What a rush we see this Knight in! The Knight of Swords card depicts a young man who is dressed in his armor and rides a strong white horse into the midst of a battle. The white color of his horse is a reference to the overall purity and intellectual energy which motivates this young rider. The sky behind him holds stormy clouds as well as trees that are tossed wildly around by the strong winds. The horse’s harness is also decorated with images of birds and butterflies. The cape of the knight is also decorated with those same birds.

Upright Meaning Guide
Knight of Swords Upright Tarot Card Key Meanings:
Big changes/ opportunities, seize the moment, jump in, arrival/departure, assertive, direct, honest, quick-wit, talkative, impatient, impulsive, intellectual, daring, rebellious, brave, courageous, focused, single-minded, perfectionist, ambitious, risk-taker, forward-thinking, champion, hero, soldier, go against the flow, leader

General Meaning and Interpretation (Upright)

In a general context, the Knight of Swords is a change card, it tells you that a big change is coming, one you have been waiting for quite some time and you better be ready to roll with it when it does. It’s time to jump in and seize the moment! This is a Minor Arcana card of being assertive, direct, honest, quick-witted and intellectual. It signifies being dashing, daring, brave, courageous or rebellious. It also represents being talkative, ambitious, forward-thinking, focused and single-minded when it appears in your Tarot spread. When this card appears in your Tarot reading, it can indicate that you go against the flow and have great leadership qualities and that you are a perfectionist and a risk-taker. If representing a person, the Knight of Swords is an adult (20-35 years of age and usually male) who has a strong personality, is quick-witted, a fast talker, intelligent, daring and rebellious. He may be an air sign such as Aquarius, Gemini or Libra. The knight is assertive and rational but can be impatient and impulsive. He has a very direct manner and this can sometimes make him seems a little insensitive. However, he is also exciting and adventurous which draws people to him. Champions, heroes, and warriors charging into battle are signified by this card and as such, it can represent a soldier or someone in the military.

Love & Relationships (Upright)

In a love Tarot reading, if you are in a relationship the Knight of Swords can indicate that you are in a relationship with someone who embodies the qualities outlined in the above section or you are displaying some of those characteristics yourself in your love life. It can also indicate that a change you have been waiting for is imminent and you need to jump in with both feet, this could take the form of a deeper commitment or a marriage proposal or romantic proposal. However, it can also indicate that your partner may be thinking about leaving the relationship as it can represent a departure and it can indicate that you or your partner may have to fight to keep each other. If you are single, the Knight of Swords can indicate that you will meet someone who embodies the qualities outlined in the above section or you are displaying some of those characteristics yourself in your love life. This card can indicate a romantic proposal coming your way or that you are going to be swept off your feet.

Money & Career (Upright)

In a career Tarot reading, the Knight of Swords represents ambition, drive, and determination. You know what you want to achieve and you are going for it. This Minor Arcana card tells you that he/she who dares wins! So be bold, brave, daring and courageous and go after what you want full throttle. It can also represent a big change in your career or arrival or departure of some kind so you may get the promotion you were hoping for or a new job or change of industry. Whatever the case, it will be a positive change and one that you have been wishing for so seize it with both hands. It can also indicate that a career in the police force or military would suit you. In a financial Tarot spread, the Knight of Swords can represent a positive upswing in finances or big opportunities coming your way. You so may get a great investment opportunity or an unexpected financial windfall when it appears in your Tarot reading.

Health (Upright)

In a health Tarot spread, the Knight of Swords can represent good news and an upswing in health. If you have been struggling with an illness or injury, it can indicate that a positive change is coming, one that you may have been hoping for. Make the most of it!

Spirituality (Upright)

In a spiritual context, the Knight of Swords again speaks to a big change coming. A moment in your life when many elements come together at the right time and place as the universe hands you an opportunity to advance on your path and embrace your destiny, jump at the chance when it comes!

Reversed Meaning Guide
Knight of Swords Reversed Tarot Card Key Meanings:
Missed opportunities, out of your depth, out of control, left behind, rude, tactless, hurtful, sarcastic, insincere, forceful, bully, aggressive, vicious, dangerous, know it all, follower, go with the flow, unfocused, coward, criminal, self-obsessed, arrogant, leading others to danger, heading for a fall, inferiority complex

General meaning and interpretation (Reversed)

In a general context, the Knight of Swords reversed can indicate that a big change or opportunity that you have been waiting for quite some has come your way but you are failing recognize or seize it. It may be that you are not ready to jump on or that you are out of your depth. Whatever the case, this card tells you that if you miss this opportunity you will get left behind. This Minor Arcana card can also represent being out of control, leading others to trouble or danger and heading for a fall. It can signify being insincere, self-obsessed, rude, tactless, hurtful, sarcastic or cynical so remember to be mindful of the words you use and their effects on others when this card appears in your Tarot reading. It can also signify going with the flow and being a sheep or a follower, mindlessly following the crowd. The Knight of Swords reversed may also suggest that you or someone around you is acting superior, being a know it all or has an inferiority complex when it appears. As a person, the Knight of Swords reversed is an adult (20-35 years of age and usually male) who may be overly cocky and impulsive to the point of putting others in jeopardy. He may be an air sign such as Aquarius, Gemini or Libra. This card can indicate a person who is not the most intelligent or communicative. However, it can also indicate someone who is a quick thinker and fast talker but uses those strengths in the wrong way. He might talk you into trouble. He rushes into things headfirst without thinking and can put himself and others in danger as a result. In the extreme negative, he can be arrogant, aggressive, illogical and intimidating. The Knight of Swords reversed can also signify a bully, a criminal or someone who is vicious or dangerous.

Love & Relationships (Reversed)

In a love Tarot reading, if you are in a relationship the Knight of Swords reversed can indicate that you are in a relationship with someone who embodies the qualities outlined in the above section or you are displaying some of those characteristics yourself in your love life. Be careful if this is representing your partner as it can indicate that they are controlling, abusive, aggressive, violent or dangerous. This Minor Arcana card can also indicate that either you or your partner are feeling out of your depth in the relationship and may want to put the brakes on. If you are single, the Knight of Swords reversed can indicate that you will meet someone who embodies the qualities outlined in the above section or you are displaying some of those characteristics yourself in your love life. Again, be very careful if this is the case as the reversed knight can be aggressive, vicious and dangerous. This card can also simply indicate that someone you are interested in will not be interested in pursuing a relationship at the moment or you may have to fight to get their attention.

Money & Career (Reversed)

In a career Tarot reading, the Knight of Swords reversed can indicate that you may be feeling out of your depth in your work life at the moment. Perhaps you’ve been thrown in at the deep end with a project and are struggling to find your feet. On the flip side, it can indicate that you may be behaving in an arrogant manner or coming across as a know-it-all to your colleagues, so be mindful of how you’re communicating with co-workers when it appears. This reversed Minor Arcana card can also suggest that big opportunities are around but you may be hesitant about going for them or afraid to take the lead. You should be careful not to miss out or you will get left behind. In a financial Tarot spread, the Knight of Swords reversed can indicate criminality so be careful with your money and belongings and be mindful of whom you trust in financial matters when it appears. It can also represent missing a financial opportunity or getting left behind so don’t be too hesitant about jumping in when chances come your way, just make sure you have done your research and the people you are dealing with are legit. Cover your bases.

Health (Reversed)

In a health Tarot spread, the Knight of Swords reversed can represent disappointing news. If you have been struggling with an illness or injury, this reversed card can indicate that you may feel frustrated or impatient with the rate at which you are recovering or healing. This card can also represent mental health issues, depression, bipolar and self-harming.

Spirituality (Reversed)

In a spiritual context, the Knight of Swords reversed may be telling you to slow down and allow yourself to adjust to any changes that are happening for you on a spiritual front. Or it may be telling you that you have missed an opportunity to seize your destiny. If that is the case, do not worry or wallow in regret, rather learn from the experience. If it is meant to be, the universe will find a way to give you another shot.

Reference:
Labyrinthos, 2019, 11/13/19, (https://labyrinthos.co/blogs/tarot-card-meanings-list/knight-of-swords-meaning-tarot-card-meanings?_pos=10&_sid=18b5a7f6f&_ss=r)
Lisa, 2019, 11/13/19, (https://www.thetarotguide.com/knight-of-swords)