
This post is intended to be a mini Knight 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 Knight 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

Knight of Swords Tarot – Upright Meaning
As a Person
- Could signify Libra, Aquarius or Gemini
- Air + Air
- An intellectual who has ideas on how to achieve something but may not be able to implement them on the earth plane.
- Cheerful and impulsive. They know what they want and think. They have conviction and are headstrong. They are able to analyze the situation at hand quickly. Not afraid to speak their mind and may be perceived as being too blunt. May be critical when others feel to see their point of view.
- They like to dominate and have potential to be a great fighter. Shares similar characteristics to the page / princess but may be more aggressive with the use or application of his mind.
Figurative Meaning
- Generally a message on the way – Conviction, rapid energy but needs grounding.
- Swift action may be needed. Querent will succeed quickly. Focus on the positive.
- Time to speak your mind. You will win the argument or talk your way out of the situation.
- Expressing complex ideas in a practical way.
- Ability to leverage a “poker face” and win the game.
- Can represent someone or something desirable. Can also be manipulative or play games with others – his powers of the mind. Cleverness overtaking the situation.
Multiple Knights showing up in a reading
- Two Knights in a reading might indicate a head-to-head conflict.
- Three Knights in a reading might indicate a group or brotherhood of some sort. It can also indicate swift action that might take the querent by surprise.
Shadow Side of the Knight of Swords
As a Person
- An intellectual with a “bad boy” image who can be manipulative and play games. Has trouble keeping promises and may be a “heartbreaker”. Won’t take “no” for an answer.
- Someone who likes to argue or be aggressive just for the sake of it. Has a “shoot first, ask questions later” mentality.
- Could indicate a young man in the querent’s life who has characteristics listed above and who is having a negative impact.
Figurative Meaning
- Being too impatient and barreling ahead without thinking
- Someone is playing mind games or being manipulative.
- Allowing the mind (or cleverness) to overtake the situation (too much air that needs grounding). Being too smart for your own good.
- Fighting for the sake of it or on impulse.
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
- The featured image for this post is by Gioele Fazzeri. Discovered on Unsplash.com.
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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