King of Swords
Upright
Authority of the mind. Intellect, truth, ethical judgement.
intellect · truth · ethical judgement
Reversed
Manipulation; tyranny of logic; a judge without mercy.
manipulation · tyranny of logic · a judge without mercy
In astrology
King of Swords is air of air, and rules from 20° Capricorn to 20° Aquarius — roughly 10 January – 8 February.
In the Celtic Cross
Where King of Swords falls changes what it says. In the present it names the atmosphere you are in; as the crossing card it shows what lies over the matter; at the foundation it is the root of the situation; in the outcome it is the road ahead if nothing changes. Read the ten positions, or lay a spread and see where it appears.
Draw this card for yourself
Where it falls is what it means. Lay a spread and see whether King of Swords turns up — and in which position.