Knight of Swords

Attributions

Capricorn-Aquarius Cusp (20 degrees Capricorn to 20 degrees Aquarius)

Air of Air - Master of Debate

Swords is the suit of the intellect. It represents air, authority, thought, reason, justice, truth and ethical principles. It is knowledge, conflict, struggles and turmoil.

Court cards can represent various aspects of yourself and can also represent other people.

Knights are said to represent adults from their early 20's to about 40 years of age or an adult who is very youthful for his age. Knights often refer literally to men but can also represent women in the role of the Knight - perhaps referring to a masculine aspect of her personality.

The Pictorial Key to the Tarot by Arthur Edward Waite (1911)

He is riding in full course, as if scattering his enemies. In the design he is really a prototypical hero of romantic chivalry. He might almost be Galahad, whose sword is swift and sure because he is clean of heart.

Divinatory Meanings: Skill, bravery, capacity, defence, address, enmity, wrath, war, destruction, opposition, resistance, ruin. There is therefore a sense in which the card signifies death, but it carries this meaning only in its proximity to other cards of fatality.

Reversed: Imprudence, incapacity, extravagance.

Some Additional Meanings of the Lesser Arcana

Knight.- A soldier, man of arms, satellite, stipendiary; heroic action predicted for soldier.
Reversed: Dispute with an imbecile person; for a woman, struggle with a rival, who will be conquered.

Upright

Rapid comings and goings.

Pay attention to coming events.

A man of action.

Forewarned is forearmed.

Cuts to the chase and tells the truth - even if it hurts.

Wisdom, knowledge, setting up a system of thought.

Brave, fearless, ruthless against opposition.

Will always defend the underdog.

Skillful, capable.

Heroic, ironic, cynical, impetuous, self-assured.

Focus your mind and use your wits.

Being honourable includes knowing the truth, speaking the truth, and acting on the truth.

Use what you know.

This person is a clever debater and a natural political activist.

Stick to your principles even when doing so makes it difficult to get along.

Righteous anger.

Don't let go of your rights too easily.

Put your mind to it!

Reversed

A pugnacious, argumentative man.

Impatient.

Throwing caution to the wind.

A fickle, flighty man.

Delays, apprehensions, conflicts.

Difficulty maintaining stamina.

Someone opposed to your thoughts and actions right now.

Not able to communicate clearly.

Dishonesty and deception.

Impulsive.

Constantly in trouble.

A braggart, trouble maker, bully, rascals and rogues.

Someone mean, cunning, dishonest, and sly.

Apt to say something quick and hurtful without thinking.

Prejudice and flawed perspectives.

Harshly expressing views and opinions.

Debating turning into argument.

Can you listen to a person making a total fool of himself and resist the temptation to say so?

Hit and run; swift escape.

Links

Learning the Tarot: Joan Bunning's description, associations, and meanings.
Biddy Tarot: Upright and reversed meanings.
Tarot Teachings: Meaning and symbolism of the card using the Morgan Greer deck
ATA: When the diplomacy of the Page of Swords fails to achieve results, the Knight will try it his way, the violent way. Violence in this sense does not refer to physical brutality but to a suddenness and apparent hostility that will threaten most people. And if they do not feel ...
The Lost & Found: Interpretation and meaning of the Knight of Swords: the Tarot Card, courtesy of Linda Dalton, at Lost & Found Psychic Readings.