King of Swords as a Person (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The King of Swords is the card of reason, authority, discipline, integrity, morality, and high standards. This card depicts a king sitting on his throne while holding up a sword. He radiates intellectual power, clear thinking, truth, and authority. He has high standards for everyone around him, and he expects others to act with integrity. He takes his responsibilities towards others seriously.

The King of Swords reminds us that integrity is an important part of a successful relationship. Love is not just about our emotions, it is also about our actions towards others. Love is easy to say and hard to do. The King of Swords is a reminder to have high standards for ourselves and for others. We deserve love confirmed by actions, not just empty words.  

Upright King of Swords as a Person

If the King of Swords appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person lives and breathes integrity, honesty, and justice. They’re a stickler for whatever they believe in, and in the upright they believe in prioritizing the highest good. When this shows up as a card that represents a person, you can expect that person to be highly intelligent and emotionally mature. This card is astrologically associated with the element of Air. Because Air is a masculine element, this card carries an active, assertive energy. We all have a little bit of both energies expressed in a balanced way, regardless of which gender we identify as.

For physical characteristics, the King of Swords as a person represents someone who is smartly and sharply dressed. This person only does what is scientifically proven to have health benefits. This court card is one of the most scientifically minded characters in the Tarot. They don’t fall for trends or fads. They are not all about appearances, and they are not shallow, even though they take good care of themselves. 

For emotional characteristics, the King of Swords as a person represents someone who is very rational yet selfless. They typically exhibit the masculine, positive sides of the air signs. Like a Gemini, they usually have a delightfully intellectual sense of humor. Like a Libra, they respect justice, ethics, and impartiality in all matters. Like an Aquarius, they are usually willing to sacrifice their feelings for something greater than themselves. They are honorable and stay true to their word. 

For careers, the King of Swords can represent someone who is successful in their career. They are disciplined and intelligent. They have a growth mindset, and they are always upgrading their skill set and ensuring their knowledge is up to date. This will especially be the case if they work in a STEM field where technology is constantly changing. They also excel in medicine, law, the military, government, and law enforcement. This person always keeps an open mind, and they are willing to listen. They are highly ethical, because their integrity means everything to them.

The King of Swords as a person represents someone who makes you feel like you’re in good hands. Their presence is commanding, and they try to be fair and impartial in all matters. They will always respect your opinion, but don’t expect them to always side with you. They have the maturity to agree to disagree, and they don’t expect you to agree with them on everything. If you are romantically involved with this person, consider yourself lucky. They are loyal to the end. 

Reversed King of Swords as a Person

If the King of Swords reversed appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person goes after what they want with little consideration for how others feel. However, the King’s energy is more forceful. They manipulate others like pawns. Because this is a Minor Arcana card, some of these traits will not be inherent aspects of their identity. If they are behaving unfavorably, they might just be going through a temporary phase. It may be a behavioral pattern that they can still unlearn, if they choose to. Good or bad, nobody is perfect, and people can use their free will to change for the better.

For physical characteristics, the King of Swords reversed as a person represents someone who is physically deceptive in a major way. This person may use their physical appearance to misrepresent themselves. When members of the Swords suit are drawn in the reverse, they will sometimes have con artist energy attached to them. This is a person who fakes it until they make it. Appearances are deceptive. Don’t trust the way this person physically presents themselves, because it is likely to be inaccurate. This is also the type of person who may say they live a certain lifestyle or consume a certain diet, only to behave in the completely opposite way behind closed doors. 

For emotional characteristics, the King of Swords reversed as a person represents someone who is a liar and a hypocrite. They are not nearly as intelligent as they claim to be. They typically exhibit the masculine shadow sides of the Swords signs. Like a Gemini, they are deceptive and two-faced. Like a Libra, they misuse their good looks to manipulate others. Like an Aquarius, they may prioritize their life purpose or a cause over their nearest and dearest. 

For careers, the King of Swords reversed can represent someone at the workplace who may have questionable ethics. They tend to be hungry for power. They love control, so they aspire to be in positions of authority. They’re also prone to being intellectual snobs. Alternatively, this card may represent an incompetent person who pretends to be competent. Almost everything is a lie with this person, so do your background checks if you’re inquiring about a potential hire. 

The King of Swords reversed as a person represents someone who makes you feel invalidated at best, and gaslit at worst. When drawn upright, a King of Swords will typically have the integrity and ethics to rationalize being kind and loyal. In the reverse position, however, they can find all sorts of reasons to be dishonest and disloyal. This person lies so much that they believe their own lies. They are highly manipulative, and they know how to play mind games.

Conclusion

For love readings, the King of Swords represents having integrity and high standards. Know what you deserve, and release the toxic people who are no longer serving you. We deserve love confirmed by actions, not just empty words. The card is a reminder that love is not just about feelings, it is also about actions. Love is a verb. 

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.