A crowned king sits on a throne holding in his left hand the scepter of office and in his right a chalice. Around his neck is a golden chain bearing a fish. His throne is stone and vaguely mimics a seashell, and is just above a turbulent sea, but the water does not touch him. His robes are blue, with a yellow cloak with red trim over the top. In the distance is a ship with red sails, apparently being tossed around by the stormy seas and on the other side of him in the distance is a leaping dolphin.
King of Cups

You own your feelings. You own your thoughts. You control both. No one has the right to any of it—to any of you without your permission

Carlos Wallace

Overview and Common Meanings of The King of Cups   

When the King of Cups shows up in a reading it is an indication that you have gained mastery over your emotions without letting them drive you.  He understands the scope of human emotions and can offer wise advice.  Some alternate names from varying decks are Harmony, Integrity, Father of Water, Chief of Vessels.

Common Meanings

Both Kings and Queens can be representative of people already in your life or about to enter it, or they could be a general influence – such as ideas that encourage mature development and the balance of head and heart. The King can show up as an influence to encourage you to follow your heart more, rather than solely relying upon your head in decision making. This presents a great opportunity to connect with others in a heartfelt, genuine manner.  The King of Cups is all about finding the sweet spot between an open heart and an intelligent mind. 

In a money or work related reading the King of Cups indicates a leader with compassion and the ability to find balance between conflicting personalities and agendas.  The King of Cups reminds us to be giving, no matter how big or small your personal wealth, with the knowledge that the dividends of a generosity of spirit will always return to you.

A love and relationship reading in which the King of Cups appears – regardless of whether it refers to an established relationship or when seeking a new one – will indicate the importance of balanced emotional intelligence and accountability.

The Many Faces of The King of Cups

The shadow side – or reversal – of the King of Cups can show up to indicate dishonesty, not being in touch with emotions, or of being overwhelmed by them so that behavior is childish, self-centered.  It can be indicative of the need to take a pause and focus on finding the calm of the marriage of emotions and head. The shadow side of the king of cups can also show up to indicate the need to let go of past hurts and feelings of betrayal so that one heals and can live a full life.  Because of the empathic nature of the King of Cups, when in the reversed position, it can indicate being overwhelmed by another person’s pain or emotions. 

Description

A crowned king sits on a throne holding in his left hand the scepter of office and in his right a chalice.  Around his neck is a golden chain bearing a fish.  His throne is stone and vaguely mimics a seashell, and is just above a turbulent sea, but the water does not touch him.  His robes are blue, with a yellow cloak with red trim over the top.  In the distance is a ship with red sails, apparently being tossed around by the stormy seas and on the other side of him in the distance is a leaping dolphin. 

Themes of The King of Cups

  • Charismatic male figure – often a mentor or someone that you admire and trust.
  • Creativity
  • Diplomacy
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Following and trusting your heart/intuition
  • Generosity
  • Need for self-care.
  • Subconscious mind
  • Wise leader

Court Cards – Kings

Kings in any suit represent father, guardian, guru, leader, minister, patriarch, shaman, teacher.  In the suit of cups, which is all about emotions and creativity, we have a visionary leader who is attuned with, but not mastered by, his emotions. 

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

  • Stormy sea – the often turbulence of emotions
  • Ship at sea- staying the course
  • Golden chain with fish amulet – fortune, faith, passion
  • Scepter of office – the sign of authority, power, control
  • Throne above turbulent sea – indicating mastery of emotions; the ability to turn feelings into ideas. 
  • Chalice – the vessel which holds our emotions/heart

Herbs for The King of Cups

  • Alder – divination, creativity, decision making, teaching.
  • Eyebright – Boost psychic capability, encourage rationality, promote positive outlook and wisdom.
  • Grape – mental clarity; prosperity
  • Horehound – mental clarity, creativity, inspiration, balances energy
  • Laurel – triumph, success

Questions that the King of Cups asks us

  • Do you feel that you have a healthy balance between your head and your heart?  If not, what do you need to restore that balance?
  • Is there something that you are holding onto that is preventing you from moving forward in your life and how is that serving you?

That is the King of Cups:  a fearless, creative mentor who has gained mastery over his emotions.  Wishing you a week in which you honor your emotions without letting them drown you.  As always, please reach out with comments or questions.  Thank you for reading and please join me next week for and introduction to the next suit:  Pentacles!