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Insights from the Knight of Swords

The Knight of Swords Tarot card is fast and furious, a racing mind and quicker tongue. They are impetuous and run full steam ahead. When it shows up for us, it’s time to take a breath!

Here in the Knight we have moved up in our mini-cycle of initiation from the Page, however, where we first learnt how to wield our sword. There may be a time for harnessing this speed, but the figure on the card is also typically fast towards the past…

Read on for a full Knight of Swords Tarot Guide, including its Astrological and Numerological correspondences, and what it means if it shows up reversed and in a general, career, or love Tarot reading for you:

Knight of Swords Tarot Meaning

The Knight of Swords Minor Arcana court card is the most cutting and direct of the courts. When it shows up for us in a reading, our minds might be racing-a-mile-a-minute, or we may have to be mindful of how we speak to ourselves and others!

Like all the Knights, it can also signify general movement, action, and developments, especially in the realm of ideas and plans.

In the Smith Rider Waite Tarot deck, and many others, we see a Knight charging in full battle armour, the clouds of the mind are jagged behind them, and the wind is whipping the trees. They have their sword held up in attack.

I find it interesting that although we have moved up the ranks here, their sword is still the same size and coming off the edge of the card, just like in the Page of Swords…

There are other motifs representative of the Court of Swords, such as the birds and butterflies on the horses saddle reigns, and the birds scattered above their head.

I do also find it interesting that they have a feather in their helmet, similar to The Fool— perhaps there are nuggets of wisdom to be found in this windswept energy after all!

Overall, when we pull this card we may be in a situation which feels like it’s moving at lightning speed, or our minds might feel this way, or we may be dealing with someone who embodies this forceful nature. Either way, it is time to pause and come up for air.

Knight of Swords Upright Keywords

Speed, impetuousness, furiousness, arguments, wit, insight, racing mind, quick ideas, excitement, meanness.

Often this may not be a welcome card, they can come with a certain pushiness or arrogance. But they can be using it causing us pause for thought and mindfulness of the quality of our internal chatter and how we communicate. It can also bring fast insight and developments, write your ideas down!

Astrology of the Knight of Swords

Astrologically, the Knights correspond to the Fixed Signs (according to some traditions). Fixed Signs are resolute, steadfast, and determined. They are the ones that fall in the middle of seasons, reliable and predictable (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius). Fixed Signs have strong drive and perseverance, but can be rigid and unmoving.

As a Swords Knight, it also corresponds to the element of Air, thus is Aquarius (the Fixed Air Sign). Aquarius is innovative, visionary, and quirky, marching to the beat of its own drum in a weird and wonderful way. They carve out their own unique path, and are not afraid to go it alone.

The Knights are also said to correspond to the element of Air, quick and light, thus this Knight is Air of Air, the airiest of all! This reflects its hard-to-pin-down, effervescent nature.

Numerology of the Knight of Swords

Numerologically, the Knights can correspond to the number 12, which would connect it with the Major Arcana Hanged One (and Empress in turn), however the court cards are not usually associated with numbers (or reduced).

As a thought experiment, however, the Knight of Swords being connected to the Hanged One is interesting because it suggests the need to pause before acting too fast.

In the Thoth Tarot, the Knights are called Princes, following on from the Princesses (Pages). This naming hierarchy puts them on the same rank, reminding us that perhaps we do still have some things to learn before we can move on to become reigning sovereigns.

How to Read Court Cards

Generally, court cards can represent either a person, situation, or facet of self. This can be someone who is influencing the question at hand, the general energy of the current circumstances, or an inner archetype you are invited to call upon (or temper).

As a person, this Knight would be someone in their prime and with a strong, determined mindset— not afraid to tell you what they think! They may also be argumentative or bulldozing with their ideas.

As a situation, the Knight of Swords can suggest a fast-paced environment where things are moving and changing quickly.

As a facet of self, the Knight of Swords may be an invitation to pay attention to how you speak to yourself and others.

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Knight of Swords Reversed Meanings

If you choose to read reversals, a reversed Knight of Swords can feel even harsher, debates that turn cutting, or a mind spiralling out of control.

The Knight of Swords in a Love Reading

In a relationship reading, the Knight of Swords can suggest that either partner may need to be more mindful in the way they are speaking, or how you communicate with each other. Power dynamics may be at play.

However, like with any Tarot card reading, the actual signification will depend on where in the spread it has fallen, the cards surrounding it, the question ask, current situation at hand, and your own intuition.

Knight of Swords in a Career Reading

In a career reading, the Knight of Swords can be more constructive or destructive. On the one hand it can represent an astute, sharp mind and plans developing quickly; on the other it can reflect an overly harsh or competitive environment. Find the balance.

So those are some Knight of Swords Tarot card meanings, I hope they’re insightful for you! Let me know in the comments section below if you have anything else to add or any questions.

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