King of Swords
Swords, 14 · Air
King of Swords means clear logic, fairness and authority, someone who weighs the facts and says what is true. Reversed, the authority turns controlling, or the mind becomes cold and cutting.
He's got the whole situation worked out and he hasn't told anyone how he feels about it.
- authority
- logic
- fairness
- decisions
- truth
Traditional meaning, written in Rosemary's voice by the team that builds this site. Her own notes on this card are still to come.
King of Swords upright
The King decides with his head. A man, or that part of you, who weighs the facts and says what's true and doesn't get pulled around by anyone's mood. It could be a boss, it could be the clearest head in the room. Logic without warmth is hard to live with, and he can be that too.
King of Swords reversed
Reversed, the authority gets controlling, or the mind goes cold and cutting. Ask if you're being fair, or just being certain.
In love
Someone here leads with logic and struggles to say how they feel. A steady person who shows love by handling things, and a partner who sometimes just wants to be asked how they are.
In work and money
A ruling from someone in authority, or a clear answer about money. It gets handled properly, with the numbers in front of everyone.
As advice
Look at the facts, make a fair decision and keep the numbers where everyone can see them. Let your head work beside your heart.
Yes or no?
Yes, a clear and fair answer is coming, especially when the facts support it. A single card shows a lean, never a promise of how things turn out.
For yourself
You built a strong mind to keep yourself safe, and it has done its job. Let it sit beside your heart instead of in charge of it.
Questions about King of Swords
What does the King of Swords mean in tarot?
King of Swords means clear logic, fairness and authority, someone who weighs the facts and says what is true. Reversed, the authority turns controlling, or the mind becomes cold and cutting.
What does the King of Swords mean in love?
In love, the King of Swords shows a steady partner who leads with logic and shows love by handling things, yet struggles to voice feelings.
What does the King of Swords mean reversed?
Reversed, the King of Swords shows authority becoming controlling, or a mind turning cold and cutting, and asks if you are being fair.
What does the King of Swords mean as feelings?
As feelings, the King of Swords shows someone who respects you and thinks seriously about you, though they find it hard to say how they feel.
Is the King of Swords a yes or no card?
Yes, a clear and fair answer is coming, especially when the facts support it.
The short answers, the advice and the yes-or-no lean on this page are traditional readings of the card, written by the team that builds this site.
Want to ask the Oracle about this card?
The Oracle is an AI that reads in my style, not me. It will draw cards for your question, free, no account needed, and a yes-or-no question works with one card. If you'd rather sit with a person, I'm here too.
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Card image: the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, drawn by Pamela Colman Smith, 1909. Public domain.