Tarot Card Meanings
The Tarot Suits
KING OF CUPS
UPRIGHT KEYWORDS
Knowledgable, confident,Creativity, offering, new beginning, ideas, inspiration, enthusiasm
REVERSED KEYWORDS
Delays, creative blocks, lack of energy, hesitancy
THE KING OF CUPS TAROT CARD DESCRIPTION
The King of Cups is a tarot card that symbolizes love, compassion, and emotional balance. The card itself depicts a king seated on a throne, with an amulet shaped like a fish. On his necklace, a fish represents his creativity and spirit. On the right side of the king is a fish jumping out of the ocean, and on the left is a ship symbolizing the material and emotional worlds.
Attributes:
Symbolizes: Knowledgeable and compassion
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Represents: A knowledgable and confident person who makes everyone feel safe and loved, he looks out for everyone.
Advice: The the King of Cups is also known as the “King of Love”.
What you should know: In a reading the King of Cups tells you that his special energy has meaning for you at this time. Let yourself be inspired by this King for whatever reasons he appears in your life.
Yes or No Card: Generally the King of Cups upright is Yes. Reversed is a no, not at this time
*Keep this in mind about the court cards: All Kings are mature and masculine. They are concerned with results. They are knowledgable and people go to them for advice.
General King of Cups upright meaning:
The King of Cups in tarot symbolizes a caring man who embodies love, compassion, and generosity. This card represents someone who is a natural provider, diplomatic and exudes paternal energy, being a good father or husband. The King of Cups is known for being emotionally mature and understanding, able to offer support and comfort to those around him. He approaches situations with sensitivity and empathy.
|
Upright Love Meaning |
Upright Career Meaning |
Upright Finances Meaning |
|
Emotionally stable, Loving and caring partner, mature lover, romantic |
A kind & grounded leader, well liked at work, creative job or career |
Financially stable, generous |
Upright King of Cups Tarot Meaning: Love
The King of Cups tarot card represents an emotionally stable and mature lover who is deeply connected to their emotions. In a love reading, this card indicates a loving and caring partner who is both compassionate and understanding towards their significant other's needs. The relationship is filled with romance and affection. If you are single, this card suggests you may be meeting someone with these qualities. If you’re thinking of taking a relationship to a deeper level, this card says yes.
Upright King of Cups Tarot Meaning: Career
The King of Cups in a career reading signifies a kind and grounded leader who is well liked at work. This individual exudes empathy, compassion, and emotional intelligence, making them an effective mentor or boss. They have a knack for maintaining harmony within the workplace, resolving conflicts with grace and diplomacy. In terms of job or career path, the King of Cups suggests a creative field in your chosen career path.
Upright King of Cups Meaning : Finances
The King of Cups in a financial reading suggests financially stability and security. This card represents someone who is wise with their money and makes sound investments. They are generous with their resources, often using their wealth to help others in need or support charitable causes. This card also indicates that there may be opportunities for financial growth through partnerships or collaborations, as the King of Cups is known for his ability to work well with others.
Reversed General King of Cups Tarot Meaning:
The Reversed King of Cups in tarot signifies a person who is immature and lacks emotional depth. This individual may come off as shallow and cold, not having connections with others. Additionally, dishonesty is a prevalent trait in their behavior, as they often manipulate situations to suit their own needs. In essence, the Reversed King of Cups embodies someone who struggles to form authentic relationships due to their sulky, cold and deceitful nature. Alternatively, watch out for addiction and over indulgence, such as drugs or alcohol.
|
Reversed Love Meaning |
Reversed Career Meaning |
Reversed Finances Meaning |
|
Emotionally unavailable, dishonesty, temporary separation, co-dependency |
Not well liked at work, cold towards colleagues, unsatisfied with career |
Selfish with money, unhappy with financial goals, over indulging with spending |
Reversed King of Cups Tarot Meaning: Love
When the Reversed King of Cups appears in a love reading, it often signifies a period of emotional unavailability within the relationship. There may also be some dishonesty present. If you are asking about a particular relationship, this card may favor taking a break and putting some distance between you. Codependency could also be a problem, find the strength to break free. If single, be careful of this type of energy entering your life.
Reversed King of Cups Tarot Meaning: Career
The Reversed King of Cups in a career reading suggests that the individual may not be well-liked at work due to their cold and detached demeanor towards colleagues. Their lack of emotional connection with others can create tension and conflict in the workplace. This detachment may also stem from a deep dissatisfaction with their current career path.
Reversed King of Cups Meaning : Finances
When the reversed King of Cups appears in a financial reading, it suggests that the individual may be acting selfishly with their money and only thinking of themself. Could also indicate over indulging in spending. They could lack emotional control when it comes to finances, leading to impulsive decisions that prioritize short-term gratification, maybe a shopaholic.
Frequently Asked Questions
The King of Cups represents emotional wisdom — the ability to feel deeply without being ruled by those feelings. He shows up when you’re learning how to respond rather than react, to offer compassion without losing your boundaries, and to lead with empathy even in challenging situations. This card is a reminder that true strength isn’t about suppressing emotions but mastering how you express and channel them.
The King of Cups represents emotional wisdom — the ability to feel deeply without being ruled by those feelings. He shows up when you’re learning how to respond rather than react, to offer compassion without losing your boundaries, and to lead with empathy even in challenging situations. This card is a reminder that true strength isn’t about suppressing emotions but mastering how you express and channel them.
In a relationship context, this card often represents someone who is emotionally stable, deeply caring, and capable of supporting others through ups and downs. It can point to a partner (or potential partner) who is emotionally safe — someone who knows how to listen, nurture, and guide without controlling. If it represents you, it’s a sign to approach relationships with patience, maturity, and an open heart.
In a relationship context, this card often represents someone who is emotionally stable, deeply caring, and capable of supporting others through ups and downs. It can point to a partner (or potential partner) who is emotionally safe — someone who knows how to listen, nurture, and guide without controlling. If it represents you, it’s a sign to approach relationships with patience, maturity, and an open heart.
Each king represents mastery in a different area of life. The King of Pentacles focuses on stability, security, and the physical world, while the King of Swords rules with intellect, clarity, and truth. The King of Cups, however, leads from the heart — blending emotional intelligence with calm leadership. He’s the king who knows how to navigate feelings with grace, creating harmony and trust wherever he goes. However, all the Kings are knowledgable in their suit.
Each king represents mastery in a different area of life. The King of Pentacles focuses on stability, security, and the physical world, while the King of Swords rules with intellect, clarity, and truth. The King of Cups, however, leads from the heart — blending emotional intelligence with calm leadership. He’s the king who knows how to navigate feelings with grace, creating harmony and trust wherever he goes. However, all the Kings are knowledgable in their suit.