King of Swords Tarot Card Meaning
Minor Arcana, suit of Swords
authority, intellect, fairness, principle
The card
A king faces you squarely from his throne, sword held upright and slightly tilted, with butterflies and crescent moons carved behind him and tall trees in the distance. He rules by reason, principle and clear rules. The card asks you to decide with a cool head and a fair mind, without letting cleverness turn cold.
Upright meaning
Intellectual authority and fairness; decisions are guided by truth and principle.
Reversed meaning
Power used coldly or manipulatively; rigid judgment that ignores the human side.
← Queen of Swords · Ace of Pentacles →
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