This post is intended to be a mini King of Swords Tarot Guide. It is important to mention that the longer you work with the cards the more you will discover how they speak to you. For example, the King of Swords does have a theme and traditional meaning but I recommend leaving “space” for the card to speak to you. Over time, you may discover that the card represents unique insights or themes for you personally.
Suit of Swords Summary
King of Swords Tarot – Upright Meaning
- As a Person
- Could signify Libra, Aquarius or Gemini
- Air + Fire
- A mature man who is ambitious, driven, intelligent, analytical, powerful and opinionated. He is not sensitive to the feelings of others.
- He is incredibly articulate and can turn his words into real-world results.
- He is dependable, trustworthy and tells the truth – whether the recipient is ready for it or not.
- Figurative Meaning
- Is the querent being quick to dismiss something?
- Can represent leadership or effective management.
- The need to uphold rules or a code of some sort in relation to the situation in question
- Represents a teacher / mentor or the benefits of having one.
- A need to tap into intellect without emotion and be forward thinking.
Multiple Kings showing up in a reading
- Two kings in a reading for a male querent can mean there is direct competition with another male.
- Two kings in a reading for a female querent could indicate a professional meeting of some sort
- In a reading about love, two kings can indicate that two men are competing for the affections of the querent but if the spread is “fire dominant” (wands), then the two kings could mean romance coming from a professional environment.
- In a reading about career, two kings suggest the importance of professional conference to advance the querent’s goals
- Three kings in a reading suggest a brotherhood or group of men with advanced expertise. Can also represent that nepotism is in play.
- Four kings in a reading represent masculine issues or interests.
Shadow Side of the King of Swords
- As a Person
- A mature man who can be cold, unavailable and even cruel. He may use his mental abilities for ruthless actions and ulterior motives.
- Figurative Meaning
- Is the querent doing things that serve only their own interests? Or cutting off their nose to spite their face – all because they want to be “right”?
- Ruthless action, malice and ulterior motives are at play in the situation. Someone is not coming from a place of integrity.
- Destructive or self-serving ambitions are present.
- This card can also represent a man in the querent’s life that is having a negative impact or influence on them.
Where to Find the Tarot Decks In Pinterest Pins Linked to this Post
- The Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham
- Tarot Familiars by Lo Scarabeo
- Oraculum Leviathan: Draconian Tarot Deck & Grimoire by Asenath Mason and Bill Duvendack
- Tarot Apokalypsis Deck by Kim Huggins and Eric C. Dunne
- Tarot of Pagan Cats by Lo Scarabeo
- Light Seer’s Tarot Deck by Chris-Anne
- Tarot of the Ages by Mario Garizio
Artist Attribution
- Photo by Robert Thiemann on Unsplash
References
- My own experience
- The Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham
- Holistic Tarot: An Integrative Approach to Using Tarot for Personal Growth by Benebell Wenn
Disclaimer
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