King of Swords Tarot Card Meaning

Minor Arcana

Upright Keywords

Yes. Logical, Intelligent, Knowledgeable, Mature

Reversed Keywords

Yes. Aloof, Open, Direct, Focused

Key Associations

Element: Air

Number: King

Planet: Saturn

Zodiac: Aquarius

Get my FREE yes/no reading

Upright Meaning

The King of Swords represents the highest level of intellectual integrity and moral clarity. He is a master of fair judgment and principled leadership, making complex decisions with both logic and a strong ethical compass.

A mentor of mine embodied this energy perfectly—he never raised his voice, but his words carried immense weight because they were always thoughtful, fair, and true. He taught me that real authority is quiet and earned through integrity.

Invoke this King's steady, clear-headed energy when you need it most.

Love & Relationships

A relationship built on the King of Swords' energy is incredibly secure. This card points to a partnership with consistent, clear communication and strong, healthy boundaries. Honesty is the bedrock of this connection.

There is a deep sense of emotional safety that comes from knowing you can trust your partner to be direct and fair.

Career & Finances

Your workplace needs your strategic vision and your commitment to fairness. The King's presence supports you in executing your goals with unwavering integrity. Ethical decisions you make now will build a foundation of long-term respect and influence.

Lead with your principles, and others will follow.

Health & Spirituality

Your wellbeing is supported by your integrity. The King asks you to align your actions with your intentions. This means having the mental discipline to stick to your health goals, make choices that honor your body, and live in accordance with your own personal code of ethics.

Self-respect is a powerful pillar of health.

Get my FREE yes/no reading

Reversed Meaning

Be mindful of using your intellect as a weapon. The reversed King of Swords is a warning against misusing your authority, acting like a know-it-all, or becoming rigid in your thinking.

This is a time to check your motives, invite a dose of humility, and listen more than you speak.

Love & Relationships

This reversal can reveal power imbalances or emotional distancing in a relationship. One partner may be using logic and intellectual arguments to avoid vulnerability and maintain control.

Open, honest dialogue about emotional needs is the only way to dissolve these covert resentments.

Career & Finances

In a professional context, this reversal signals leadership that is lacking in empathy or integrity. The trust may be broken. Repair begins with taking accountability, admitting fault, and committing to clearer, more compassionate communication.

It's never too late to reclaim your integrity.

Health & Spirituality

Maintaining a stoic façade of control can be detrimental to your health. The reversed King encourages you to acknowledge emotional difficulties rather than pretending everything is fine.

True, sustainable wellbeing requires vulnerability. It’s okay to not be okay, and it's brave to ask for support

Get my FREE yes/no reading