View Full Version : Knight of Swords
thinbuddha
03-11-2005, 07:42
Of the court cards, this one seems to be to be the most devoid of symbols. There is merely a armored knight on horseback-both of whom seem to be flying through the air. Above his head is a formation of "wings" that remind me of the wings of a dragonfly, but really the formation looks more like a propeller beanie. On each wing is written a direction (north, south, east, west)
If you trust the compas that forms the wings above his helm, the Knight seems to be heading south by south-east.
But really, I think that the reason for having the directions written on his wings like this is not to depict him heading in a certain direction, rather I think it is trying to (for some reason I can't quite put my finger on) place him at the center of the cardinal directions- almost as if he is serving as the equator, the north pole and the south pole all at once. He is the center of the compass- which I'm sure *someone* out there can shed some light on. There must be some significance to the compass in magic or alchemy?
If nothing else, I can draw a comparrison between the knight of swords and a pendulum, which is certainly used in divination and ceremonial magic.
Any thoughts?
Air is East and Fire is South. The Knight of Swords represents the Fiery part of Air, hence his direction. South-East. Just a guess.
brujablanca
03-11-2005, 21:08
Hmmmm that is a point I never thought of.
But thats what I love about this deck; everytime you look at it you can find something new and fresh.
Excellent insight.
Blessings,
Bruja
thinbuddha
04-11-2005, 01:36
Air is East and Fire is South. The Knight of Swords represents the Fiery part of Air, hence his direction. South-East. Just a guess.
Interesting- yet this would make him more firery than airy. Shouldn't he be heading more East than South?
Okay, since I'm into revisiting old threads this weekend... ;) Anyone up for a discussion of this gentleman?
The compass discussion here interests me... The direction of the Knight had not seemed all that important until I read this.
But also, in the Ace of Disks thread, we were discussing wings... The propellers he wears on his head -- when I first looked at this card I thought he had wings on his back, and then finally it dawned on me that they were on his head!!! LOL...
But look at how transparent they are, and how fast they move. They certainly make you feel the air around him. The speed is... well... breathtaking, and you have a sense from the image that his speed is increased such that his horse nearly flies. But the wings are not on the horse -- they're on the Knight's head!
Swords/ideas -- the wings on the head/the rush of thought... The wings on his head... Yes, he's moving forward quickly because his ideas are carrying him. He has great conviction, as can be seen by the drawn swords. I'd rather not meet up with this guy when he's in this mode. I think of this as the sort of energy that comes to a person when suddenly all becomes clear and they know precisely what must be done -- and don't question themselves. And, with those swords in his hands, he may well do some damage. But he will also likely win the fight.
Other thoughts?
Julien
mooiedragon
28-11-2006, 16:00
I tend to get the feeling that the Knight of Swords is focused - that seems to be the big theme for me.
Yes, the wings on his head are very transparent, not earthy at all like in the ace. Perhaps these wings represent the mind, or spirit, which could also tie in with the transparent wings on the Ace of disks also refering to the spirit. This night, however, does not seem to be concerned at all with the physical self - He's focused and on the move. Purposeful, yet swift.
Why do you think the birds are there?
thinbuddha
29-11-2006, 02:43
I don't have very much more to offer on this other than to say that I have sort of settled with the conclusion that the "propeller beenie" with the cardinal directions on it is not meant to establish the Knight as moving in a particular direction- rather it is meant to establish him as being so full of movement that the compass spins around him (leaving him in the center, as it were). So I guess I don't see the direction he appears to be traveling in as being significant because, being like a propeller, that direction will change rapidly.
I have nothing to back this up other than the feeling that I get from the card: Like has been said by others, his essence is movement and swiftness. He is full of unpredictable actions, and one could never determine where he is going to go next.
I like this card.
Such a feeling of movement and energy.
Dejavooo
01-12-2006, 04:11
yes you defenetly get the filling of nergy here, its all about action and what is motivating you!
HarleyQuinnX
01-12-2006, 18:10
I think I'll just add my little bit of insight to this. Feel free to ignore it. :P
I think the reason that he is headed south may have something to do with the birds following underneath him. Birds fly south (at least in the northern hemisphere) for the winter to be where they can live comfortably. Maybe that is why he's doing the same.
I guess it's someone offset by the fact that he has his swords drawn, but just hoped that sparked some other ideas in someone else's head.
The Knight of Swords is a good example of the split nature of the Air/Swords cards. Air is the element of the rational mind and Analysis. It's method is always division and seperation (and even contradiction in it's own nature).
The Knight of Swords embodies this dual Airy nature. Just look at that guy. He's literally screaming "Attack!!!!!". This guy knows exactly where he's going and how to get there....or does he? The propeller on his head with the directions of the compass written on it gives you a clue as to the negative side of the Knight. Sometimes this guy couldn't make a decision even if his life depended upon it!
This guy alternates between two states. He is either totally focused on his goal to the exclusion of everything else around him, or he is the absolute epitome of indecision.
This guy alternates between two states. He is either totally focused on his goal to the exclusion of everything else around him, or he is the absolute epitome of indecision.Not that I am much into astrology, but sounds like the Aries/Libra opposition.
The Knight of Swords is the kind of person who practically lives by inspiration alone. They are the sort of person that suddenly gets those crazy ideas that they just have to act on right NOW!!! :laugh:
One of their biggest weaknesses is the lack of Water/Earth in their nature. They don't stop and reflect on the feasibility or practicality of their ideas. The saying "look before you leap" would never enter their minds, they just leap if they hear that little voice in their head say "go on, do it". That's one reason why they sometimes come unstuck or run out steam very quickly.
When he's not "inspired" the Knight of Swords doesn't do much at all. He represents that feeling of being stuck at a crossroads. (Not the motel :laugh:)
What about A Leo or as Marion points out a fire sign- Leo or Aries- ego driven, emotion driven type person. Something has to provoke them- and when something does not provoke them or touch them on a deep creative level life is useless because at that level everything is of the same importance, what becomes important enough to do is that something that propells them forward and it clicks- just like that.
Reading all these descriptions made it click as to why this card shows up in my readings so often. I explain it as person who has a broad or global vision, who can see the end results but is often side tracked by the details of it all. It is as if you can see it, it is done- it's only a matter of bringing it all together. But something has to click, something has to be provocative, and often it's amazing what can be accomplished, yet at other times...there are one million and one good ideas of equal improtance that just dont ever get completed. This is an idea inspired - inspirited person. If nothing else his energy and movement, even excitment inspires others to do the tedious meticolous work!
The Knight of Swords embodies this dual Airy nature. Just look at that guy. He's literally screaming "Attack!!!!!". This guy knows exactly where he's going and how to get there....or does he? The propeller on his head with the directions of the compass written on it gives you a clue as to the negative side of the Knight. Sometimes this guy couldn't make a decision even if his life depended upon it!
This guy alternates between two states. He is either totally focused on his goal to the exclusion of everything else around him, or he is the absolute epitome of indecision.
How is his indecision different from, say, the Knight of Cups? He also, because of his watery nature, should also have incredible moments of indecision... I guess I think there would be something different in the root of the indecision with the Knight of Swords (the phrase "complete airhead" comes to mind)... I think the Knight of Swords becomes indecisive when there are so many stimulating ideas that he can't choose between them. Meanwhile the Knight of Cups becomes indecisive when he has two emotions competing with one another... Indecision itself isn't the characteristic here, but rather the root of the indecision...
But also, I think hs total focus on his goal to the exclusion of all else is not really a good thing -- this is a Knight who is so sure he is correct in what he's doing, and driven to doing it so quickly and decisively, that no one can stop him. Even when he's clearly wrong. He's moving so quickly that he can't be stopped.
Julien
How is his indecision different from, say, the Knight of Cups?
Because he needs that little spark of Fire, that light bulb above the head moment, to inspire him to go in a certain direction. If he doesn't "feel the vibe" he simply spins on his heels with nowhere to go.
But also, I think hs total focus on his goal to the exclusion of all else is not really a good thing -- this is a Knight who is so sure he is correct in what he's doing, and driven to doing it so quickly and decisively, that no one can stop him. Even when he's clearly wrong. He's moving so quickly that he can't be stopped.
I'm not sure about some of that. Is he sure he is correct? I'm certain he would say yes, but I bet he wouldn't be able to say why he was sure. ;)
His speed is impressive but not unstoppable because sometimes he goes too fast for his own good. He just doesn't think things through enough. That's why, if circumstances go against him, he is very easy to brush aside. He's all enthusiasm but with no real long term plan.
I'm not sure about some of that. Is he sure he is correct? I'm certain he would say yes, but I bet he wouldn't be able to say why he was sure. ;)
Oh, he can be absolutely certain he's right without any idea as to why. (I see my students do this all the time -- they won't change their mind no matter how you demonstrate their argument is flawed -- they're just right BECAUSE). Certainty doesn't require having thought it through at all -- this guy will go with his gut because... Well, it's HIS gut.
And, he'll not listen if he's hell bent on an idea. Now, I agree, he can be stopped -- but not everytime (context here matters -- depends upon the other cards). But it's very possible he will be so caught up in his moment that he can't even hear others speak to him -- kind of tough with all that wind around him...
Julien
This is my experince with understanding this card: it is not a "feeling" that provokes the passion or a "feeling" that leads to spinning the wheels. And sure he can say why he feels what he feels, but to articulate that to someone else would only lead him off in another direction! Something else will click and connect and another completely different idea will be formed.
Originally Posted by Aeon418
This guy alternates between two states. He is either totally focused on his goal to the exclusion of everything else around him, or he is the absolute epitome of indecision.
This is a person who has a lot of knowledge,he comprehends the entire breadth of anything with the minimal amount of information -
however, being immature in his craft-skill-gift- she/he knows so much, has so many ideas , has so much potential and can do so many things that she/he is the jack of all trades but the master of none.
In the mature stage of career development, or mental development say the king of swords this person has earned the one focus, stablity and concise- ness of the King with his abilities. This is the epitomie of the gift of the intellect.
as a knigth, at this stage of the game he is often overwhelmed by the rate of " good sound ideas" that bombard his brain daily, hourly, ....and he can no only do it all, but understand it all with clarity.
He knows he can do anything, but he also knows he can not do EVERYTHiNG! Prioritization is a big problem, all ideas for him are of the same importance and he enjoys each step, he need to learn how to integrate his ideas with the reality of time and space.
On one hand if he could just stop time, and get the idea out he would always get it done. Always...then again maybe not, because with out the constraints of time he would be lost in the maze of his mind full of ideas.
After all, it only takes a moment to go off course, and even then on the way back to where he left off he will be met with even more new ideas.
Sometimes it takes bigger and bigger naggings to pull him out of the normal busy busy ideas going round and round and his mind.
As far always moving and searching, it is because the feeling he is waiting/ searching for, needing is actually "clarity" and "concise-ness"- this is what engages him.
The more clear and concise the vision, the easier it is for him to immediately impliment it, quickly before the next idea comes along.
I often think "he has held captivity captive"- it is what ever captivates him and engages him that soothes him- not because he is unreliable, or flighty, but because it only takes moment to distract him again because for him everything is connected- but when something totally engages him, he is in the moment, he is at peace - a peace he rarely finds in his life.
I dont / wouldnt want to be distrubed either- I call it being in "my flow"- that moment when everthing just flows- and I'm totally engaged...otherwise I'm all over the place- one interuption and I've lost the connection...or allowed other connectors in.
------------ I hope that helps someone else- today they call this ADD or ADHD or the old artistic insanity, or something about being inventors or mad scientist. Its not maddness at all its the intensity of ones mind and its ablitity to comprehend how things fit together. It's not emotional at all, it is intellect based.
mooiedragon
02-12-2006, 17:41
This thread is amazing!!!!
I find the court cards are always the trickiest to understand - there is almost always a person you can relate the card to, but it's often difficult to figure out which ways this person is influencing you. Which part of, say the Knight of Swords you will encounter. It's strange, because this card keeps coming up in readings and there is definately somebody in my life who I can attribute these characteristics to. He helps me understand the Knight of Swords and this thread has helped me understand him.
Which has led me to this:
He is quick to make descisions and always needs a goal of some sort; something to strive towards. The Knight of wands likes to accomplish things. Aeon418 says he screams "Attack". I definately see that, too. He loves the intellectual challenge and every endeavor he chooses almost always involves problem solving. He has an annoying way of completely avoiding certain things that he can't make sense of which usually ends up being his emotions. Well, not necessarily his emotions, but he isn't very in touch with the connection to his physical and spiritual well-being - the things i generally associate with pentacles. When there is difficulty with those matters of his life, he is in effect paralyzed and unable to act. It's almost like he's happiest when he doesn't have to think about why he's happy. And like the other Knights, I find that once his mind is made up.... forget it, it's on!
Intellectual intensity, to paraphrase YDM42 - that's how I see the Knight of swords.
ravenest
03-12-2006, 08:50
One aspect I have always liked in this card is its forward momentum. It's like riding a bike, the faster you go, the more stable (in the path of travel) you are. You can't fall off ..... although you could crash into something, as the faster you go ... the less you can swerve.
This is a person who has a lot of knowledge,he comprehends the entire breadth of anything with the minimal amount of information -
however, being immature in his craft-skill-gift- she/he knows so much, has so many ideas , has so much potential and can do so many things that she/he is the jack of all trades but the master of none.
In the mature stage of career development, or mental development say the king of swords this person has earned the one focus, stablity and concise- ness of the King with his abilities. This is the epitomie of the gift of the intellect.
as a knigth, at this stage of the game he is often overwhelmed by the rate of " good sound ideas" that bombard his brain daily, hourly, ....and he can no only do it all, but understand it all with clarity.
So, YDM, you are reading the Knight in Thoth as very similar to the way I read the Knight of Swords in RWS decks... But to me, the Knight of Swords in the Thoth deck IS the mature form -- this guy isn't going to be so scattered in his energies. The Princes (again, to my mind, and I know it's contestable) represent the less mature form of the energy -- though I'm not sure that in the Thoth it's about maturity... It almost seems something else that I haven't quite put my finger on.
I might add -- that gut instinct thing... We say it's a feeling, and for some I think it is. But for most people I know who are very cerebral, it's some other kind of understanding. The sort of thing YDM describes as comprehending everything in a moment... And it's very hard to change the mind of someone who has learned to trust their abilities to do this. To me, the Knight of Swords in Thoth is just that kind of guy. He'll size up a situation, and then make up his mind very quickly. And he won't change unless something absolutely steps out and stops him.
Just my two cents... But yes, this card has an amazingly forward energy that is quite refeshing... I find the lack of grounding a bit disorienting though (but I'm a Queen of Wands, so what can I say)...
Julien
rachelcat
22-03-2009, 12:06
Here's my IDS:
Knight of Swords
Fire of air (storm or hurricane?)
Mostly mutable air = Gemini
Type of cloud is dark stratus (Snuffin)
The knight and his horse fly through the air the same speed as the birds! He has propeller insect wings on his back or helmet, can’t really tell which. Green armor. He thrusts his sword and dirk forward by the horse’s head as he flies. He’s ready to fight! Reminds me of samurai, who have two swords. The horse is looking where he is leaping with eyes wide open. (Crowley says the horse is “maddened.”) We can’t really tell with the knight. Is his helmet over his eyes? The stratus clouds are long, straight and narrow, like a sword, like the trajectory of his flight. Snuffin points out the guard of the sword is like a wing, and the guard of the poniard is like the sun—air and fire.
He has regular Gemini traits—intellectual, versatile, changeable, indecisive, clever, skillful—along with the more fiery of air traits—attacking, fierce, courageous, and inspired.
I Ching hexagram is 32: Steadfastness, Thunder over Wind. The reading emphasizes how difficult it is to be steadfast. Sometimes we hold on to the wrong thing, causing trouble for ourselves. And sometimes we are constantly changing our minds, causing trouble that way. The Knight has let go of everything but his purpose, so he may have the both of these disadvantages, or he may have the advantages of both letting go and concentration on one goal.
(Others have pointed this out in relation to Gemini!)
I'd like to offer my two-bits worth to the discussion on the Knight of Swords. I found the interpretations to the symbols from the contributors interesting and these expanded my perspective. I am looking at the card now in the light of my question and I gained a few insights -- the importance of direction and focus, the relentless pursuit to move forward despite obstacles, to fly as free as a bird using one's own intuition along the way, and to ensure that as one charges forward, there will always be guidance from a compass that indicates a true north and rays of light.
I believe that a clear direction stems from clarity of mind and purpose and an inner compass, focus and being relentless to move forward is an act of WILL, the responsible use of one's freedom helps one achieve enlightenment. But we should also make sure that we are aware of the speed and swiftness by which we charge forward, we need to at least caution ourselves that in our pursuit of purpose and direction, we might step or bump others along the way...
Although some of the negatives may be difficult to avoid, we can at least try as much as possible to utilize our very strengths to also balance ourselves -- intuition to "sense" possible consequences, our rational minds to provide a sense of purpose, our heart to give freely with openness as we move along.
Sometimes, the vagueness of the card's symbols can provide our own clarity. At least, from how I am looking at it now. I hope someone can shed better light for me also on this card.