The King of Swords card is all about clarity of thought, assertiveness and fair use of power and authority. The King of Swords is logical and can understand the bigger picture.
Element: Aquarius, a fixed Air sign.
The King of Swords has different meanings when interpreted upright as it does reversed (upside down, not the same as face down).
Kings often embody governance and rule over something, or they are patrons that build up groups of people around them. They make expert commanders and they personify authority. Kings are typically not easily swayed.
The table below shows a brief summary of interpretations, followed by more in-depth analysis of the card in both positions below.
| Upright | Reversed |
| Intellectual power, mental sharpness, an observant person and problem solver. | Tyranny or harshness. Abuse of one's power or authority. One who is a "sesquipedalian" (uses big words to sound intelligent. |
| (Yes/No?): Maybe | (Yes/No?): No |
The King of Swords drawn in the upright indicates intellectual power, authority, discipline and seriousness. He is a good strategist. He is extremely direct and truthful, but doesn't come from a place of emotion; rather, he comes from a place of logic.
This card is all about clarity of thought and judgement. The King of Swords is not indecisive in and of itself.
When the King of Swords is drawn in the reverse, it can represent irrational decision making or abuse of power. At it's worst, the King of Swords in reverse can represent a person who is extremely cruel, inhumane and controlling, perhaps even ruthless.
King of Swords Number Meaning
In Tarot, Kings are associated with the number 14. In numerology, this can reduce to 5 (1+4=5).
Number 14 Meaning
Depending on the reading, the meaning of the number 14 may be significant for many reasons such as dates, times, or it can point back to the Temperance card (IV).
Number 5 Meaning
Like other odd numbers, the number 5 is a masculine number.
The meaning of the number 5 represents conflict or drama, discord, struggle, and challenges. A less negative meaning of the number 5 refer to a challenge or division of some kind.
In a tarot reading, the number 5 can confirmation or point back to the Hierophant card (V).
King of Swords Rider Waite Description
In the original Rider-Waite tarot deck, the King of Swords card is the only King card in which the King is looking directly straight forward, instead of over his shoulder like the other three King cards.
The King looks directly at the reader of the card.
His sword points straight and up.
Above him, carved in his thrown are two sickles surrounded by butterflies.
His robe is blue, evoking the element of Air.
In the background, there are green trees, suggesting potential and lushness.