Knight of Swords Tarot Card Meanings

Knight of Swords – The Force of Intellect

Keywords (Upright): ambition, swift action, determination, mental clarity, charging ahead Keywords (Reversed): recklessness, impulsiveness, burnout, harsh words, scattered focus

Description A knight rides a galloping horse, sword raised high, pushing forcefully through the wind. The landscape blurs behind him—movement is the message. He charges forward with singular focus, his mind sharp, his mission clear.

The Knight of Swords (known as the Prince of Swords in the Thoth Tarot) represents decisive movement, assertive thinking, and the drive to cut through confusion with clarity and speed.

Upright Meaning This card urges bold, strategic action. You're in a moment that calls for decisiveness, clarity, and relentless pursuit of truth or goals. The Knight of Swords doesn’t hesitate—he acts. But he also reminds you to align action with purpose. Think fast, but think well.

Reversed Meaning Reversed, the Knight of Swords (or Prince of Swords in Thoth) can signal impulsiveness, aggression, or careless words. You may be moving too fast, missing context, or speaking without thought. It can also reflect burnout from overthinking or pushing too hard. Slow down. Precision matters more than speed.

Summary The Knight of Swords is the warrior of the mind—quick, driven, and focused. Upright, it’s a call to bold, intelligent movement. Reversed, it warns of haste and mental imbalance. Whether known as Knight or Prince, this card asks: are you charging toward truth—or charging past it?