The Tarot of Eli 2, LLC: Gold Foil Tarot- King of Swords & The Tarot of the Old Path- King of Swords

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The Rider-Waite-Smith King and its Gold Foil Tarot equivalent sticks to a more prosaic depiction of the King of Swords than modern Tarot Decks. The Waite and Tarot of the Old Path medieval King is larger than his surroundings, implying a great mind and/or presence. The fiery air aspect of this king is shown in the red/orange inner cloak of the Gold Foil king that covers the sky-blue inner garment of Air (blue sky). The Purple outer cloak indicates his authority to rule. The moths on the crown of the Throne, may indicate his rule over the sylphs of the Air. However, there is no real indication of his active force presented in this card, as he is both stoic and passive. Nevertheless, he is holding his sword in a defensive pose, which may imply his defensive and stubborn behavioral tenancies.

The Tarot of The Old Path-King of Swords, besides being comparable to the Gold Foil Tarot King is also comparable to the Thoth Tarot-Knight of Swords, both represent the ruler ship of the element of air. Crowley meant for his Kings to be active battle knights, as a king who goes to battle is a Knight- commander of all the knights. To show a king passively sitting on a throne, as in traditional tarot does not convey the proper message of activity for this King is a hard charger.

The Tarot of The Old Path-King seems to be shown sitting or standing, depending on the individual perspective. I see no throne, so I would guess he is standing. Either way, he is stern, and presents a strong figure of authority as his size suggests his power. He is dressed in the yellows of the element of air. His castellated crown suggests his authority. The fact that he stands for justice is represented by his huge double-edged sword. His ermine edged cloak represents his dignity and the cloak's strong chain, and three leafed clasps show his union with the Divine Feminine as Maid, Mother and Crone.

The fennel plant that is being blown in the wind behind the King, implies in the language of flowers, that he is praiseworthy, and has the necessary strength to gain results.

The King of Swords represents a person who has authority and could be with the government or associated with the Law. This person would also give good counsel. However, the negative side of this individual would be without compassion and a tendance to be cruel.

To reiterate, Chokmah, the 2nd Sephiroth- Wisdom who is the Will to Force of the Kings, is the beginning state of conscious energy that is masculine in 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 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 3's -the Will to form of the four Queens -uniting and initializing the Forces. The Kings are the Fathers of and initiators of Material Forces.

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.

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