King of Swords as Past (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 Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the King of Swords, it means that there was clarity, rationality, and strong leadership during that period. This era in your life was marked by a determination to approach situations with a clear mind, using reason and objective analysis to guide your actions. It suggests a time when decision-making was grounded in logic and fairness, a period where justice and ethical considerations were at the forefront, allowing for a balanced and wise approach to the challenges you faced.

The King of Swords as the past can represent a period where you or someone around you had a firm grip on the realities of a situation, leading with an analytical and strategic mindset. This time frame accentuates a grounding in reality, a period where decisions were made after careful thought and consideration, emphasizing a mature and responsible approach to situations. It was a time of leadership defined by a clear vision and a rational approach, helping to navigate complex scenarios with intelligence and insight.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the King of Swords in the past position means that the relationship was guided by truth and clear communication, possibly with a partner who valued rationality and had strong ethical principles. This foundation allowed for a relationship built on trust, where both partners could rely on each other to be honest and fair. It was a time when the relationship blossomed with mutual respect and an understanding that was grounded in reality, valuing clear boundaries and open dialogues which fostered a strong bond.

If you are asking about an ex, the King of Swords in the past position means the relationship had a foundation of intellectual compatibility and honest, open communication, even if at times it could feel emotionally detached. Despite the challenges of not always connecting on an emotional level, the relationship benefited from a foundation of trust and mutual understanding, where both individuals could express themselves freely and honestly. It was a period where intellectual engagement was rich, offering a space where deep conversations and a meeting of the minds were a regular occurrence, fostering a bond that was intellectually enriching.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the King of Swords in the past position means that the relationship was characterized by a mutual respect for truth and a preference for logical over emotional reasoning. This formed the basis of a connection where honest discussions and fair resolutions were the norm, leading to a transparent and open relationship. It was a time when you both valued the truth above all, and while it might have meant less emotional expressiveness, it fostered a relationship built on trust and mutual respect, creating a strong and stable bond.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the King of Swords in the past position means there was a period where you displayed strong leadership skills, making decisions based on facts and logic, which was beneficial to your career growth. This approach possibly guided you to make choices that were in the best interest of your career, helping you to ascend and reach new heights in your professional life. It was a time when your ability to think clearly and strategically positioned you well to take advantage of opportunities, leading to a period of growth and success in your career.

Reversed King of Swords as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the King of Swords reversed, it means that there was a potential misuse of power, characterized by manipulation or being too controlling. This time in your history was marked by a struggle with authority, either from yourself or others, creating a turbulent environment where true intentions might have been masked by deceit and cunning strategies. It was a period where self-centered behaviors possibly prevailed, leading to situations where the best outcomes were overshadowed by the desire for control, fostering a challenging and difficult time in discerning truth from manipulation.

The King of Swords reversed as the past can represent a period of being subjected to authoritarian rule, where there was a tendency for someone to exhibit manipulative behavior or being overly critical. It reflects a time of hardship, with potential emotional suppression as a result of stringent rules or harsh judgments. This period might have demanded immense strength to navigate, with the requirement to constantly shield oneself from the negativity and control that was prevalent, shaping a challenging environment where personal freedom felt restricted.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the King of Swords reversed in the past position means that it was marred by control issues, where one person might have tried to dominate the other, creating an imbalance in the relationship. This could have fostered a toxic atmosphere, where love and respect were overshadowed by power struggles and manipulative tactics. It was a time when affection possibly took a back seat to control, fostering resentment and creating a difficult pathway to maintain mutual respect and understanding, testing the bonds of the relationship severely.

If you are asking about an ex, the King of Swords reversed in the past position means the relationship might have ended due to dominating behavior or severe communication breakdowns, with a lack of emotional warmth. This suggests a time when the relationship was gripped by a coldness, potentially emanating from harsh words and actions that lacked empathy and understanding. It was a phase characterized by the constant battles for control, with affection and love taking a hit as the relationship possibly spiraled into a cycle of unhealthy dynamics.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the King of Swords reversed in the past position means there could have been conflicts arising from a lack of understanding and compassion, possibly leading to a strained relationship. This time might have been marred by disagreements that escalated quickly, potentially resulting in hurt feelings and a breakdown in communication. It was a period where the bond was tested severely, with a nurturing and understanding approach being replaced by an assertive and confrontational demeanor, making harmonious interaction challenging.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the King of Swords reversed in the past position means there was a phase characterized by lack of direction, perhaps due to a leadership style that was unyielding or even manipulative. During this phase, there may have been a trend of mismanagement, where authority was wielded without grace or empathy, potentially leading to a toxic work environment. It was a time where career growth felt stunted, possibly due to leaders who lacked foresight and understanding, creating hurdles in your path and making progress a strenuous endeavor.

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, 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.