September 28-October 5, 2026: Unflinching Honesty Leads the Way

The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence.
Charles Bukowski

In this first full week of Autumn (or Spring if you live below the equator), with a lot of astrological drama in store, we receive a timely visit from the smartest figure in the Tarot. Or so he would be happy to tell you. And as is typical, he is probably right. Welcome this week to the King of Swords.

Swords are the suit associated with the Element of Air, which rules the mind and intellect. So this visitor is a powerful spokesperson on perception, thought, communication, and decision-making.

And as with all court cards, this is one of the Tarot’s “people” cards. So, you must weigh whether this is an actual person you know, some aspect of yourself, or, more generally, a kind of energy or perspective.

This King is the only court card that looks directly at you. He is very similar to The Emperor and Justice, two other figures who sit upon their thrones, gazing at you and assessing you.

Notice that his throne is surrounded by clouds. He may be an idealist, but his expression is utterly no-nonsense. Despite the sky all around him, his throne and feet are firmly on the ground. Thus, it is clear he is not disconnected from life.

Astrological Intensity Ahead – Watch Your Words

I urge you to read and share Elisabeth Grace’s post for this coming week. It’s likely to be a doozy, with last Saturday’s Aries Full Moon energy still moving us along but now featuring some Mercurial pileups as well.

This verbose and incisively smart King is completely at home with Mercury, the planet of communication, thought, and mental activity. So you might want to know that:

Mercury enters Scorpio on Tuesday, then squares both Mars and Pluto on Friday, suggesting potentially brutal words accompanying potentially brutal deeds…

Messenger Mercury is at the verrrrry end of Libra, doing its best to promote diplomacy and an “on the one hand…on the other hand” approach before it surrenders its mission to the communication needs of Scorpio at 7:44 AM ET on…

Wednesday

In Scorpio, Mercury can be probing and intense, as it unflinchingly examines subjects considered too taboo to be frankly discussed in polite company: e.g., sex, life and death, debts and joint resources, power, corruption and all things rotting away in hidden corners. Mercury in Scorpio can also be paranoid, controlling and relentless in its search for absolute truth — or simple control. It’s quite willing to blow dearly-held concepts to smithereens, forcing us to reform and regenerate.

Controlling? Check. Unflinchingly probing and intense? Check and check.

And a relentless search for absolute truth? Hello, King of Swords.

As if that’s not enough, though, Elisabeth cautions:

On Friday, at 5:14 AM ET, Mercury squares Mars, in a conflict Mars is determined to win regally. Words can provoke action; actions can send a message. Arguments, threats, demands and inflammatory headlines are all possible manifestations. Think before you hit SEND.

Also on Friday —

Investigative journalists may have a field day with all the dirt dug up—“news from underground”—as Mercury squares Pluto at 4:42 PM ET. Information is power, and Mercury in Scorpio may be especially determined to find out who knows what, who knew it when, and what somebody would rather keep buried.

There is a LOT more going on, especially from Friday through Sunday. In particular, you’ll want to read her evaluation of the coming Venus retrograde and Saturday’s showdown between Mars and Pluto. I have seen a lot of dismal and even quite alarming posts from other astrologers who I fear are long on drama and quite a bit shorter on experience and wisdom.

Frankly, as one of the best mundane (world events) astrologers in the world, we are so fortunate to have Elisabeth sharing her insights with us.

Who Is This King In Your World?

The King of Swords rules by the intelligence of his mind. He has been called the Mr. Spock of the Tarot—unemotional, often remote, and aloof. But despite his seeming coldness, he also represents the pinnacle of what logic and intellect can achieve.

He (or she) is a successful leader in professions that require exceptional communication skills, visionary planning, and meticulous attention to details. That would include authority figures in the legal profession, such as judges; professors or teachers; scientists; researchers; medical experts; politicians (the good ones); writers; or public speakers.

As a perfectionist, he may be difficult to please. His standards are sometimes impossibly high, and he makes no apologies for being a control freak. But at his best, he has an unequivocal view of how things really are. He is a champion for truth and can impartially wield his sword for social justice and progress.

Will he?

This King is likely to be the brainiest, most eloquent person in the room. When he unleashes his opinions, stand back.

He doesn’t care how he makes anyone feel when he engages with them. He demands empirical evidence for arguments and never tolerates half-baked rumors, agenda-laden half-truths, and unsourced memes that are so often passed along as if they were fact.

This King knows that a corrosive culture of attacking science, logic, and thoughtful discourse can put civilizations in peril.

But beware of the King of Swords’ shadow side: when he is out of balance, he may have a habit of belittling and repressing his emotions, as if logic and analysis are “better.” He should be smart enough to realize they are simply different facets of being fully human.

Meltdown in Progress?

If so, this is precisely where the King of Swords’ unique perspective can make all the difference.

Cool-headed, sharp-witted people who love problem-solving, who can see the big picture while minding the details, and who relish complexity like he does are needed at this time.

Who do you call on in such an emergency? Is there someone in your circle or wider community that you trust to handle difficulty with poise, fairness, and scrupulous integrity? Maybe that someone is you.

When this King comes calling, he urges you to do your homework and stick to the facts. If life gets difficult, it is even more important that you think clearly and logically, with precision and a certain amount of emotional detachment. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions, listen carefully for the truth, and make honest choices.

What is happening in your life that requires you to set aside your personal feelings? How might you handle these matters more frankly and without prejudice?

This card may show up for you when you are working with attorneys, government bureaucracy, or academia. This also might be an opportunity to make a critical decision.

And this card is a good reminder that sometimes you need to break free of emotional and energetic obfuscation, including people who drain you with their drama.

This potent and possibly perilous week, may the King help you remember that extraordinary depth and wisdom are yours when you choose to see with your calm, unflinching gaze. And may your honesty and authenticity shine as a beacon of inspiration for others.