Knight of Swords tarot card meaning

What the card shows

A knight in armour charges at full gallop on a white horse, his sword raised high. The wind bends the trees and tears at the clouds. Birds scatter, and his red cloak streams out behind him. Nothing about him suggests that he plans to slow down.

Knight of Swords upright

The Knight of Swords is the card of determined, fast action. He knows what he thinks and charges after it. Upright, it describes ambition, decisiveness and the courage to act on an idea. It favours speed when speed is needed, and speaking your mind clearly.

Keywords: action, ambition, drive, speed

Knight of Swords reversed

Reversed, the charge has no direction or no brakes. It can describe impatience, aggression, tactless words or rushing in without a plan. It can also describe frustration at being slowed down. The card asks you to check where you are going before you go any faster.

Keywords: recklessness, aggression, scattered force

In love

A fast-moving romance, or someone direct and determined. The card suits honesty. Reversed, it can describe impatience, harshness or a rush that leaves feelings behind.

At work

Pushing a project forward, decisive leadership, debate. The card favours acting on a clear idea while the window is open. Reversed, it warns against steamrolling colleagues.

When you are deciding

Once you have the facts, act. The Knight of Swords favours decisiveness. If you notice you are rushing to avoid thinking, stop and think first.