Minor Arcana · Swords · No. 63
Upright · authority, logic, fair judgment
Reversed · abuse of power, ruthlessness, dogmatism
A king sits on a throne facing straight ahead, holding his sword slightly tilted, with a throne carved with butterflies and crescent moons and scattered clouds behind him. His direct gaze represents honesty and authority, and the sword intellect and the power of judgment. The butterfly and moon carvings symbolize shifts in thinking and insight, and the two birds in the sky decisiveness and balance. He is an intellectual authority who judges by logic and ethics.
“Judging fairly by principle”
authoritylogicfair judgment
An authority who judges fairly with logic and principle. Consistent standards build trust.
This is a time to lead with expertise and logic. You make fair decisions based on principles and facts rather than feelings. In daily life it shows up as legal matters, contracts, professional consultations or decisions made as a leader. When you set firm, steady standards, people trust and follow you.
Advice · Think it through rationally and stick to consistent standards.
✓ Try · stick to consistent standards
✕ Avoid · judging based on emotion
A question to ask yourself
What principles do you live by?
“Pressing down with authority”
abuse of powerruthlessnessdogmatism
Leaning on authority or becoming dogmatic. It’s time to consider the other person’s side.
Reversed, this card shows wielding intellect as authority or bending principles to suit yourself. It can come out as a cold, self-righteous attitude, manipulation or abuse of power. Or you may become indecisive and unable to make a call. Recheck your standard of fairness and open your ears to other views.
Advice · Don’t assume your logic is the only one. See the other side.
✓ Try · listen to their side
✕ Avoid · pulling rank
A question to ask yourself
Who are you trying to beat?
Your past was a time of judging fairly by principle. Read it as the background that shaped your current situation.
Right now is a time of judging fairly by principle. Read it as the strongest force at work right now.
Ahead lies a time of judging fairly by principle. Read it as where things are heading if they continue as they are. If reversed, it can signal that this flow may be blocked or delayed.
Upright leans toward yes — Judging fairly by principle
Reversed leans toward no — Pressing down with authority
As a Minor Arcana card, treat it as a lighter answer about an everyday choice.
Meeting The Emperor, order and authority come strongly to the fore. Leadership that builds systems and leads by rules is needed.
With The Hierophant, knowledge combines with traditional teachings. Advice from a trusted expert or teacher will help.
A dependable, level-headed relationship. A controlling attitude causes hurt.
Leaning on authority or becoming dogmatic. It’s time to consider the other person’s side. Reversed, this card shows wielding intellect as authority or bending principles to suit yourself. It can come out as a cold, self-righteous attitude, manipulation or abuse of power. Or you may become indecisive and unable to make a call. Recheck your standard of fairness and open your ears to other views.
Upright leans toward yes, and reversed leans toward no. As a Minor Arcana card, treat it as a lighter answer about an everyday choice.
authority, logic, fair judgment / abuse of power, ruthlessness, dogmatism