result in material gain. They are influential enough to close one era and start another.

Reversed King of Swords:

When the King of Swords appears in reverse, it signifies the misuse of the art of war and military intelligence. In its upright position, it represents a king well-versed in warfare, but when reversed, it resembles a fallen king. There is still a throne, a king, and a deadly sword, but there is no strategy to defeat rivals or enemies. The king has lost respect and no longer holds a leadership position in society. Perhaps their kingdom is one they created in their own mind, as they have either lost their power and throne or lost them to someone else.


Reversed King of Swords also represents an individual without a clear and solid strategy. This person possesses all the potential and tools for success but lacks direction and doesn't know where they want to go. It's important to remember that this card comes just before the Pentacles suit, which represents material matters, and it sits on the edge of the boundary of the Sword and Pentacles series. When someone sees this card, even though they may feel like a failure, with a strong move, they can bounce back and transition to the next series, the Pentacles, where tangible, physical achievements await. Perhaps all this person needs is a small spark of inspiration or motivation.

King of Swords in Love:

In matters of love, the King of Swords is a card of triumph. It signifies the successful conclusion of a phase, and a fresh start in the realm of love is now possible. The king, holding his sword with determination, has overcome all obstacles in his love life, and issues have been resolved. The current point marks the summit and, simultaneously, an ending point. For some, this card may signify bidding farewell to singledom, while for others, it could mean bidding farewell to a troubled love life. If you've been experiencing heartache, meeting the King of Swords can also indicate that you might encounter a new partner who will help you move forward. In short, this point represents a turning point in one's love life.

Reversed King of Swords in Love:

When the reversed King of Swords appears in matters of love, it may suggest a stagnation and a complete halt in progress within the relationship. Seeing this card reversed is akin to reaching the dead-end of a one-way street. Since there is no further progress from this point, the only thing left to do is to make a U-turn. Additionally, the reversed King of Swords is a card that tells us, "Things can't get any worse." Issues have reached their peak. For some, if the King of Swords doesn't show up, it could be a reminder that the only solution is to extricate oneself from an unhealthy relationship.

King of Swords in Career:

In the realm of careers, the King of Swords is a card that heralds the successful culmination of a challenging journey. It's important to remember that kings often symbolize the throne we aspire to and covet. Therefore, when this card appears, there is a possibility that the person will occupy a high position in their career. For those preparing for an exam, it may indicate entry into the desired field, and for job seekers, it may represent the attainment of a coveted career. Kings can sometimes symbolize the state, so there is also a possibility that this card hints at good news regarding a government-related career.

Reversed King of Swords in Career:

The reversed King of Swords is not typically a positive card in the context of a career reading. At its most basic level, this card informs us that someone has fallen from the throne in their career or has lost it to a rival. Whatever they were doing or however they were doing it, when this card appears reversed, someone else might suddenly appear who can do it better. For a business owner or employer, this card might indicate business failure or deterioration due to either bankruptcy or the dominance of another company in the field. Those who see the reversed King of Swords must remember that competition is part of life, and after a defeat, it should never be abandoned.

King of Swords in Finances:

When the King of Swords appears in matters of finances, it signifies that all obstacles have been overcome, and success is on the horizon. This card heralds the successful completion of a financial journey. For some, it may signify the end of a long-standing debt or reaching the final installment of a loan. It could also indicate the opportunity for a significant financial gain through a lucrative job offer or a promotion. Whoever encounters this card in financial matters will find that a new opportunity has opened up on the financial front. Being just before the Pentacles series, and sitting on the edge of the boundary with the Pentacles, this card also suggests that significant financial developments may occur.

Reversed King of Swords in Finances:

In financial matters, the reversed King of Swords may indicate receiving negative financial news or hitting rock bottom. This card essentially symbolizes the exhaustion of energy or resources, an inability to pay off debts, or reaching the end of a financial dead-end street. The current situation might appear bleak, but it's important to remember that this card is situated right next to the Pentacles series, and finding money is not as difficult as it may seem for the person who sees this card.

Comments:

Please remember that Tarot card interpretations can be highly personal and situational. The context of the reading and the reader's intuition play a significant role in understanding the full meaning of a card. These interpretations serve as a general guideline but should be adapted to your specific circumstances and feelings.

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