King of Cups

King of Cups - Tarot Card Description

The King of Cups sits calmly in the midst of a turbulent sea and wears a necklace with a fish amulet. The fish is the symbol of spirit and creativity and represents, in this card, the balance of the unconscious with the conscious. The King of Cups does not repress his emotions and unconscious impulses but has learned to accept and deal with them in a mature and balanced manner.

Behind him on his right, a fish jumps wildly from the tumultuous ocean, and on his left a ship remains steadily anchored. These images are a sign that the unconscious has been allowed to break through and has been recognized by the King, yet it remains within his power and does not overwhelm him.

He sits on his thrown on a gray stone block floating in the sea. It appears that a sea snake or fish has jumped out of the sea to his left and to his right in the background is a red pirate ship. His thrown has a rolled gray high-back with a royal look to it. The King seems as though he would like to test the waters with his right foot but he is wearing greenish-yellowish leather slippers and he is not sure that he wants to soil them wet. He wears a deep blue garment with a bright yellow cloak with a red trim and a red scarf over his right shoulder. On his right hand appears to be a ring, He holds a yellow goblet cup. In his left hand, he holds a sceptre in yellow which is held upright. Displayed on his breast and around his neck is a fish pendant proudly displayed. His crown is high with red and yellow.

King of Cups - Tarot Card Meanings

A man of business, law or divinity, kind and considerate, and willing to take responsibility. He is interested in the arts and sciences and enjoys quiet power. Someone displays paternal feelings toward you.

Consideration. You need to be considerate as you counsel others. You may need to understand why strong feelings have surfaced and how to best cope with them. Do not repress emotions. You must see your life as a work of art.

The King of Cups indicates that you feel very emotionally balanced and in control. You have a very deep understanding of your feelings and emotions, and are able to connect with this when necessary. As you deal with some of the scenarios that life throws at you, draw on this deep emotional maturity to help you navigate these challenges. Also, know that this is an incredible gift you have and be open to sharing your emotional stability and calm approach with others.

Physical description - light brown hair, fair complexion. Clear liquid eyes. Older man, business man in responsible position. A kindly gentleman. A fatherly figure.

Personality traits - you may not understand him, but you can trust him. He has achieved something in life. Sociable, loving, sensuous. Intelligence combined with strong intuition. Enjoys comforts of life. Love of arts. Responsible and generous.

The King of Cups, like all the court cards in the suit of Cups, represents emotion, creativity, and the unconscious. Unlike the preceding Three court cards, however, the King of Cups expresses much more restraint in his emotional state. He is a master of his own feelings, and remains in control of his emotions. Not to say that he represses those feelings and sentiments; on the contrary, the King of Cups represents the balance between the emotions and the intellect. He is a master of compassion and kindness and his card often indicates strong bonds in a relationship based on temperance and understanding.

When this card is encountered in a reading, it is an indication that you must create balance in the realm of the emotions. The King of Cups represents compassion, one of the most powerful and beautiful sentiments of the human spirit. How can we develop a stronger awareness of the unconscious without being overwhelmed by its power? How can we develop a stronger sense of compassion without falling into the trap of sentimentality?

This seems to be a time where you are displaying (or want to display) a deeper knowledge of the world that comes from the heart. You have always cared about others sincerely and always responded to their needs with compassion, trying to heal with a gentle touch and a quiet word. So, let this inner strength and wisdom prevail today!!! Be calm and relaxed in all situations. You already know intuitively what is called for at any moment. You really do!

Today, try and listen to others just that little bit more again. Respond calmly in a crisis, use diplomacy rather than force, reach out to help, not to stifle or "have it only your way!". Today is going to be a very demanding day...I know. Yet tonight... a weary, yet immensely satisfied "you" is going to sleep the sleep of righteousness!

The King of cups shows you generosity, graciousness, love, calmness, caring and will give you his healing ways. He has power in the business world and loves law and order. You would love him to be your doctor. If there were a crisis at hand, we should all hope to have this person near.

The King of Cups contains many things depending on the other cards in the reading. In most instances, it contains emotions, passions or knowledge. The positive meaning of the cup is the obtainment of these factors.

Want someone to spend time with, make love to, or share your life with; and/or to be self-sustaining or solvent in the work you've chosen to do. What you want or need will come to you, and you will be provided for.

Generosity, understanding, dignity, calmness, aura of power, deep reflective spirit, religious feelings, goes to the point, knowledgeable, eloquent, feelings under control, alchemist, moral courage, willing to do what is needed, passionate, committed to social change, fertility and transformation, regal, enthusiastic, expansive, emotional security, inspirational, literate, empathetic, nurturing, fatherly, wisdom, psychic healer, offers assistance, reliable, wisdom, wounded healer, gracious, loving, loves law and order, good in a crisis, openness, acceptance, health and wholeness, warm hearted, helpful, takes initiative, ability to live one's ideals.

Caring, mediator, professional, secretive, negotiator, empathetic, cultured, keeps feelings to himself, good in an emerging dynamic, able to bring ideas to fruition, counsellor, confidant, considerate, resolved, mature, imaginative, protector, sympathetic, ambivalent nature, paradoxical, personal relationships, concern for others, self denying, kind, good listener, provider, moody, sophisticated, quiet and deep, sensitive, artistic, compassionate, communicates feelings, romantic, poet, guardian of hidden mysteries, harmonious relationships, community respect, religious, adaptable, creative thinker, sensual, spiritual, practitioner of alternative medicine, tranquillity, intimacy, interpreter of dreams and visions, thoughtful, devotion and service, gentle touch.

King of Cups - Reversed Tarot Card Meanings

The King of Cups reversed is incredibly emotionally controlling and manipulative. He uses emotional blackmail to get his way and to push his own agenda. He leaves you feeling uncertain about yourself and as if you are the problem, not him. This only leaves to emotional instability within yourself, which is entirely undeserved. If this sounds like someone you have met in the past, there is still some work to be done in releasing yourself from his controlling forces.

Unfeeling, sleazy, uncultured, barbaric, insecure, immature, unimaginative, double dealer, forked tongue, false friend, worthless advice, con artist, deceptive, dishonest, play acting, insecure, manipulative, toys with emotions, lazy, exploitive, addictive personality, violent, treacherous ruler, untrustworthy.