When the pandemic started (two years ago, if you can believe it) and the world shut down, my partner and I started working together from the dining room table. He enjoyed having someone in his "office" and I enjoyed the company. A year later, he returned to his actual office, and I remained at the dining room table, where I continue to work from to this day.

I own an office right here in this house, you know. It's a massive space with a full desktop computer, dual 27-inch monitors, two printers, a laminator, and various other awesome fittings.

Unfortunately, over the course of the last two years, it's become a dumping ground for random stuff we aren't sure what to do with. I started a collection in there of things to donate for when the donation place opens up again... and then the donation place closed permanently. Someone broke a chair, so I put it in the office - why? I don't know. I'm never going to fix that chair. I should just put it out with the trash. I adopted a puppy who needed my attention, so disappearing to the office became difficult, but that dog is now almost 15 months old and would probably be totally fine if I started working in there again.

What this all has to do with the reversed King of Swords is that yes, he can be tyrannical and manipulative, but he can also be messy, cynical, and slow to get his affairs in order. He's also the boss of the office, and now that we're talking about him, I'm reminded that I own one of those and really need to clean it up. So, I'm going to disappear into the office this week and I won't come out until it's clean. 

Upright, the King of Swords is kind and helpful, but can be dominating and assertive. However, the king knows what they are talking about.

Reversed, this King is irrational, cynical, and manipulative. It is best to avoid this person, or change your ways if this is yourself.
 
Questions answered by the reversed King of Swords:
Who? An abusive man
What? A lawsuit
Where? A tyrannical place; a difficult workplace
When? Mid May to early June; After a loss; When the tides turn
Why? “When one with honeyed words but evil mind
Persuades the mob, great woes befall the state.”
~Euripides
Yes or No? Yes, but be very cautious

The reversed King of Swords as:
…an action?

• Check your facts
• Don’t believe everything you hear
• Contact a professional
• Do not take action at this time

…a place in your house?

• The phone
• A high storage area or shelf

 
…a place in your city?

• The capitol building
• A power plant

 
…a place in the world?

• Cuba
• Vietnam
• Saudi Arabia
• The UK

…something to eat?

• Steak and potatoes
• Shark fin soup
• Pomegranates
• KFC

…something to clean?

• High shelves
• The entire office and do not ask again until you are done

 
…where to find the missing item?

• Where you last yelled at someone

 
…a color? Yellow, brown
 
…a movie theme? Controlling leader, cold-heartedness

• 1984
• Black Mirror (TV)

• Enemy of the State

 
…a new career?

• CEO
• Lawyer

• Clergy
• Journalist

King of Swords reversed
Before any card: Be cautious when working with (card)
After any card: Lack of structure; ruthlessness

The King of Swords is the professional authority on whatever matter you are dealing with. An authentic and intelligent leader, the King is kind and helpful, but the motivation is not a friendly one - The King is here to get business done and that is it. 

The King of Swords can be dominating and assertive, but they know what they are talking about. Listen.
 
Questions answered by King of Swords:
Who? A lawyer 
What? An important piece of paper
Where? Grad school; A government office
When? Mid May to early June; During a legal battle; In a few years
Why? A superior intellect guides us through opposition
Yes or No? No clear answer; consult an authority
 
King of Swords
​Before any card: Do hard work for (card)
After any card: Business, leadership
​
The King of Swords as:
...an action?

• Be assertive
• Engage in a civil matter
• File a lawsuit
• Contact a professional
• Write to congress

...a place in your house?

• The office
• The filing cabinet

 
...a place in your city?

• A government office
• A research university

 
...a place in the world?

• New York
• Vienna
• Geneva
• Brussels

...something to eat?

• Coffee
• Kale
• Salmon
• Whole grains

...a color? Purple, white
 
...a movie theme? Wisdom, cold-heartedness

• Knives Out
• Murder on the Orient Express
• Clue

 
...a new career?

• Business owner
• Doctor or lawyer
• Professor
• Upper management

 
What should I clean?

• The filing cabinet
• The entire office and do not ask again until you are done

 
Where are my keys?

• You put them down when you brought in the mail
• On your desk

 
King of Swords combinations
With Star: The truth will come out after a period of respite and rejuvenation.
With Three of Wands: A startup business is on the verge of rapid growth, seek help from a lawyer or other authority.
With Seven of Cups: Someone is daydreaming about being in power.
With Three of Swords: The truth is discovered at the edge of despair.
With Eight of Pentacles: A student learns all he can from a professor and may one day be the professor themself.