Suit of swords in the Rider Waite Smith tarot

The sequence of Swords in the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot is associated with the element Air and rules over the zodiac signs Aquarius, Libra & Gemini, representing the intellect, communication, thoughts and conflicts. It explores mental challenges, decision-making, truth and justice, as well as fears, anxiety and inner tensions.

Composed of fourteen cards – from the Ace of Swords to the King of Swords – this suite evokes a sometimes complex intellectual journey. The Ace symbolises mental clarity, a trenchant truth or a decision to be made. The cards reveal mental trials: betrayal (Three of Swords), inner struggle (Five of Swords), exhaustion (Ten of Swords), but also lucid breakthroughs and moments of liberation.

The court figures (Page, Knight, Queen, King) embody archetypes of reflection, strategy, logic and intellectual authority. The King of Swords, for example, is a fair and impartial thinker, guided by reason rather than emotion.

In a draw, the Suit of Swords often calls for lucid analysis of a situation, discernment, or a clear-cut decision. It teaches the power – but also the weight – of thought.