Welcome to Tarot Tuesday: King of Swords!
Each Tuesday I will pull a card from my grandmother’s tarot deck and write about what the card could mean for the signs, broken up by element. The elements of the zodiac are Fire (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius), Earth (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn), Air (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius), and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces).
I may pull a card from the major arcana, representing our inner wisdom. Or I may pull a suit card, representing outside influences. I may even pull a court card signifying a specific person in your life. This card can help you set your intention for the rest of the week, or it can provide a visualization of your current situation. Don’t forget to check your moon and rising signs as well as your sun sign.
Also, I want to mention that this week’s card was not the first card I pulled. I pulled a card that I have already pulled and written about before pulling a second card. I’m writing about the second card I pulled today, but if you wish to read about the first card, the Queen of Pentacles, you can do so here.
The King of Swords
This week I pulled a court card, the King of Swords. I believe this is the first time that I have pulled a king card for Tarot Tuesday. Kings often represent an older masculine figure such as a father, romantic partner, or authority figure. They also represent power and success in attaining your goals. However, they can also represent stubbornness or a bully.
Swords are the suit of communication. But the suit can also represent logic, focus, and fearfulness. When a sword card pops up in a reading, it can represent courage or disruption of an unfair status-quo. It can also represent fears that are holding us back.
In my grandmother’s deck, the King of Swords is depicted as a masculine figure who sits on a silver throne adorned with butterflies. They wear a blue robe, a red hood and cape, and a golden crown. He holds a sword upright. There are trees and clouds in the background.
Though the card’s image may vary from deck to deck, the meaning is often the same. The King of Swords represents justice and truth. It can also represent a father figure who cares deeply for his loved ones but has trouble expressing emotions. When the King of Swords pops up in a reading, it can symbolize the power to fight injustice or bullying. It can also symbolize the need for efficiency with your profession and finances.
What This Card Means for Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)
Fire signs are ruled by their passion and drive. The King of Swords speaks to your need to buckle down and tackle the things that you have been putting off.
Aries, your high energy and impulsivity is part of your charm. But this card wants you to start taking important things more seriously. It’s time to get a handle on things.
Leo, your charm makes you a magnet for attention. But you need to turn your own attention to the things you have been apprehensive about addressing. Some things can’t be avoided for much longer.
Sagittarius, you have been giving in to your flight response more than your fight response. This card does not want you to fight in a combative way, but it does want you to fight for the things you want and need.
What This Card Means for Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)
Earth signs are ruled by their dedication and desire. The King of Swords speaks to your serious and enterprising nature.
Taurus, you may have recently made a big occupational change or decision. This will prove to be a change for the better. This card wants you to revel in your own success.
Virgo, you may have been trying to take things easier than you usually do. This is perfectly okay, but this card does not want you to become too complacent when handling important things.
Capricorn, this card is proud of your hard work and wants you to be proud as well. This card also wants you to offer help and guidance to those who seek it from you.
What This Card Means for Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)
Air signs are ruled by their compassion and independence. This card may hold more significance for you because the Swords are the suit of air. The King of Swords speaks to your considerate nature and your desire for justice.
Gemini, you have a great deal of sympathy for your fellow man. You are also one of the most communicative signs in the zodiac. This card wants you to help others raise their voices against oppression.
Libra, you are the quintessential peacekeeper. But this card wants to warn you against equivocation in your pursuit of peace. Sometimes you need to take sides rather than remain neutral.
Aquarius, you are filled to the brim with compassion for others. But this card wants you to turn some of that compassion inward and allow you to feel any emotion that you are repressing.
What This Card Means for Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)
Water signs are ruled by their empathy and imagination. The King of Swords speaks to your desire to take care of the needs of those around you.
Cancer, the world is full of ugliness right now, and confronting that every day can cause your heart to break. This card wants you to steel your resolve and be strong for yourself and those around you.
Scorpio, you may be lost in your own emotions and fantasies right now. This card wants you to seek guidance from someone you trust so that you will not feel so lost.
Pisces, you are a naturally sweet-natured person. When confronted with a person who is not as emotional or tender-hearted, this card wants you to offer them emotional support, if and only if they request it.
