Knight Of Swords Description
The Knight of Swords shows a knight dressed in armour, charging ahead with great energy on his powerful white horse. The knight’s sword is held high, a symbol of his dedication to his purpose and mission. The white horse symbolises the purity of the intellectual energy that motivates the knight. In the background, storm clouds are beginning to form, and the trees bend in the strong winds. The wind doesn’t stop the knight, however; he heads directly into it, eager to complete his mission.
NOTE: The Tarot card meaning description is based on the Rider Waite cards.
Knight of Swords Tarot Card Meanings
UPRIGHT: Ambitious, action-oriented, driven to succeed, fast-thinking
Upright Knight Of Swords
As with all Knights of the Tarot deck, the Knight of Swords is a man (or woman) on a mission – once he has his mind set on something, nothing is stopping him. And as a Swords card, this Knight actively uses the power of his intellect to achieve his goals.
When the Knight of Swords appears in a Tarot reading, it is a sign that you are highly driven, ambitious and action-oriented. You are so highly motivated to succeed that you will stop at nothing to pursue your dreams. The challenges, difficulties and obstacles on the path ahead don't faze you because you know where you want to go. Move forward with sheer strength and determination to make things happen.
The Knight of Swords suggests that you are quick to take action and tend not to plan ahead, instead preferring to dive right in. You thrive on high levels of energy that propel you forward and inspire you to take action to manifest your goals.
The Knight of Swords reminds you to be assertive in getting what you want. He doesn’t hang back and wait for something to happen. He is always making the first move and actively pursuing his goals. You can harness this energy in your life too by being proactive and forward-thinking. See yourself as the creator of your future and be ready to take the necessary steps to make it happen.
The downside of the fast-thinking, quick-acting Knight of Swords is that sometimes you act too quickly and haven’t thoroughly thought things through. You may be unaware of potential challenges and issues that will stand in your way, or the unintended consequences of your actions. You may be prone to rushing things or cutting corners to get a job done. Or, you may pursue a specific goal, thinking it is what you want, but later realise that it’s out of alignment or a dead-end. Sometimes a little planning and preparation can go a long way.
The Knight of Swords also represents your need to understand the world from an intellectual point of view. You have well-developed communication skills and can easily form solid arguments and opinions on current affairs and important matters. You love to engage with others who have similar skills so that you can share your ideas and develop new points of view. You may be best suited to discussion groups with like-minded individuals where you can fire each other up and motivate one another.
Upright Love Meaning:
Fears about intimacy, easily bored partner, decisive action
The Knight of Swords finds it particularly difficult to commit to a partnership. This person requires a lot of intellectual stimulation, and without it, can quickly become bored. This person can also be someone that finds it difficult to become too emotionally intimate with another person. If this doesn’t represent a person in your love life, the Knight of Swords tarot love meaning can point to a situation in which you’ll need to muster your courage, and quickly make decisions and take action. This can come in the form of making a commitment or a romantic proposal to a suitor, or even winning a lover back should they be on their way out of the relationship.
Upright Career Meaning:
Getting things done, focus on career, efficiency, making big moves
When you combine your lofty ambitions with your determination, and almost singular focus, you’re sure to get what you want. Nothing quite scares you off, when it comes to your job. You’re likely to be excellent at what you do, going after your projects and completing them with almost ruthless efficiency. This may intimidate others sometimes, but this may not be a very big concern to you. If this doesn’t represent you right now, you may be called to use this Knight’s energy to go after something you want in your career. If you’ve had your sights on a promotion, a new job, or a particularly exciting project, go for it! Make a big move, and get someone’s attention. Be as determined and daring as the Knight of Swords, and you can find success.
Upright Finances Meaning:
Focus on financial goals, taking action on financial goals
You may be very focused on your finances right now. Perhaps you are concerned with saving up for something big, or you just want to optimize what you’re saving. You are likely putting a lot of energy into doing this. With enough focus and determination, you’ll be able to meet your goal.
Reversed Knight of Swords Tarot Card Meanings
REVERSED: Restless, unfocused, impulsive, burn-out
Reversed Knight Of Swords
The Knight of Swords reversed can appear in a Tarot reading when you are brimming with energy and motivation but cannot effectively channel and release this energy. You are growing restless and frustrated because you want to take action, but something is holding you back. Perhaps the timing isn’t right, you don’t have enough resources, or you’re relying on someone else who isn’t ready. You need to find alternative ways to release this energy. Otherwise, you are going to burst.
Similarly, the Knight of Swords reversed suggests that you have little direction and are making rash and impulsive decisions, pulling others down with you. Your thoughts are scattered, and you are constantly changing your mind. If you are leading others, this can be very confusing and frustrating for all involved. Even if working alone, you may find that your distracting ‘monkey mind’ is getting in the way of your overall success. You may need to apply a single focus; pick an idea and then stick with it until it is complete. It will take mental discipline to see it through – are you up to the task?
The reversed Knight of Swords can also suggest that you need to slow down; otherwise, you are at risk of severe burnout and exhaustion. You want to be involved in everything, but you are not succeeding at anything due to this roving energy. As such, you are accomplishing very little and growing more tired by the day. Take some time out so that you can first ground yourself, gather your thoughts and concentrate on only the top priorities.
Finally, the Knight of Swords reversed indicates that you need to go it alone to build up valuable life experience and maturity. As you search for freedom and independence, it is likely you will make mistakes on your way due to your reckless and impatient nature, but this is all a part of the journey.
Reversed Love Meaning:
Aggressive partner, bullying, abuse, intense arguments
Be wary of the reversed Knight of Swords in a tarot love reading, as this person may be aggressive, controlling and perhaps even a bully. Convinced that they are right, they strong-arm others to do things their way regardless of how much it hurts the other person. They may have very little sympathy or understanding, and can delight in getting themselves into arguments, sometimes not just to have a debate, but to intimidate and pressure others. If this doesn’t represent a person, the reversed Knight of Swords love tarot meaning can simply suggest intense arguments, conflict and disagreement. Should these fights become commonplace, it may be better for the two of you to part ways.
Reversed Career Meaning:
Ruthless or vicious at work, arrogance, intimidation
While upright, the Knight of Swords’ ambition and drive left people in awe, in reverse, the Knight may instead come off as ruthless or vicious. Beware of hurting others as you complete your career goals; you may instead get a reputation for being a cutthroat, not caring who else gets hurt as long as you get what you want. Sometimes, others may also find you arrogant, and pushy when it comes to your ideas. Do you always need things to go your way? Do you ignore or dismiss the ideas of others without giving reasons? Sure, your methods may yield the results you want, but in the long term, consider what happens when nobody is there to support you. Try and be a bit more careful with your language and how you communicate.
Reversed Finances Meaning:
Fraud, scams, coercion, shady financial deals
Are you so focused on money that you sometimes cross the line when it comes to acceptable behavior? The Knight of Swords reversed is someone whose determination is so strong, that they stop at nothing to earn a buck. This can sometimes point to behavior that can be illegal. If this doesn’t represent you, someone in your life may be playing the part of this reversed Knight of Swords, so be wary with who you allow in your circle.
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