A crowned king in blue robes sits facing forward on a throne carved with butterflies, an upright sword in his right hand. Clouds and a few trees lie behind him and two birds fly in the sky.

Minor Arcana · Swords

King of Swords

  • authority
  • truth
  • judgement
  • mental clarity

Leans yes

Upright meaning

The King of Swords thinks clearly because he has practiced thinking clearly. Authority earned by the willingness to be wrong.

 (reversed)

Reversed meaning

Cold judgement, intellect without heart, certainty mistaken for truth.

Advice

Hold the standard you ask of others.

Yes or no?

King of Swords leans yes in a yes or no reading.