Knight of Swords Tarot Meanings
The card of action, aggression, & haste.
Last Updated: April 16, 2024.
The Knight of Swords is the twelth card in the Suit of Swords (also known as the suit of blades) and one of the fifty-six suit cards from the minor arcana. In divinatory tarot, the Suit of Swords is associated with thought, intellect, mental strength, and integrity. They can also represent conflict, hardship, and misfortune.
Divination practices such as cartomancy can help us make decisions, offer guidance, and help us tune into our intuition when we are at a crossroads in our lives. Understanding the meanings of each tarot card can help you sharpen your interpretative skills so you can get the most out of your readings.
The Knight of Swords is one of our fast-paced cards in the airy suit of Swords. All the Knights in tarot are full of energy and movement, and this is particularly true for the Knight of Swords. Like with all court cards, they can sometimes signify someone else in your life or an element of your own personality and journey. Look to the surrounding cards and the energy of the spread for clarification.
In this article, we will discuss the meanings of the Knight of Swords in various tarot reading contexts as well as the different symbols and nuances that can be found within this court card.
Pictorial Symbolism in the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck
The artworks from the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck contain deeper esoteric meanings that tarotists love to decipher.
The Knight of Swords shows a knight riding a white horse. He is full of energy and charging forward with his sword raised high, as if he is riding into battle, prepared to fight. His helmet is lifted so he can see the path ahead of him, and he is focused on moving forward. The terrain behind him is uneven and the winds are high, so this might not be an easy journey, but he is unwavering in his determination.
The Knight of Swords key correspondences
Upright keywords | Determination, Aggression, Quick changes, Action, Rebelliousness |
Reversed keywords | Impulsiveness, Frustration, Unpredictability, Cowardice and Following |
| Yes or No | Yes |
| Numerology | 12 |
| Element | Air |
Ruling Planet | Pluto |
| Astrological Sign | Gemini and Aquarius, May 11th to June 10th |
What does the upright Knight of Swords mean in the Tarot?
The Knight of Swords suggests your motivation and determination are high. You know what you want and you are ready to go after it with everything you’ve got. This knight often brings sudden and possibly unexpected change and it’s important not to resist because it is happening for the greater good.
The changes that happen now might be challenging, but keep focused on what you want and keep moving forward and you will reach all your goals. Now isn’t the time for standing still or waiting for the right moment, it’s time to take action and set the wheels in motion.
Big moves, impulsive decisions and following your gut, all while keeping your bigger vision in mind, will be the key to success right now.
When pulled in the upright position, the Knight of Swords is associated with determination, aggression, quick changes, action, and rebelliousness.
What does the upright Knight of Swords mean in a love reading
Pulling the Knight of Swords in a love reading might signify someone in your life, either someone you’re in a relationship with or a new person coming into your life. This person is spontaneous and full of energy, they know what they want and aren’t afraid to go after it.
They can sometimes struggle with commitment and staying in one place so this might cause insecurities in your relationship. This card can also signify a change coming in your relationship, you might be called to make a decision or implement changes to get what you really want.
Trust in this process and trust your heart, take the leap of faith even if it feels scary.
What does the upright Knight of Swords mean in a career reading?
You are determined, motivated and set on your goals, and this card is a sign you will be successful and reach your career goals.. Change is coming whether you’re ready for it or not. This might mean a promotion, increased workload or an unexpected career change.
You might not be able to see the positives in this change but trust that it’ll work out and this period will help get you closer to your goals. If you’re feeling stuck or stagnant in your career, it’s time to take action and get yourself moving. Remind yourself of your goals, your big vision and what you want from your career, and then set the wheels in motion to make it happen.
Things might move fast right now, allow it to happen rather than resist.
The Knight of Swords as a person
The Knight of Swords as a person is someone who is driven, ambitious and motivated. They are always on the move and looking forward. They are quick to take action and can be impulsive, often acting before thinking about the consequences or making a plan.
They’ll usually seem unfazed by danger or challenges as they are confident in their abilities and committed to their goals, so they just keep pushing forward no matter what and suit the Warrior Knight personality type.
The Knight of Swords is an intelligent individual with a sharp mind, who doesn’t often get clouded by their emotions.
The Knight of Swords as advice
Take action and be assertive in getting what you want. Your goals are in reach if you just go after them. Making plans after plans isn’t going to make things happen so it’s time to set the plans aside and start trusting yourself and the journey ahead.
Follow your gut and make bold moves towards your goals, even if it is scary or challenging.
What is the zodiac or astrological sign associated with the Knight of Swords?
The Knight of Swords is associated with the astrological signs of Gemini and Aquarius. Both are air signs, which are represented by the Swords in tarot. Gemini is often associated with being intelligent, adventurous and impulsive, which are all characteristics seen in the Knight of Swords.
Gemini’s are usually outgoing and quick to go after what they want, much like the Knight of Swords. Aquarius is also a sign associated with intellect and energy. Aquarians can be stubborn but optimistic, embodying the energy of this Knight going after their goals.
Is the Knight of Swords a yes or no card?
The Knight of Swords is generally a yes card and encourages positive action, but isn’t without its challenges. What is beneficial is to have a small plan or structure, and have faith in moving forward with yourself.
Below are some of my interpretations, as an experienced tarot practitioner, based on different types of questions:
- Will I get the job? Yes, a career change is on the way, and there will be a sharp learning curve.
- Is this new person in my life good for me? Yes, there may be friction and some adjustments but it can be a positive relationship.
- Will I achieve my current goals? Yes, take action on them and don’t dilly dally.
- Should I start my own business? Yes, it will be challenging but you can make it work with determination; keep with the energy in any times you waiver or doubt yourself.
What does the reversed Knight of Swords mean in the Tarot?
Pulling the reversed Knight of Swords can suggest you are not making the progress and moving forward in the way you want. It suggests simply going with the flow or letting others order the directions forward for you.
You might be brimming with ideas and motivation but have no idea how to actually get started, feeling like you’re stuck in place. Or you might be overly impulsive, acting without thinking and ending up in situations you don’t want to be in.
For both of these situations, a little bit of planning and foresight will make this easier. Ask yourself what it is you really want, and set yourself clear goals. You can’t make progress if you don’t know where you’re heading.
When pulled in the reversed position, the Knight of Swords is linked with impulsiveness, frustration, unpredictability, cowardice and following.
What does the reversed Knight of Swords mean in a love reading?
Pulling the reversed Knight of Swords in a love reading suggests there is tension, conflict or even aggression in your relationship. If you’re in a relationship that is plagued by conflict and tension, it might be that you both want very different things.
Try to slow things down and communicate what you both want, allowing lots of space and time to figure things out before jumping to any decisions. Be wary of controlling or aggressive behaviour in your relationships, both from a partner or from yourself.
Remember that you can’t control everything and you can’t control what someone else wants or feels, but do not let cowardice ruin what needs to be said.
What does the inverted Knight of Swords mean in a career reading?
Pulling the reversed Knight of Swords in a career reading suggests you’re in a rut and not satisfied with your career. You might have just missed out on a great opportunity for you, but that’s ok, as everything is cyclical and something different can come your way.
You might have been making impulsive decisions without a plan and ending up stuck, realising this isn’t what you wanted, or perhaps you’re unsure of what you want all together. Your focus has been scattered and it hasn’t allowed you to move forward or make use of opportunities before you.
Now is the time to pause and figure out exactly what it is you want before you make any more decisions. Once you’re clear on what you want, harness that energy and use it to take bold action.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Knight of Swords tarot card is a powerful symbol of determination, aggression, quick changes, action, and rebellion. When this card appears in your reading, it is often a sign that you are ready to take action, accept new challenges, and break free from old patterns to achieve your goals. It can also indicate the need to be bold and assertive, but also mindful of potential consequences.
Despite its association with mysticism and occultism, the tarot has grown to become much more than a simple “fortune-telling” tool. For many tarot practitioners, it is a complex system made of symbolic imagery and psychological considerations (Jungian archetypes for example) that can be used for self-exploration, meditation, and personal transformation.
The 56 lesser arcana cards relate to the day-to-day events of our lives, the more mundane aspects of our existence. Even though that part of the tarot is about the “smaller picture”, it symbolizes the constant choices we make that shape our lives, our characters, and ultimately our destinies.
Have you ever had a reading where the Knight Of Swords appeared? What was the outcome? What does that card mean to you personally? How do you interpret this card in your own tarot practice?
Share your thoughts and experiences with me in the comments below.
Additionally, If you want to know more about the different tarot cards, feel free to check out my complete list of all 78 tarot cards and their meanings.
Written by Charlotte Hamilton
Charlotte Hamilton is an artist, tarot reader and founder of Sugar Storm Studio, a creative studio that empowers weirdos, rebels and outsiders through alternative fashion, creative workshops and tarot. Find out more at www.sugarstormstudio.com
Learn more about the Suit of Swords
This page is part of our comprehensive list of the 56 minor arcana tarot cards & their meanings. If you enjoyed the read, then you’ll love the following articles.