The King of Swords sits calmly in his throne and looks at the reader. This illustrates his master intellect and ability to get things done.
Armed with his sword, he tackles his problems head on. This level of authority is indicative of all king cards. The King holds his sword in his right hand and points it straight up. This illustrates his desire for truth and the moral backbone behind his intelligence.
There are butterflies in his throne. The butterflies here illustrate the dynamism of the sword suit through their metamorphosis. The background is the Shambhala or Shangri-La or Gyanganj, which is described as a mysterious place surrounded with snowy mountains in the Himalayas as per the Tibetan, Buddhist and Indian folklores. As per the folklore, Shambhala is a paradise on earth, cut off from rest of the world. People of Kali Yuga won’t be able to visit there and the citizens of Shangri-La live a peaceful and eternal life. The King of Swords is a rightful emperor of this mysterious place due to his strong ethical nature. As per Tibetan culture, butterflies symbolize impermanence, joy, freedom from worldly fixation and the blissful inner peace of enlightenment. They represent the beautiful and fleeting nature of life and awakening. Beside the butterfly, there are two sickles carved. On a fundamental level, they represent the harvest. On a deeper level, they illustrate the moon and the matriarchy. It means that masculinity and femininity are coexisting qualities and every human possesses both qualities together.
The King wears a light blue dress. The colour not only evokes the element of air, it also traditionally symbolizes spiritual maturity in Tarot. The trees in the background illustrate the fertility found in spiritual maturity. While other court cards in the minor arcana are in wastelands, the sword court cards are in an open green field, suggesting the potential for great things.
Upright meaning
The upright King of Swords represents authority, leadership, and intellect. It suggests that you’re able to think critically and make decisions with confidence and authority. The card encourages you to use your analytical skills and your ability to communicate effectively to lead others.
Reverse meaning
The reversed King of Swords can indicate abuse of power, manipulation, or a lack of fairness. It suggests that you may be using your intellect and authority to control or manipulate others, or that you’re not being fair in your decision-making. The card encourages you to be mindful of how you use your power and to prioritize fairness and justice in your leadership.
Add a Comment