AUTHORITATIVE-OVERBEARING
INCISIVE-CUTTING
KNOWLEDGEABLE-OPINIONATED
LOGICAL-UNFEELING
On the positive side, the Knight of Swords is a master of logic and reason. He has a keen intellect that grasps the fine points of any subject. He speaks clearly, directly and always with authority. His judgments are sure and free of emotion. Others rely on his lucid analyses of problems and solutions.
On the negative side, this Knight is not a master of diplomacy. He can be downright tactless and rude. When he thinks you are wrong, you’ll know it.
He’s convinced of his superiority and has little tolerance for stupidity. He expects others to comply with his views, and feelings are irrelevant and illogical to him.
In readings, a Knight of Swords shows that his penetrating style is involved in the situation as an aspect of you, someone else, or the atmosphere in general. You need to ask yourself, “Is this Knight’s energy helping or hurting?”
If his style is evident, then balance is needed. Are you always forcing your position on others? Do you get in trouble for saying what you think? Is your partner too cold and aloof? Do your colleagues tend to be critical rather than supportive? It may be time for a change.
If this Knight’s energy is missing, a dose of clear-sightedness may be called for. Are you too emotional? Let your head rule your heart next time. Do you overvalue the opinions of others? Trust your authority. Are you afraid to offend? Speak your mind. Let the Knight of Swords introduce you to his world of reason and self-assurance.
Direct-Blunt
- is frank and outspoken. Is tactless and rude
- gets straight to the point, may have a brusque manner
- does not mince words, does not spare the feelings of others
- lets others know where they stand. can’t hold his or her tongue
- gives an honest answer, shows little discretion
Authoritative-Overbearing
- speaks with assurance, tends to be domineering
- commands attention,forces a position on others
- acts with total certainty, expects immediate compliance
- gives orders naturally, does not welcome dissent
- has great influence, acts in a high-handed manner
Incisive-Cutting
- has a keen, forceful intellect, is prone to biting sarcasm
- penetrates to the core, lacks sensitivity
- expresses ideas succinctly, can be critical
- is sharp and alert, has a barbed wit
- debates and argues well, derides stupidity
Logical-Unfeeling
- reasons clearly undervalues intuition
- analyzes information well, treats people like numbers
- concentrates on what is correct, doesn’t temper justice with mercy
- can set aside emotional factors, is cut off from emotions
- makes sense out of confusion, is cold and aloof
Knowledgeable-Opinionated
- knows what he or she is talking about, believes he or she is always right
- can expound on any topic, lacks tolerance of other viewpoints
- is sought as an expert, must have the last word
- has well-reasoned positions, is arrogant
- is highly intelligent, can be dogmatic and close-minded
The Knight of Swords can form a pair with any other court card. Compare the ranks and suits of the two cards to see what such a pair might mean.
Example: for the Knight of Swords/King of Cups, go to [ King-Knight ] and [ Swords-Cups ]
[ King-Knight ] [ Queen-Knight ] [ Knight-Knight ] [ Knight-Page ]
[ Swords-Wands ] [ Swords-Cups ] [ Swords-Swords ] [ Swords-Pentacles ]
There are no separate explanations for reversed cards. The meaning of a reversed card depends on what the card would mean if upright. A reversed card shows that a card’s energy is present but at a lower level. For some reason, the energy cannot be expressed freely, normally, or completely. It may be:
- still in its early stages
- losing force and power
- blocked or restricted
- incomplete
- inappropriate
- being denied
- only present in appearance
See Lesson 17 for more information on reversed cards.