King of cups
King of Cups is the final and closing card in the suit of Cups. Since he is the fiery part of the Water element (Yod), he is the most active card of the court family in the Tarot. The King of Cups teaches about the secrets of the Water element, and he is a patient listener, and a wise advisor, especially in love matters.
King of Cups [Upright]
In this card we see a king sitting on his stone, grey throne, entirely surrounded by water, and in the distance, there’s a glimpse of a red ship. He is garbed in red, blue and dark-yellow colors. His crown is very large and has red details on it.
He has a golden fish around his neck, a regular cup in his right hand, and a golden sceptre in his left. Behind him, there’s a small fish jumping out of the wavy water. The sky behind him is as grey as his throne.
All of this signifies that he is an unclear character, someone who is very in tune with his emotions and subconsciousness, but also someone who can be prone to illusions and manipulation for his own purposes.
King of Cups Keywords [Upright]
- Wisdom
- Patience
- Understanding
- Patronage
- Advisor
- Counsellor
- Poetic
- Charming
King of Cups Meaning [Upright]
King of Cups is not as positive as Queen of Cups, Queen is the best and most polished representation of the Water element, whereas King is somewhat of a shadier and unpolished figure.
As such, he represents older, charming men, men who’re experienced (lovers) and wise individuals. Someone who operates from the shadows and prefers to stay out of the spotlight, because the real power is in the shadows.
King is a patron, advisor and a patient counsellor, but once he loses his patience he can be a terrifying presence.
Key Points – Love [Upright]
- When he shows up in a love reading, he can signify (an older) person (usually a man) who will court you and show you how wise and experienced people love.
- This is a good card to show up in a love reading as it represents someone who is on your side and has your best interest at heart, while also having good connections and influence around him.
- Jokingly, he can be interpreted as a “sugar daddy”.
Key Points – Money [Upright]
- When it comes up in a money reading, you can expect big financial support from your father, elder friend or your older partner/lover.
- Either way, big bucks will find their way to your wallet and bank account. Rejoice.
- Just make sure you’re aware of all the details and the fine print of the arrangement in order to avoid finding yourself in someone’s palm later on…
Key Points - Career [Upright]
- When the King of Cups shows up in a career reading it can represent a kind boss who practices empathy in his approach toward his employees. It can also mean that you will be taking a CEO/managing position in a company.
- King of Cups can also mean that you have the favor of people in charge and that your promotion will be coming soon, as well as pay raise.
King of Cups [Reversed]
King of Cups reversed is the most fearsome representation of the Water element. If you weren’t quite fond of the Page of Cups, you won’t like King of Cups reversed.
He is a ferocious presence that can raise tsunamis and create whirlpools which could break the Titanic in half.
He is a moody character with his own desires and pleasures, he seeks to be satisfied and pleasures in his reversed form, and he doesn’t care much about other people’s emotions, as long as his are satisfied.
King of Cups Keywords [Reverse]
- Cunningness
- Emotionally violent
- False prophet
- Selfish occultism
- Power hungry
- Zealously
- Manipulation
- Cold
King of Cups Meaning [Reverse]
King of Cups reversed can represent an older man who has impure intentions and even fouler designs like a spider in the dark weaving his web of manipulation and lies.
He represents a person who likes to play chess with other people’s minds and hearts, someone who is not afraid of hurting others as long as his own needs are met.
Key Points - Love [Reversed]
- In a love reading, reversed, as most Cup cards, King represents a sort of a breakup or an ending of a relationship that has been going on for a long time.
- Conversely, it can stand for an older man who has his eye on you and wants something from you, but not in a forthright and honest manner. Someone trying to manipulate you and lead you on.
Key Points - Money [Reversed]
- In a money reading, this can be an omen of a big financial loss. It can signify a toilet/kitchen/water malfunction in the house, a herald of a flood or tsunami, thus resulting in a big material loss.
- Adversely, it can represent your father or grandfather, or a homeless man you see on the street, who will come to ask for your help. Remember to be kind, but cautious.
- King of Cups is not as positive of a card as Queen of Cups, usually, there’s some kind of foul play at work.
Key Points - Career [Reversed]
- When he comes up reversed in a career reading it signifies that either you are a manipulative, overbearing boss, or that your boss is treating you poorly and that it is a time for changing jobs.
- Don’t fall prey to emotional manipulation at work, watch your own back and follow your guts.
