Prince of Swords Tarot Card Meanings

Prince of Swords Upright Meaning

This card is traditionally entitled The Knight, but in some modern decks appears as The Prince. Traditionally, this card portrays the restless mind, aroused by thoughts of offense and defense, storming around searching for a target to pounce on. He often feels slighted, has a chip on his shoulder and bristles with a hostile attitude. His usual method is to look for someone to blame for his irritation.

Furthermore, in an attitude of righteousness, he may assign himself the job of correcting the offender. Jumping easily to conclusions, he shoots first, asks questions later and is therefore often guilty of overkill. This is not to say that he does not have his heroic side; a single-minded combativeness can have its value. However, even when he is doing the right thing, he is likely to be doing it for the wrong reasons. Apt advice for this card is to deeply question your motives for what you are thinking about doing. Forethought will assist you in discriminating between righteous and unrighteous causes. Control any traces of impulsive judgement!

Occasionally you will notice in the detail on the card, that the person can be a woman rather than the expected man. There is some evidence that the tradition of knighthood included a certain number of "anonymous knights" who took mythic names and veiled their true identities. Living on the road with few or no servants, they served as freelance defenders of travelers, champions of the little people against the exploitation of both highway robbers and the wealthy classes. Odds are that some of these knights-errant were camouflaged women, and that idea is preserved with the traditional representation of the Sword Knight.

Prince of Swords Reversed Meaning

When the Knight of Swords is reversed, fear of conflict is so powerful that you will bargain away all that is meaningful just to get through, or out of, a tough situation. You will say what you don't mean, promise what you can't deliver and hope to be saved by a miracle, just to see yourself delivered from a stressful time.

When you learn to tell the simple truth from moment to moment, you will have no more use for this reactionary behavior that is invariably followed by shame and regret.

Prince of Swords Advice Position

The Knight of Swords in this position advises you to remain open to conflicting ideas instead of surrounding yourself exclusively with people who agree with you. This Knight is most effective when testing his ideas in a debate. Emulate his ability to communicate successfully by keeping your conversations impersonal and humorous so no hurt feelings are provoked.

Practice your negotiation skills so you will be in shape for imminent diplomatic challenges as they arise. A sparring partner could help you learn to control impulsive comments and stem your urge to be right at the expense of others being wrong.

Prince of Swords Love Position

The Knight of Swords (in some decks, a Prince) in this position symbolizes a warrior getting ready to defend a matter of principle. You are either feeling challenged or feeling a need to put your foot down. In effect, you are strapping on your armor and sharpening your blade. Whoever tangles with you now faces a daunting opponent, because a righteous indignation empowers the character of this card. Hopefully your cause is worth what lies ahead.

Sometimes this Prince becomes so eager for the fight that he forgets what it will cost his or her partner, as well as how many other lives may be affected. Before you commit yourself to further action and reaction, be sure you are ready for all the consequences to your potential relationship that you could stimulate by taking a strong position.

Prince of Swords Career Position

When the Knight of Swords (in some decks, a Prince) is in this position, you are facing a person or forces that may be opposed to authenticity, vulnerability and mutual trust. You may not know what has provoked such a situation. Perhaps it is not even personal. You may have innocently wandered into a charged situation and perhaps even unintentionally set it off. In any case, you need to convey that you do not wish to add to the conflict. If it's too late for that, prepare yourself for the inevitable offensive.

Viewed strategically, the situation could be presenting you with a worthy adversary from whom you can learn how to defend your position without being intimidated. Try to see this as a chance to practice your moves and become stronger at holding your ground. In any case, there is no need to blame yourself for the problems -- the situation was tense before you came on the scene.

Prince of Swords in a Yes or No Card Reading

The Knight of Swords is a card of speed and all-out effort. If you're looking for simple Yes or No guidance and receive the Knight of Swords, the answer is YES. Keep your eye on the prize and dig deep to get where you want to be.