King of Swords
Welcome to season 8 of this podcast, where I am talking all about the Suit of Swords. I’ll be going through each card in the suit, one per episode.
What we explore in this episode:
The King of Swords as a master of strategy, clarity, and intellect
Symbolism across decks: regal composure, mental mastery, judge, fairness
Why the King represents structure, authority, and reason—and the shadow of rigidity
How power, focus, and mental discipline can help us change systems and claim agency
The balance between logic and emotional avoidance, justice and detachment
Pictures from the decks I talked about today referenced from left to right:
The Goddess of Love Tarot Deck: A Book and Deck for Embodying The Erotic Divine Feminine by Gabriela Herstik and illustrated by Julia Popescu
Therapists Who Tarot Deck, Prompts by Dreya Blume and Images by Rebecca Bloom
In this episode, we take a close look at the King of Swords and his ability to survey the land and see beyond what's in front of him.
This card represents sovereign clarity, mental discipline, and the power to name, challenge, and change. The King doesn’t hesitate to act when the facts are clear. He isn’t afraid to cut through noise, claim authority, or stand up to outdated systems. But we also talk about the shadow side: how detachment, perfectionism, or over-identification with intellect can lead to isolation.
We reflect on the archetype of the elder, strategist, and justice-seeker. The King of Swords asks us to examine our biases, sharpen our discernment, and fix our gaze on what matters most, especially when the world is noisy, overwhelming, or full of distractions.
If you haven't listened to my other seasons yet, go check them out!
Season 1 - Tarot basics
Seasons 2 & 3 - Major Arcana and 4 suits
Season 4 - Tarot in Pop Culture
Season 5 - Tarot Spreads
Season 6 - Suit of Wands
Season 7 - Suit of Pentacles
Today's Tarot Pull:
From The Citadel: A Fantasy Oracleby Fen Inkwright, I pulled The Forgotten (upright). This card represents missed opportunities and social invisibility. Sometimes we are so afraid of getting things wrong that we don’t try at all. The Forgotten reminds us that perfectionism and overthinking can keep us from sharing our gifts.
This card gently urges: You are not too late. You are not too much. And your ideas, your efforts, your presence? They matter. Turn your focus back toward what you care about.
Reflective prompts on this card:
What have I been too afraid to start because I might fail or look foolish?
Where have I silenced or sidelined myself, assuming no one wants to hear from me?
What’s one small way I can re-engage with something I deeply care about today?
Ways to Connect & Support
Patreon: For monthly hangouts, tarot Q&As, individual readings, and behind-the-scenes peeks, join the Every Day Tarot Patreon family.
Newsletter: Get my FREE 2025 5-Card Tarot Spread PDF + weekly musings, event invites, and magic straight to your inbox.
Let’s Talk Tarot Meetup: If you’re Local to the Greater Puget Sound area check out the Let’s Talk Tarot Meetup group for the latest event postings.
If you’re NOT local to my area, you can join me for a VIRTUAL tarot card creation event on Friday June 20th at 5pm Pacific Daylight Time. I’ll give you a list of recommended supplies, we’ll meet online, and I’ll walk you through the process of creating your own cards. Get the date on your calendar now and be on the lookout for the signup page coming soon!
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Book a Consultation: I’m a sex & relationships therapist working virtually across Washington. I specialize in helping queer, kinky, polyamorous, and witchy folks navigate anxiety, chronic illness, communication, and identity work. Let’s see if we’re a fit: camilleasaunders.com
