The King of Swords sits on his throne, sword upright, in judgment. He is intellectual authority, truth and law: a just, rational, logical man.
The authority of the mind, a judge who sees clearly.
Waite’s keywords (1911): Judgment and all that follows from it: power, command, authority, militant intelligence, law.
Reversed
Reversed, the authority becomes abuse: manipulation, tyranny, cold logic without humanity.
Cruel judgement, power without mercy.
Waite’s keywords (1911): Cruelty, perversity, barbarity, perfidy, evil intention.
In love
Upright A rational, honest partner.
Reversed A cold, controlling partner.
In work
Upright Authority, legal or intellectual expertise.
Reversed Abuse of power at work.
In money
Upright Rational financial decisions; legal advice.
Reversed Financial manipulation.
At home and in the family
Upright A just father, a rational family.
Reversed A tyrannical father.
On your path
Upright Spiritual discernment.
Reversed Cold intellect without heart.
Its counsel
Upright Decide with reason.
Reversed Use your power fairly.
Correspondences
- Arcana
- Minor Arcana, suit of Swords
- Element
- Air
- Rank
- Kings: authority, men of power, or a heavy responsibility
Swords
Ace of Swords · Two of Swords · Three of Swords · Four of Swords · Five of Swords · Six of Swords · Seven of Swords · Eight of Swords · Nine of Swords · Ten of Swords · Page of Swords · Knight of Swords · Queen of Swords