The essential meanings of this Minor Arcana card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

Upright: The King of Swords upright stands for authority, logic, and ethical leadership. He is a master of intellect and communication, often representing a judge, a strategist, or an advisor type figure who values truth and fairness. Seeing this card indicates a call to step into a rational, principled mindset. Upright, the King of Swords suggests using reason and structure to handle your affairs – analyse the situation, be fair and objective, and communicate your decisions clearly. It's a signal to lead with integrity and to stand by what you know is right. This card can also mean seeking advice from someone knowledgeable or cutting through illusions with wisdom and facts.

Reversed: The King of Swords reversed can imply misuse of power, manipulation, or a lack of clarity. Someone (possibly in authority) might be overly stern, unfair, or abusive in their reasoning. It might also represent confusion in making a decision or difficulty articulating your thoughts. In reverse, this card warns against cold-heartedness and controlling behaviour – ruling with an iron fist without regard for emotion or input. If this is your approach, you may need to inject some compassion and humility. If you’re facing this from someone else, be careful and stand your ground with facts and calm. It also encourages clearing your mind if you're feeling mentally scrambled. The key is to upright this energy by returning to honesty, clarity, and ethical thinking, ensuring decisions are made wisely and fairly.

Three Possibilities

The secrets of this card for heart, mind and soul.

Love: The King of Swords approaches love with intellect rather than raw emotion. He is a protector, a wise counsellor, and a devoted partner who values honesty and loyalty. In relationships, this card suggests a need for clear communication, structure, and thoughtful decisions. It may also indicate a partner who is more reserved but deeply committed.

Career: A master of strategy and leadership, the King of Swords signifies authority and mastery in the professional world. He advises logic, fairness, and integrity. This is not a time for emotion-driven decisions but for calculated, well-planned moves. If you are in a leadership position, lead with wisdom and justice.

Spirituality: The King of Swords represents the intellect in its highest form, guiding you to seek spiritual truths with clarity and discipline. This is a time for structured study, philosophical exploration, and wisdom gained through reason. Trust in the power of knowledge, but remember—true wisdom balances mind and heart.