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The Rider–Waite–Smith King of Swords, along with its traditional Tarot counterparts, presents a more straightforward and restrained image than many modern Western Hermetic Tarot decks. Yet, despite its relative simplicity, it remains an effective entry point into Hermetic symbolism, as several subtle esoteric cues are woven into the artwork.

In the RWS depiction, the medieval King dominates the scene in scale, suggesting an expansive mind, commanding presence, and sovereign authority over the realm of Air. His elemental nature—Air of Air—is quietly expressed through the interplay of his garments: the inner robe of clear sky-blue denotes the intellect and the pure, unclouded thought of the Air element, while the red-orange lining reveals the latent fire of will and intensity that animates his otherwise cool mental realm. Draped over both is a regal purple mantle, signifying not only worldly authority but the synthesis of wisdom and sovereignty in the sphere of the intellect.

The throne’s crown, adorned with moths, subtly hints at rulership over the sylphs—airy elemental beings of thought and inspiration. Moths, drawn to the light, mirror the way ideas are drawn to the mind of a sovereign intellect, yet also serve as a reminder of the fragility and transience of such inspirations if not acted upon.

Notably, the RWS King’s posture conveys more containment than motion. His upright sword is held in a guarded, vertical position—suggesting vigilance, reasoned judgment, and the potential for decisive action, but not an eagerness to strike. This defensive bearing reflects a temperament that can be steadfast and immovable, even to the point of stubbornness. In this way, the card speaks of a mind that is measured and deliberate, yet sometimes resistant to change—a ruler who defends the established order rather than rushing to alter it.

The Archeon Tarot – King of Swords serves as the counterpart to the Rider–Waite–Smith King of Swords, yet here the figure is rendered with an arresting presence—his gaze so sharp and unwavering that lesser wills falter under it. This is a sovereign intellect whose mind is honed to precision, and whose authority is unquestionable. In the Archeon’s vision, he is intelligent, fair, and impartial, ruling as one who commands by the sheer weight of reason and law. His emotional distance is not a flaw but a feature; it allows him to lead without favoritism or personal entanglement.

When you seek flawless, pragmatic counsel, he is your advisor. Need a commanding voice to galvanize a team or deliver a decisive verdict? He is the consummate C.E.O., the general of the mental realm, the strategist whose clarity cuts through confusion like the sword he bears. Yet for all his greatness, his domain is not the heart. Romance and intimate vulnerability have no place in his fortress of law and order. The Archeon’s imagery reinforces this—he stands alone in stark surroundings, a sentinel of intellect and authority, needing nothing more than wisdom, judgment, and the discipline of the mind to rule his world.

In the upright position, the King of Swords represents authority, command, mental power, law, order, balanced judgment, and sound, impartial advice. He is the eagle soaring above the landscape, seeing the whole with piercing clarity.

Reversed, this same sharpness can turn cutting. The impartiality becomes intimidation; the keen intellect, deviousness; the clarity of judgment, cynicism. In this shadow aspect, the King may embody injustice, abuse of power, and decisions swayed by hidden bias.

In Western Hermetic Qabalah this King of Swords card is assigned the Sun in Aquarius. Individuals with the Sun in Aquarius, which is typically from January 20 to February 18, are associated with certain characteristics. It's important to note that astrology provides general traits, and individual experiences may vary. Here are some common characteristics of people born with the Sun in Aquarius:

1. Innovative and Original: Aquarians are known for their innovative thinking and original ideas. They often enjoy exploring unconventional concepts and pushing boundaries.

2. Intellectual: They tend to be highly intellectual and have a natural curiosity about the world. Aquarians enjoy engaging in stimulating conversations and exploring new ideas.

3. Independent: Independence is a key trait of Aquarians. They value their freedom and prefer to follow their own path rather than conforming to societal expectations.

4. Humanitarian: Aquarians are often drawn to social causes and have a strong sense of social justice. They may actively participate in activities aimed at making the world a better place.

5. Open-minded: These individuals are open-minded and accepting of different perspectives. They appreciate diversity and are willing to embrace new and unconventional ideas.

6. Detached: Aquarians can sometimes appear emotionally detached. They tend to approach situations with rationality rather than being driven solely by emotions.

7. Friendly and Sociable: Despite their independence, Aquarians are generally friendly and enjoy socializing. They value friendships and can be quite sociable in group settings.

8. Rebellious: There is a rebellious streak in Aquarians, and they may challenge established norms and traditions. They prefer to think outside the box and question the status quo.

9. Unpredictable: Aquarians can be unpredictable in their actions and choices. They thrive on change and may resist routines that feel too restricting.

10. Technologically Savvy: With a natural affinity for innovation, many Aquarians are comfortable with technology. They may be early adopters of new gadgets and advancements.

Remember that these traits are generalizations, and an individual's complete astrological profile, including their Moon and Rising signs, provides a more comprehensive understanding of their personality.

To reiterate, Chokmah, the 2nd Sephiroth- Wisdom who is the Will to Force of the Tarot Kings, is the beginning state of conscious energy that is masculine in expressive action. Chokmah is the "idea of male" and its mate, Binah, the 3rd Sephiroth-Understanding, is the "idea of Female". These are simplified concepts of Father-Mother God who despite the gender wording are not separate and together form the Divine Creative.

Chokmah being the 2nd Sephira, called Wisdom, is also the Force behind the four 2's.

The 2's symbolize the forces of the 4 Kings, and the Goddess -the Will-to-form of the four Queens -uniting and initializing the Forces.

The Kings are the Fathers of and initiators of Material Forces.

For those who are Tarot Deck shopping. Here is an easy comparison of the Rider-Waite-Smith and the Archeon Tarot King of Swords.

King of Swords – Comparative Hermetic Analysis

Rider–Waite–Smith King of Swords

The Rider–Waite–Smith King of Swords, along with its traditional Tarot counterparts, presents a restrained and deliberate image compared to the dynamic depictions found in modern Western Hermetic decks. Still, despite this simplicity, it serves as a worthy introduction to Hermetic symbolism, subtly weaving esoteric cues into its medieval setting.

In this rendering, the King is proportionally larger than his surroundings, a visual device suggesting a commanding presence and expansive mental scope. His elemental nature—Air of Air—is expressed in the layering of his garments: the sky-blue robe reflects clarity of thought and mental purity, while the red-orange lining hints at the hidden fire of will that animates his rulership. The regal purple mantle speaks to sovereignty and the integration of intellect with the authority to act.

The throne’s crown, adorned with moths, may be read as a sign of rulership over sylphs, the airy elementals of thought and inspiration. Moths—drawn to the light—mirror the way ideas are drawn to the sovereign intellect, though they also warn of the ephemeral nature of unmanifested inspiration. The King’s sword is held upright but close, signaling vigilance and readiness without aggression. This is a ruler who defends the established order and exercises measured judgment, but who can also display stubborn resistance to change.

Upright Keywords: Authority, clarity, law, reason, balanced judgment, intellectual leadership.
Reversed Keywords: Coldness, misuse of intellect, bias, rigid thinking, abuse of authority.

The Archeon Tarot offers a more intense and modern vision of this archetype. Here, the King’s gaze is piercing—so sharp and unwavering that weaker wills instinctively turn away. This is not simply a ruler; this is the mind as an unassailable fortress. Intelligent, fair, and impartial, the Archeon King commands by reason, strategy, and the force of law. His emotional detachment, far from being a flaw, is the very foundation of his capacity to lead without favoritism.

When flawless counsel is required, he is the advisor you seek. As a commander, motivator, or strategist, he is unmatched—an eagle whose vision pierces the haze of confusion. Yet in the realm of intimacy, he offers little. Love and vulnerability are strangers to his court; his affections are reserved for truth, law, and order. The stark motif of the Archeon artwork reinforces his solitude—wisdom and intellect are all he requires to rule his domain.

Upright Keywords: Authority, command, mental power, law, order, balanced judgment, decisive leadership.
Reversed Keywords: Intimidation, deviousness, cynicism, injustice, abuse of power.

Hermetic Perspective

From a Western Hermetic Qabalistic standpoint, both Kings express the Sephirah of Chokmah operating in the suit of Swords (Air)—the archetype of pure, formative wisdom channeled into the mental realm. In the RWS card, this Chokmah energy appears more tempered and judicial, while in the Archeon it manifests as piercing, almost overwhelming mental force. The former is the calm sky before the storm, the latter is the high wind sweeping all before it.

In elemental terms, the King of Swords represents Air of Air—mental mastery of mental processes—yet in the Archeon’s portrayal, there is an added undertone of Mars in Air, bringing a decisive and commanding force that is absent in the stoic RWS figure.

Both remind us that intellect without compassion can become cold, and authority without balance can slide into tyranny. In the upright, they offer the clarity of the Eagle—soaring high and seeing the greater pattern. In the reversed, they become the storm, scattering reason into intimidation and injustice.

WHEN THE KING OF SWORDS IS THROWN DURING A READING:

The querent is or may be experiencing:

• The Will to transcend.
• An analytical period, where the power of idea and motion come into play.
• Letting go of old beliefs and attitudes that no longer serve the motion of the individual.
•  Tough- minded common sense that is usually based on preconception and prejudice.
• The arrogance of a powerful mind turned on itself in its own desire for control.
• The tendency to judge harshly but with scrupulous fairness.
• A lawyer, senator, or doctor.
• Mastery of creativity and confusion, as he sees new points of view, while brainstorming new thoughts that vent the mind.
• Intellectual, and mental prowess whose only emotion is to control.
• A strong personality of fiery emotion and powerful thought. both stubborn and defensive. 

If reversed or ill defined by the surrounding cards, it implies:

•  If such occurs, he is incapable of decisions or purpose, and any action he takes is so weakened by his mental indecision that it is easily brushed aside by opposition proving that inadequate violent action is merely futile effort at best.
• He is aloof, cruel, and thoughtless when dealing with others.

Thank you for your interest, comments, and supportive donations. May you live long and prosper.

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