Tarot Card Combination
King of Wands+Five of Swords
權杖國王 & 寶劍五
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King of Wands
King of Wands
權杖國王
Five of Swords
Five of Swords
寶劍五
A charismatic leader's decisive action creates conflict through intellectual dominance or moral compromise. The King of Wands' visionary fire meets the Five of Swords' cutting air, suggesting a pyrrhic victory where authority is asserted but at the cost of trust or ethical standing. The combination warns that raw ambition, unchecked by compassion, leads to hollow triumphs.
This pairing signifies a powerful individual (King of Wands) achieving their goals through strategies that leave collateral damage (Five of Swords). In the Thoth tradition, the King as the 'Lord of the Flame and Lightning' represents the will's crystallization, while the Five of Swords (Lord of Defeat) illustrates the intellect's capacity for destructive analysis. The querent may be in a position where they must wield authority decisively, but the victory feels tainted—perhaps through manipulation, harsh truths, or winning a battle while losing the war. The elemental clash suggests brilliant ideas (Air) passionately executed (Fire) but with a corrosive aftermath.
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Elemental Analysis
Fire (Wands) fueled by Air (Swords) creates a blaze of ideas and decisive action, but Air can also fan flames into destruction. The King's visionary leadership (Fire) is sharpened into a weapon by the Swords' mental acuity. This produces brilliant but potentially ruthless strategy. The combination lacks Water's empathy and Earth's stability, risking actions that are all heat and cutting thought without grounding or heart.
Numerology Insights
The sum 19 (1+4 + 5) reduces to 10 (The Wheel of Fortune), then 1 (The Magician). This numerology suggests a cycle completing (19 as a karmic number) through the individual's will (1). The situation represents an endpoint of personal ambition (King as 14=1+4=5, meeting the literal 5), demanding integration of the Magician's conscious power with the Wheel's understanding of greater cycles.
Reversal Meanings
King of Wands Reversed
The King of Wands reversed indicates a leader whose fire is blocked—charisma turned to tyranny, inspiration to impulsiveness, or confidence to arrogance. The visionary becomes a bully or a figure of empty bluster, lacking the moral authority to lead effectively. Passion is misdirected into temper or domination.
Five of Swords Reversed
The Five of Swords reversed suggests the aftermath of conflict is being revisited. Defeat may be accepted, or past harsh words/actions are reconsidered. It can indicate a willingness to surrender a pointless fight, make amends, or release the need to be 'right.' The mental anguish begins to lift, though scars remain.
Both Cards Reversed
Both reversed signal a collapse of aggressive authority. A tyrannical or ineffective leader (King Rx) is finally confronted by the consequences of their actions (Five Rx)—perhaps a mutiny, a loss of status, or a forced reconciliation. The dynamic suggests failure of a domineering approach, creating an opening for humility and change, though the path is messy.
Spiritual Guidance
Spiritually, this pairing confronts the shadow of the charismatic leader archetype—the temptation to use personal power and vision to dominate rather than uplift. It's a call to examine where your will (Fire) and intellect (Air) create separation instead of unity. The path involves integrating the King's creative force with the Five's lesson that not all intellectual victories serve the soul; sometimes surrender fosters greater growth.
Yes/No Reading Guide
The tendency is a qualified 'no,' or 'yes, but at a significant cost.' The King of Wands suggests capability, but the Five of Swords indicates the outcome will be marred by conflict, resentment, or ethical compromise. Victory, if achieved, will feel hollow.
Historical & Mythological Context
The King of Wands draws from medieval depictions of the charismatic, crusading monarch, while the Five of Swords reflects the grim aftermath of duels or betrayals—a card often linked to the dishonorable victory. Their combination echoes historical figures who expanded empires through brilliant but brutal campaigns, leaving legacies of admiration and resentment.
Daily Affirmation
"I lead with creative fire and win through integrity, not conquest."
Practical Advice
Harness the King's visionary leadership, but temper it with the wisdom that not all battles are worth winning. Consider the long-term cost of your strategies. Lead through inspiration rather than intimidation, and seek victories that build alliances rather than burn bridges.
Things to Watch
Beware the intoxication of conquest. Your current path may grant you the spoils but isolate you. Authority maintained through fear or intellectual domination is inherently unstable.
Individual Card Meanings
King of Wands
權杖國王
The King of Wands represents mature, visionary leadership. He sits on his throne with confidence and authority, ready to act on his vision. This king is an entrepreneur, a leader who inspires others through his passion and bold action. The card suggests taking charge of a situation with confidence, or a person who embodies natural leadership—charismatic, honorable, and decisive.
View full meaning →Five of Swords
寶劍五
The Five of Swords shows a figure collecting swords while others walk away defeated. This card represents conflict, winning at the cost of others, and hollow victories. It warns against being ruthless or gloating over defeated opponents.
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