Riding with the Knights

RIDER WAITE TAROT: KNIGHT OF WANDS, KNIGHT OF CUPS, KNIGHT OF SWORDS & KNIGHT OF PENTACLES

Horses have shared a transformative relationship with humanity for over 5,000 years. Across myth, magic and legend, they have emerged as a powerful archetype. In The Magical History of the Horse, Janet Farrar and Virginia Russell observe, “Few systems of symbolism (and the Tarot is one of the richest) can manage without the horse.” Riding with us through work, warfare and expedition, the horse is woven into humanity’s journey. In the Rider–Waite–Smith Tarot, the Knight’s mounts reflect the will and direction of their riders, embodying power, purpose and more.

Let’s take a closer look at how the four Knightly horses embody their stories.

Knight of Wands

Rearing to the left, this chestnut stallion is built for impact. Its flame-like mane and elevated stance speak of its bold and powerful nature. A horse of such fiery temperament demands an experienced rider. This is the Knight of Wands’ mount of choice: a steed equal to his daring. The warhorse’s strength sits in its body, with the head less emphasised, suggesting movement led by impulse rather than reflection. When directed, this energy is purposeful, passionate, fearless and decisive. Steered by the salamander-robed Knight, this horse of Wands bounds confidently into unfamiliar terrain and does not shy from noise or chaos. Left unbridled, it could run wild, like the element it embodies.

Knight of Cups

This gentle grey carries its Knight with measured grace. Its lifted foreleg speaks to the ceremony of parade or the precision of dressage, rather than the urgency of battle. The light blue of its bridle, stirrups and saddle blanket suggests calm and composure — the colour is unsuited to action, where it would quickly gather dust and stain. As such, these adornments are a testament to a gentler pace, a time of decoration, reflection or formality. With its head lowered, the horse appears almost to bow to the future as it considers its path. Water covers the ground before it, yet it approaches calmly, choosing its footing with care. The Knight can hold his head high, unconcerned with the details hidden by the flow. He trusts his horse to be guided by feeling, moving adeptly between imagination, intuition and reality.

Knight of Swords

Racing against the wind, this grey gallops under the command of its rider. Its mane streams behind, capturing the urgency and force of its movement. The Knight leans into the charge, steering and pushing his mount to quicken its already enviable pace. Chosen for speed, not temperament, the eyes of this horse appear drawn back, giving it a flighty, reactive quality. An anxious horse leads to an erratic ride, hence the Knight’s need to maintain tight control of the reins. He has taken charge, providing the direction and clarity that allows the horse to surge swiftly ahead without hindrance. At this pace, every movement is decisive … the Knight’s grip may not be as secure as it seems.

Knight of Pentacles

Standing firm and facing right, this black horse is built for endurance. Its posture is sure, its head held level. This is a working horse, with a solid presence that will not falter or be rushed. Strong, reliable and deliberate in movement, it will carry, push, trudge and plough, but rarely leap. The fronds on its brow link this steady plodder to the element of earth and the slow rhythms of growth. They suggest a pace too slow to dislodge them, and perhaps a journey so long that they have had time to take root in the bridle and flourish. Never skittish, this dark mount is purposeful, ponderous and, at times, stubborn. It needs little guidance, as it knows the road well, but should it come to a halt, take heed and be patient. There will be no movement until it is ready.

RIDER WAITE TAROT: KNIGHT OF WANDS, KNIGHT OF CUPS, KNIGHT OF SWORDS & KNIGHT OF PENTACLES

Together, these four mounts chart the way we move through the world — with fiery passion (wands), flow and feeling (cups), swift decisiveness (swords) and steady determination (pentacles). They each progress with their own rhythm, revealing that our experience is shaped not just by the destination but by how we choose to get there. Which horse matches your pace today?

Thanks for joining me for this series on the horses of the Rider–Waite–Smith Tarot.

Leela J. Williams is an award-winning psychic creator.

Discover Leela's oracle decks and journals, including Zoologica: The Steampunk Oracle HERE. 

The first piece explored The White Horses of the Major Arcana and now we have ridden with the Knights. That leaves the Six of Wands and the horse-adjacent Chariot for our final instalment. Stay tuned!