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Tarot Card Meanings:
King of Cups

King of Cups: Overview and Symbols

The King of Cups represents emotional maturity, compassion, and calm authority. This card signifies mastery over emotions, the ability to provide wise and nurturing guidance, and maintaining balance in turbulent situations.

Some Specific Symbols and Their Meanings in the Rider Waite Smith Tarot:

  • King seated on a throne: Represents authority, control, and stability.

  • Surrounded by water: Symbolizes emotional depth and the ability to navigate emotions.

  • Calm expression: Indicates emotional maturity, calmness, and composure.

  • Fish amulet: Reflects creativity, intuition, and a connection to the subconscious.

  • Cup in hand: Represents emotional fulfillment and the nurturing aspect of the king’s nature.

  • Ship and fish in the background: Suggests the ability to navigate through emotional and life challenges smoothly.


A note on interpreting Court Cards: Court cards like Kings can represent the querent or someone else in the querent’s life. Be mindful of the context in which court cards appear.

the king of cups from the rider waite smith tarot
King of Cups as depicted in the Rider-Waite Smith Tarot by A.E. White, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith

King of Cups: Tarot Card Meanings

Keywords/Phrases: Emotional maturity, compassion, calm authority, stability, balance, wisdom, nurturing, control over emotions.

The King of Cups in the tarot signifies emotional maturity and the ability to maintain balance and calm authority in various situations. This card represents a compassionate and wise individual who provides nurturing guidance and support to others. It highlights the mastery over emotions, allowing for clear thinking and composed decision-making even in turbulent times. The King of Cups encourages you to embody these qualities, to offer support and understanding to those around you, and to lead with both heart and mind, maintaining stability and emotional depth in your interactions.

King of Cups: Reversed Tarot Card Meanings

Keywords/Phrases: Emotional imbalance, manipulation, moodiness, lack of control, suppressed feelings, over-sensitivity, volatility.

When the King of Cups appears reversed in a tarot reading, it signifies emotional imbalance and a lack of control over one’s feelings. This card suggests manipulation and moodiness, where emotions may be used to influence others negatively. It reflects suppressed feelings and over-sensitivity, leading to volatility and unpredictable behavior. The reversed King of Cups urges you to address these emotional issues, seeking healthier ways to express and manage your emotions to restore balance and stability. It calls for introspection and the development of emotional intelligence to avoid the pitfalls of manipulation and emotional turmoil.

Gallery: King of Cups in Various Tarot Decks

page of cups, knight of cups, and king of cups from tarot of the golden wheel by mila losenko
King of Cups (right) from Tarot of the Golden Wheel
by Mila Losenko