Minor Arcana · Swords · K
King of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
- Arcana
- Minor Arcana
- Suit
- Swords
- Rank
- King
- Element
- Air
- Yes or no
- Yes · Reversed: Maybe
Upright meaning
Judgement · logic · authority
Decide with reason rather than emotion. Expert advice or principled judgement is right.
Reversed meaning
Self-righteousness · harshness · abuse of power
You use logic as a weapon to overpower others or refuse to budge. Factor people's feelings into your judgement.
In a yes-or-no reading
- UprightYesThe card says things are moving the way you hope.
- ReversedMaybeIt isn't settled yet. It could depend on conditions or timing.
What the suit means — Swords
Swords are the suit of air. They stand for thoughts and words, judgment, conflict and decisions.
What the court card means — King
The King is the one who rules. He uses the suit's power outwardly and responsibly, with authority and mastery.
The 14 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
- King of Swords
Draw your own
Now that you know the card, think of one question and shuffle the deck yourself. Which of the 78 cards comes up is decided the moment you shuffle.
Meanings follow the widely used Rider–Waite tradition, and the pictures are simple designs drawn for this site. Please treat tarot as a light-hearted aid to reflection.