King of Cups Tarot Card Meaning
Queen of Cups |
King of Cups |
Ace of Pentacles |
General Meaning
The King of Cups card points to a reliable person from your close circle of family and friends. Perhaps, this person is your boss, husband, father, or loved one. The tarot card suggests that you respect and listen to this man's words, and when needed, you turn to him for advice, comfort, and assistance.
Card Motto
Your feelings are under control — you govern your life and win the hearts of those around you.
by Marta Winter
Core Card Meanings King of Cups
Description and Symbols of the Card King of Cups
This tarot card depicts a powerful and strong ruler, confidently sitting in the midst of a turbulent sea on a high and solid throne. In the King's hands on the card are a scepter as a symbol of power, and a golden cup - a symbol of emotions and inner experiences, under control.
On the background of the tarot card, a joyous dolphin splashes and a bright-red ship cuts through the waves. These are symbols of creative beginnings, active forward movement, and triumph over any circumstances.
Meaning in Upright Position
The King of Cups is your generous and caring patron, a benefactor who relates to you and your problems with paternal wisdom and understanding. The King of Cups has enough power and the right connections to deal with the most intricate and unpleasant situation!
Furthermore, the King of Cups tarot may signify a favourable atmosphere at home and at work, a friendly environment, absence of threats, confidence in one's strength, timely assistance from those around you. The meaning of this arcana in a family and marriage spread is very favorable: the appearance of this card heralds a strong union and harmonious relationships.
In addition, this tarot card may mean that you have reached emotional maturity and inner balance, can think soundly and act rationally, not under the influence of fleeting mood.
Key meanings of the upright King of Cups card
- A noble, reliable, and responsible man - a father, husband, leader, protector.
- Stable marriage, deep feelings, peace, and mutual understanding.
- Balance, tranquility, delicacy, attentiveness, a kind heart, empathy, understanding.
Reversed Position
The Tarot card, the King of Cups, in its inverted position, also hints at an influential man among acquaintances or relatives, but the relationship with him is marked by a "minus". His harsh, authoritarian character does not foster closeness, and his low and calculating nature keeps you constantly on edge, expecting deceit from his side.
If the King of Cups Tarot appeared in an inverted position, you should not trust this man under any circumstances, even if he puts on the noblest mask and bribes with sweet promises and prospects. Otherwise, the inverted arcana of the King of Cups will foretell losses in both personal and business spheres.
This tarot card can be interpreted as a warning of manipulations from those around you, which must be stopped, even if these actions are carried out by your loved ones with the best intentions. It can also indicate the possibility of getting involved in a scandal or unpleasant situation, being left unsupported in difficult circumstances.
Key meanings of the inverted King of Cups card
- A vindictive, cruel, and greedy man.
- A deceiver, thief, liar, dilettante, schemer.
- Injustice, betrayal, bad advice, losses, despair, depression, indulging in one's weaknesses, weakness.
- Actions on someone else's directive, manipulation, dependency, violence.
Meaning in Love Readings
In love readings, the upright King of Cups card speaks of romanticism and depth of feelings. Now is the time to charm, captivate, arrange delightful dates, and send waves of emotions and hopes.
Right now, true love can enter your life, in which you can completely lose yourself. The loved one may not show their emotions externally, but inside they hold a sea of sincerity, tenderness, and love - try to recognize this priceless source of happiness!
In a reversed position, the meaning of the card changes to the opposite, speaking of manipulation of feelings and a desire to avoid relationships.
When reading for an admirer or a loved one
In a reading for an admirer or a partner, the upright card indicates that in love, your chosen one is a person of constant and strong feelings. They believe in lifelong love. Relationships, family, and love are always their top priority.
The reversed card testifies that in love, your chosen one aims for domestic bliss! In joint life, they prefer the role of a boss, who is allowed everything. Well, almost everything.
Reading for Money, Career
In business readings, the King of Cups card speaks of timely assistance in affairs from an influential partner or superior. It also signifies that you have control over your life, wisely employing all your creative energy and wisdom to build your career and address professional challenges.
At the same time, you clearly work by calling, not solely for money, and derive genuine pleasure from your endeavors, never forgetting to aid those around you. Your financial situation is very stable, and it can only be weakened by actively indulging in weaknesses and succumbing to momentary mood swings.
When reversed, the meaning of the card changes to the opposite, indicating debts and excessive spending driven by emotions.
Reading for a Person
When reading for a person, the upright card is interpreted as someone with strong, stable emotions, possessing experience and developed intuition. They can be both a dangerous enemy and a loyal friend. You can rely on them securely, like on a stone wall.
When the card is reversed, it represents an ambitious individual. To fulfill their desires, they are ready to sweep away any obstacles that come their way and are unlikely to compromise their own interests for the sake of others.
Reading for Advice
In the upright position, the card advises you to focus on building strong, long-lasting, and responsible relationships in all areas of life - be it friendship, work, or love.
When appearing in a reversed position in the spread, the card advises you not to exert pressure on those around you, especially on your loved ones, as it will not only harm them but also affect you negatively.
Reading for Outcome
If the card appears in an upright position, the forecast for your situation is highly favorable. As a result, you will achieve everything you aspire to, and you will be completely satisfied with the outcome.
When appearing in a reversed position, the forecast for your situation is not very favorable. Obstacles may arise due to rigidity, the desire to exert pressure on others, or manipulating their emotions. Remember, a bad compromise is always better than a "good" quarrel.
Meanings In Combination with All Tarot Cards
Major Arcana Combinations
With card 0, the Fool - To work for the sake of an idea, to be an idealistic fighter, to believe in the common good.
With card 1, the Magician - Seek advice from a specialist, emotional stability, the ability to influence the mood of others.
With card 2, the High Priestess - Hypnosis, visit to a psychologist, issues in the subconscious.
In combination with card 3, the Empress - Parental love, family advice, deep affection.
With card 4, the Emperor - Interest in work, numerous ideas, enthusiasm.
With card 5, the Hierophant - Like-minded individual, a successful partnership, a skillful psychologist.
With card 6, the Lovers - Bold entrepreneur, philanthropist, interest in something.
With card 7, the Chariot - A businessperson, a clever entrepreneur, a specialist in negotiations.
With card 8, Strength - The ability to persuade, a guru or political figure, stunning attractiveness.
With card 9, the Hermit - Science or scientific researcher, successful creativity, public activities (patronage, charity).
With card 10, Wheel of Fortune - Thoughtful generosity, prosperity, a favor in return or debt repayment.
With card 11, Justice - A moralist, forgiving minor offenses, giving a second chance or turning a blind eye to something.
With card 12, the Hanged Man - A demagogue, creating a doctrine or preaching, the gift of words.
With card 13, Death - Empty boasting, false self-confidence, reckless actions.
With card 14, Temperance - A surge of inspiration and success, success in creative endeavors, gaining profit and recognition while pursuing a beloved hobby.
With card 15, the Devil - The gift of eloquence, a charismatic admirer, organizing shady activities.
With card 16, the Tower - A troublemaker and brawler, falling for a "bad boy," a serious conflict in the workplace.
With card 17, the Star - A charismatic personality, a thriving business, rapid advancement towards the goal.
With card 18, the Moon - A crazy idea, a bad innovation, unclear motives, targeting for a long game.
With card 19, the Sun - Success with the opposite sex, charisma, charm, and the gift of eloquence, an excellent match.
With card 20, Judgment - A creative individual, the bohemian lifestyle, mingling in higher circles, a well-known suitor.
With card 21, the World - A true guru, a mystical connection with the universe, enlightenment.
Wands Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Wands — The ability to keep emotions under control, a successful and determined personality, a romance with a mature man.
With the Two of Wands — Attempt to establish personal relationships, a person of higher status, a desire for attention from influential individuals.
With the Three of Wands — Charming man, signs of attention from the opposite sex, casual flirting.
With the Four of Wands — Approval from society or superiors, significant patronage, an influential family friend, a marriage based on agreement and sympathy.
With the Five of Wands — Internal struggle, dealing with one's conscience, reevaluating priorities, or facing an overwhelming task.
With the Six of Wands — Masculine initiative, a not-so-young but charming and persistent admirer, mutual understanding.
With the Seven of Wands — An unclear situation, waiting for confirmation or a final decision, a verbal agreement.
With the Eight of Wands — An amiable older man, resistance to change, old customs or traditions.
With the Nine of Wands — An important interview or conversation, a challenging subject, successful conflict resolution, a skillful orator.
With the Ten of Wands — Strong parental control, a thirst for approval, self-criticism.
With the Page of Wands — A relationship built on trust, a mentor or teacher, shared ideals.
With the Knight of Wands — Emotional turmoil, a burst of energy, an active leader or acquaintance, a womanizer.
With the Queen of Wands — A couple in love or a family, stability and confidence, trust.
With the King of Wands — Negotiations on equal terms, friends, colleagues, or coworkers, a partnership of complementary personalities.
Swords Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Swords — A brilliant solution, a genius move, a successful idea.
With the Two of Swords — Persuading someone to compromise, offering an alternative path or controversial innovation.
With the Three of Swords — Causing suffering or offense to someone, suddenly discovering betrayal or getting caught in an intrigue.
With the Four of Swords — Temporary withdrawal from tasks or socializing, allowing oneself to relax, a period of stagnation.
With the Five of Swords — Starting a domestic quarrel or workplace dispute, losing to a competitor or adversary, realizing one's not as clever as they thought.
With the Six of Swords — Embarking on a journey into the unknown, leaving with a light heart and absence of worries, trying not to lose one's composure.
With the Seven of Swords — A successful trick, gaining more than expected, playing both sides.
With the Eight of Swords — Quieting one's conscience with excuses, attempting to avoid punishment or loss of authority, turning a blind eye to others.
With the Nine of Swords — Being sentimental, expressing emotions, having a nervous breakdown or emotional turmoil.
With the Ten of Swords — Losing tender feelings, the end of a passionate romance, growing out of infatuation, or being disappointed in a partner.
With the Page of Swords — Deeply hurting someone, making enemies, being overly categorical.
With the Knight of Swords — Fighting for love, an emotional outburst, acting in a fit of anger or rage.
With the Queen of Swords — Rejecting or being rejected in love, complete mismatch of interests or principles, being deceived by hopes of romance.
With the King of Swords — Renouncing or changing one's beliefs, facing an impenetrable opponent, acting maliciously or against others' wishes.
King of Cups and Swords Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Cups — Good relationships, being generous with love, hospitality, a welcoming host.
With the Two of Cups — Mature decision in love, the ability to build one's own happiness, deep understanding of feelings.
With the Three of Cups — A corporate event, succumbing to general rejoicing, a mass celebration or calendar holiday.
With the Four of Cups — Engaging in heavy persuasion, offering peace or cooperation, ending hostilities.
With the Five of Cups — Support from a mentor, an assertive man, an optimistic friend.
With the Six of Cups — Trustfulness, the life of the party, a person with broad perspectives.
With the Seven of Cups — Divine inspiration, global thinking or vision of a problem, the ability to distract from difficulties.
With the Eight of Cups — Prudence, a long period of adaptation, dealing with a complex character.
With the Nine of Cups — Maintaining a positive mindset, confidence in one's abilities, being on the right side.
With the Ten of Cups — Marriage, family union, the birth of children.
With the Page of Cups — A warm invitation, an honest offer, a sincere person, a connection with an older man.
With the Knight of Cups — Good relationships with a father figure, an older friend or buddy, a good teacher or role model.
With the Queen of Cups — A harmonious union, emotional unity, equal partners in a relationship.
Pentacles Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Pentacles — A great deal, capital growth, successful entrepreneurial activities.
With the Two of Pentacles — Lack of resources, excessive extravagance, lack of a clear spending system.
With the Three of Pentacles — Starting to implement a plan, good chances of success, opening one's own business.
With the Four of Pentacles — Financial security, having just enough, ability to enjoy what you have.
With the Five of Pentacles — Unsuitable environment, people who pull you down, going through tough times.
With the Six of Pentacles — Encouraging colleagues, being an ideological inspiration, promoting the arts.
With the Seven of Pentacles — Receiving more than expected, getting a reward without effort, boasting about insignificant achievements.
With the Eight of Pentacles — Oratorical skills, ability to use charisma, a charming man, a true master of flirting.
With the Nine of Pentacles — Experiencing material well-being, enjoying a good moment, self-realization.
With the Ten of Pentacles — Earned honor and respect, ability to share profits, justifying parents' hopes.
With the Page of Pentacles — Resourcefulness, the ability to take advantage of the situation, proper upbringing.
With the Knight of Pentacles — Resourcefulness, seizing a profitable opportunity, receiving a reward or recognition.
With the Queen of Pentacles — Creation, fertility and abundance, a male-inspiring figure and a female-practical figure, a successful union.
With the King of Pentacles — Corporate mergers, a long-term business project, close cooperation.
Example Interpretation In a Daily Spread
A Card Has Fallen for You King of Cups? This Signifies:
Today promises rich communication with your closest people—relatives, friends, and your beloved. Someone among them may give you a gift, an interesting proposal, or delight you with news. Most likely, it will be a man (father or your significant other). Today, you can confidently rely on him in any matter, seek his advice, or simply have a heart-to-heart conversation. It will help you understand the situation and resolve the issue that has been troubling you lately.