The Knight of Swords tarot card can represent a person in your life or a role you’re ready to play, just like all the Court cards. This person is a soldier and a fearless crusader, and they enter your life quickly to stir things up. They charge forward with intention and work hard to be heard and understood.
Sometimes this knight is seen as rash and impulsive, but really, he just thinks faster than your average person. This card is about mental agility and quickly considering all options before picking the right course of action.
When you see the Knight of Swords card reversed, it can mean you’re motivated and full of ideas, but you don’t have a good outlet for your creativity and passion. You’re probably feeling frustrated and restless, so you need to find some way to release your energy.
Try not to be impulsive here, and instead, follow through with your tasks from beginning to end. Gather your resources and plan the next steps. It’s also a good idea to release your energy in the meantime through exercise and mental stimulation.
The reversed Knight of Swords card can also mean you’re burning energy without accomplishing anything. You’re going to fizzle out if you keep up this pace, and you won’t get things done either. Take the time to ground yourself and collect your thoughts so you can come up with a clear plan for the future. Even though you’re still learning and you might make mistakes, this journey will be worth it in the end.
Reading this reversed card using the “blocked/restricted” meaning
Now, let’s talk about how to read your reversed Knight of Swords card. First, you can use the “blocked/restricted” reversed card meaning. When you read your cards like this, you look for an obstacle standing in front of the card’s upright meaning.
So for the Knight of Swords, this means something is blocking your ambition and drive. What’s keeping you from getting focused and getting moving?
Say you pull the reversed Knight of Swords thinking about going back to school. You’re married with two teenagers, and you’ve always wanted to go back to become a registered nurse. Right now, you’re an LPN, and you’ve been working in the same hospital for five years.
If you go back to school, you’ll be able to move up and get a big salary boost. But you always say “I’ll do it next year,” and often use your kids as the reason you haven’t, claiming you’re too busy. However, the truth is, your kids are getting older now and you do have enough time. You’re just scared that you’ve been out of school too long and aren’t going to be able to hack it.
Here, the reversed Knight of Swords card tells you to focus your nervous energy on being productive. Researching programs in your area is the first step. Once you know what you’re up against, this will seem more manageable.
Talk to your partner to see how they can help you achieve your goal. Wasting time worrying about how difficult things might be isn’t productive, and it always makes problems seem bigger than they are. Once you know what you’ll be getting into, you can prepare and take the steps to make your dream a reality.
Reading this reversed card using the “opposite” meaning
Another way to read your reversed Knight of Swords card is using the “opposite” reversed card meaning. When you read your cards this way, you look for the opposite of the card’s upright meaning.
For the Knight of Swords, instead of feeling driven, you’re sluggish and unfocused. It’s hard to make a move in any direction.
For example, say you pull the reversed Knight of Swords card thinking about your nerve pain. You’ve battled it in your legs for years, and sometimes, it feels like lighting is shooting down to your feet.
You finally saw a specialist a few months ago, and things have started improving. You see a physical therapist each week too, and they’re helping you feel more like yourself each day. But in the years you’ve been struggling, you’ve put on a lot of weight, and you’re dying to get back in shape.
The issue is that after everything you’ve been through, you’re totally unmotivated and don’t know how to get started. Here, the reversed Knight of Swords card tells you that sometimes taking the first step is the best way to motivate yourself. Even just doing something small can kick you out of your funk.
Try starting with daily walks and work up to carrying free weights with you. Also, if you have friends nearby, see if they want to meet up for some fun aerobics, like swimming or pilates.
Getting back into a routine doesn’t have to be a chore, and you can pick activities you enjoy. Once you take that first step, your motivation will start coming back, and you might be amazed by how good you feel.
Reading this reversed card using the “worse” meaning
You can also read your reversed Knight of Swords card using the “worse” reversed card meaning. When you read your cards this way, you take the card’s upright meaning and put it in a negative light.
So for the Knight of Swords, this can mean all your wasted energy and mental gymnastics are draining you. It’s time to center yourself and release your energy in a productive way.
Say you pull the reversed Knight of Swords thinking about your friend group. You’re part of a group of people who are influential and popular in downtown Atlanta. Your group throws a lot of events and parties, and the ones at the top know everyone.
You’ve been friends with some of them for years, so you’re sown in pretty deep. But there is a ton of drama in your group, and you’re always trying to remain impartial and encourage everyone to get along. It can be exhausting, and you’ve been spending so much time putting out fires lately that it’s affecting you personally.
You work as a sous chef at a popular restaurant, and over the past few weeks, you’ve shown up late twice and are having a very hard time focusing during your shift. The owner talked to you about it, and you know if things continue this way, you’ll lose your job.
Here, the reversed Knight of Swords card tells you to stop wasting so much of your energy on drama. Your friends will figure things out without you, and for now, you should focus on yourself.
Take some time away from the crazy parties and the nightlife and spend quality time with those closest to you. Indulge in your relaxing hobbies and self-care. If you don’t slow down and take a step back, you’ll get burnt out, so make time for yourself now before things get out of hand.
Reading this reversed card using the “no/not” meaning
Finally, you can use the “no/not” card meaning to read your reversed Knight of Swords card. When you read your cards like this, you put a “no” or a “not” in front of the card’s upright meaning.
For the Knight of Swords, this can mean “not driven” or “no ambition.” There may be someone in your life who’s holding you back or making things more difficult than they need to be.
For example, say you pull the reversed Knight of Swords thinking about your new business venture. You want to make fashionable handbags and totes out of recycled fabrics.
You have a great business plan and have been getting your funds in line. This is a long-term dream of yours, and you’ve been working hard to make it happen.
You have a younger sister who you’re very close to, and she has a degree in marketing. She offered to help you get the word out, but so far, she’s been anything but helpful. She’s very young and has no experience, and really, she’s just making things more difficult and wasting both of your energy.
Here, the reversed Knight of Swords card tells you to protect your dream. Even though your sister means well, if she’s making things harder, you should break off this partnership. If you keep working together, you’ll only waste more of your energy.
Talk to her about how you’re feeling and make sure she knows it’s not personal. She might be able to help out once you’re up and running too.