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Radiant: Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot- King of Swords
The Rider-Waite-Smith King sticks to a more prosaic depiction of the King of Swords than modern Tarot Decks. The Waite medieval King is larger than his surroundings, implying a great mind. The fiery air aspect of this king is shown in the red/orange outer robe that covers the sky blue inner garment of Air (blue sky). The Purple 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.
B.O.T.A. Tarot- King of Swords
The B.O.T.A. Tarot- King of Swords, is less confusing in his coloration. He is dressed in yellow and golds, all referring to the Air (Swords) Element. Besides the ubiquitous sword, he holds in his lap, a book of law, implying his authority to rule. On both cards, behind him is a lush land and clouds being blown across the sky, this with his stern look, Imply fertility and his stormy nature.
To reiterate, Chokmah, the 2nd Sephiroth- Wisdom, is the beginning state of conscious energy that is masculine in action. Chokmah is the "idea of male" and it's mate, Binah, the 3rd Sephiroth-Understanding, is the "idea of Female". These are simplified concepts of Father-Mother God, whom 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 and the four Kings .
The 2's symbolize the Forces of the King, and the 3's the four Queens uniting and initializing the Forces. The Kings are the Fathers of and initiators of Material Forces.
The Tarot Personality birth Wheel (Knights are Kings on this zodiacal wheel)
However we choose to dignify this King personality, he is the "Extended Flame of mind" as Zoroaster calls it. The King of Swords represents the True Will To Force, as Chokmah is exploding the Mind outward. The Taurian influence, makes it steadfast and the first Decanate of Gemini makes it inspirational. Thus an Idea tends to absorb the entire life of the individual in the blinding light of concentrated aspiration. It behooves us to note the danger to this state of mind, for the first Decan is also known as "shortened force" and that shortened force is symbolized by the poniard held in the left hand of the Knight. Shortened force often comes off as defensive and stubborn behavior.
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.
- 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 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.
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