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A king sits facing forward on a throne carved with butterflies and crescent moons, holding a sword slightly tilted. Tall trees and a clear sky stand behind. King of Swords
Swords

King of Swords

authorityclarityfairness

Clear reasoning and fair judgement guide you. Lead with integrity and logic.

Love Honest, principled communication.

Rudbeckia · Greenaway 1884: "Justice."
Symbols in the glass
  • Sword judgement and authority
  • Facing forward directness and impartiality
  • Butterflies and crescents transformation and intuition in balance
  • Clear sky clarity of mind

A king sits facing forward on a throne carved with butterflies and crescent moons, holding a sword slightly tilted. Tall trees and a clear sky stand behind.

Deeper lore
Element
Air
Astrology
20° Capricorn to 20° Aquarius (approx 10 Jan to 8 Feb)
Court element
Air of Air
Golden Dawn title
Prince of the Chariots of the Winds
Number
King, the leader of Air: reason, ethics and fair judgement.
Names
King of Swords · Roi d'Épées · 宝剑国王
Waite, 1911

Waite: "whatsoever arises out of the idea of judgment and all its connexions: power, command, authority, militant intelligence, law". Reversed: "cruelty, perversity ... evil intention".

What would a fair and wise decision look like here?

Ask Iris about this card

For reflection and entertainment. Meanings follow the Smith-Waite tradition.