(The above image is a copy of The Knight of Swords card in a standard Rider-Waite Tarot deck. The 6 symbols pointed out above are explained below.)
Card Description
The Knight of Swords is the most energetic card in all of tarot. The knight and horse leap into the card, charging against the wind to some unknown destination. This card encourages us to take charge and to determine our own future with the same level of passion.
If you are looking for a deck of Tarot cards, check out our standard Rider-Waite deck here or check out one of our recent arrivals here.
For more information about The Knight of Swords card, check out A. E. Waite’s description here.
Point 1 – KNIGHT
As always, the knight here is a symbol for dynamic action. Unlike the other knights in the minor arcana, this knight takes that symbolism literally and is charging forward like a gust of wind. The knight in the swords suit is the most energetic and thus encourages you to be the most energetic you have ever been.
Point 2 – ARMOR
The knight in the swords suit is one of the most heavily armored knights in the minor arcana. While the knight is rushing into battle, he does so deeply prepared. This runs counter to the idea that you can only be energetic haphazardly.
Point 3 – SWORD
Like the sword in the Page card, the sword here extends beyond the limits of the frame, suggest a larger than life quality in the weapon. Unlike the page’s sword, however, the knight’s is drawn for battle.
Point 4 – HORSE
Like the knight, the horse is rushing into battle with wind in its hair. The great horse not only adds to the powerful energy in the card, its white color suggests that the knight’s battle charge is pure of spirit.
Point 5 – BUTTERFLIES
In juxtaposition with the masculine, dynamic energy, the horse’s reins have a butterfly design on them. While this design seems in conflict with the knight, it helps illustrate the airiness of the card. Additionally, the butterflies reiterate the card’s dynamism through their metamorphosis.
Point 6 – TREES
The entire environment in the card matches the energy of the knight. For instance, the trees in the background bend to the force of the wind. The direction of the trees reveal that the knight is charging against the wind.
Tarot Reading
Upright
An Upright Knight of Swords suggests a determination to see your plans come to fruition. While the Page was stuck in the idea stage of creativity, the Knight is making that idea happen. This card encourages you to be assertive in your vision and to do whatever it takes to manifests your understanding.
Reverse
A Reverse Knight of Swords appears when you have all of the energy in the world, but you don’t know how to focus it into something productive. This card suggests you are making brash decisions without considering the consequences. A Reverse Knight of Swords encourages you to meditate on what you want so that you can channel your energy successfully.
For more Tarot Card Meanings, check out our blog here.
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About the author: John Taylor is a content writer and freelancer through the company Upwork.com. You may view his freelancing profile here. He has a B. A. in English, with a specialty in technical writing, from Texas A&M University and a M. A. in English from the University of Glasgow. You may view his previous articles about Tarot here and his LinkedIn profile here.
