| Arcana | Minor |
| Suit | Swords |
| Element | Air |
| Attribution | Fire of Air |
King of Swords
King of Swords
In shortApply the rule fairly, including to yourself.
Upright
authority through reasonethicsimpartial judgementintellectual power
This is reason with the authority to enforce itself — the judge, the strategist, the person whose authority rests on being consistently right and consistently fair. He is unmoved by sentiment and that is the point of him. As advice: apply the principle regardless of who it inconveniences, starting with yourself.
Reversed
cold logicabuse of authorityrigid thinkingjudgement without mercy
Principle without humanity. Logic used to justify cruelty, rules applied to the letter and against the spirit, authority defended rather than exercised. It can also mean advice from someone qualified but not impartial.
In the pictureHe faces us squarely, sword held slightly tilted to his right, in the judging position. Butterflies and a crescent moon on his throne; two birds above; the trees behind are still. The clouds have settled — the storm of thought resolved into law.
The turn
Apply your own rule to yourself first. Then enforce it without apology.