Card 63 • swords

King of Swords

Brief Description

The King of Swords represents disciplined authority and clear, strategic thinking, shown by a ruler holding his blade upright and focusing on the path ahead. He embodies self-discipline, determination, and moral rigor, having achieved unquestionable power through steadfast effort. Upright, he signifies leadership, stern guidance, and high standards; reversed, he warns of abuse of power, dictatorship, brutality, or weakness in leadership. The card advises recognition of lawful authority while cautioning against authoritarian excess and the misuse of power.

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Description

The King of Swords holds his blade upright while focusing intently on the path ahead. Through sheer self-discipline and determination, he has achieved a position of unquestionable power. Those who oppose his jurisdiction should beware, for he will slit the throats of anyone who stands in the way of his ambitions.

Upright Meaning

Authority. Power. A military strategist. A stern leader. A strict father figure. A high performance individual. Someone with high moral standards.

Reversed Meaning

Abuse of power. Dictatorship. Brutality. An unstructured or undisciplined leader. Weakness.

Visual Description

An ornate crowned king strides to the right, wearing a blue patterned robe and a red cloak whose back is shaped like a horned, red-faced demon. He holds a long upright sword in his right hand while a shorter dagger, gripped by the demon-form, drips a single drop of blood. In the background a crescent moon with red teardrops, a smoking volcanic eruption, stars near the sword tip, and a white castle with a domed tower appear.

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✍️ Deck author(s): Patrick Valenza

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