Bohemian Gothic Tarot

KNIGHT OF SWORDS

Lighter or more conventional meanings

A fighter, who can be a great friend but an implacable enemy * An impetuous person who tends to leap right into things * A leader with great energy and intelligence * Someone who is very forceful, to the point of being a bully at times.

Darker, shadow or more hidden meanings

A person who has to get their own way * Someone who abuses others -Using intelligence to dominate and take control * Ruthless, forceful and often militaristic character.

One of the most horrific scenes in this deck, this card shows a man standing in a torture chamber. He looks brutal, hard and rather proud of himself. The Knight of Swords is often someone to beware of and this depiction emphasises this aspect of this Court. He can be an effective ally but be careful if you team up with him because he is ruthless and utterly sure that might is right. Even though he will ensure that you win a battle, he may do so in ways that will probably leave you appalled and wishing you had not associated with him. Basically, he's a dangerous enemy but can also be a hazardous friend. Although he sees himself as utterly rational and controlled - he has a book prominently displayed as well as all the instruments of barbaric torture - in reality he's never very far from anger.

This can be a difficult card as it demands tact, care and empathy in the reader -ironically the very opposite of the characteristics of the Knight of Swords himself. When the querent recognises the type of person that is depicted, it could be a trigger for discussing various instances of abuse - from mild bullying to something much more serious - and conflict in relationships. Remember that even in this dark version of the card the Knight of Swords is not always entirely negative; he is clever and when he is fighting on your side he's unarguably effective. But at root, this is a person who at the very least lacks empathy for others, it's best to be careful around him.

Some further ways to consider this card

Imagine what the book might be about. Consider how this book, as a symbol, might be linked to the many other books shown in this deck, for instance in the Seven of Swords, the Page of Wands and the Queen of Swords.

"Of what do they accuse me?" he asked, after a moment's silence. "What can they prove against me?" "I cannot tell. It matters very little. Do you understand? To-morrow, if not to-night, the Governor's men will come here to arrest you, and if you have not escaped, you will be imprisoned and taken before the Council. They may accuse you of being involved in a conspiracy - they may torture you." She shivered at the thought, and looked into his dark eyes with fear and pity. His lip curled a little disdainfully.
- F. Marion Crawford, Marietta, A Maid of Venice.