The cup in his hand
The King holds his feelings, not the other way around: his emotions are under control.
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Minor Arcana · Cups
King of Cups Tarot Card Meaning
The King of Cups is calm amid the waves. A wise ruler sits on a throne by the sea holding a cup, while a ship sails in the distance. The card is about emotional maturity, diplomacy and the ability to keep your balance.
Upright
- emotional maturity
- calm
- wisdom
- diplomacy
- support
Reversed
- suppressed emotions
- manipulation
- coldness
- mood swings
- addictions
- Element
- Water
Card symbolism in our deck
In Heinrich Pangrau’s deck, the King of Cups is a bearded, crowned ruler seated on a carved throne. He holds a cup; a fish is carved on the armrest, and behind him are the sea with a sailing ship and a crescent moon.
The fish on the throne
A sign of the depths of the subconscious, which he knows well.
The ship at sea
He knows how to sail through rough waters and lead others.
The lowered gaze
The calm focus of someone who thinks first and speaks second.
King of Cups meaning
The King of Cups upright is emotional maturity: the ability to listen, to soothe, to find a compromise and not lose your head in a crisis.
The card often points to a wise mentor, a psychologist, a doctor or the person others turn to for advice.
King of Cups reversed
The King reversed means emotions kept under lock and key that break out in flashes; emotional manipulation, coldness.
Sometimes it points to addictions a person uses to numb what they don’t want to feel.
King of Cups in love, work, money and health
Love and relationships
Upright A reliable, caring partner, a mature relationship, emotional support.
Reversed Emotional unavailability, manipulation, hidden addictions.
Feelings A calm, deep attachment. This person cares about you, though they may not talk about their feelings directly.
Work and career
Upright Leadership with a human face, counseling, medicine, negotiations.
Reversed A boss with mood swings, hidden conflicts.
Money
Upright Well-considered financial decisions, a stable income.
Reversed Emotional spending and decisions driven by mood.
Health
Upright Calm and moderation support your health. Tarot is not a substitute for a doctor.
Reversed Suppressed stress, a tendency toward unhealthy habits.
King of Cups as a person
As a person: a wise, calm, diplomatic man. An adviser, a doctor, a psychologist, a generous mentor.
The card’s advice
Upright Stay calm: right now it’s your greatest advantage.
Reversed Name your feelings out loud before they boil over.
Card of the Day
Draw your card of the day
King of Cups as the card of the day
As the card of the day: a day for diplomacy. A good time to resolve conflicts.
Combinations with other cards
- King of Cups + Queen of CupsA harmonious couple.
- King of Cups + TemperanceThe ability to balance your feelings.
- King of Cups + The HierophantA wise mentor.
- King of Cups + The DevilA hidden addiction.
- King of Cups + King of SwordsA balance of head and heart.
Frequently asked questions about King of Cups
Is the King of Cups a yes or no card?
Yes, if you act calmly.
What does the King of Cups mean in relationships?
A reliable, caring partner and a mature relationship.
What does the King of Cups reversed mean?
Suppressed emotions, manipulation, coldness.
What does the King of Cups mean as the card of the day?
A day for calm conversations and diplomacy.