“King of Cups”
I’m actually glad I drew this card because it’s one I really don’t know all that well and am looking forward to learning more about. There are certain things I do know, so I’ll start there, then reference other sources and see what I’m missing.
First of all, I look at the fact that this card is represented by the suit of Cups, meaning it’s an emotion-based card. This card is about feelings, emotions, and planning.
Secondly, I look at the fact that this card is a King, meaning it’s got a sort of “paternal” energy to it, a father-figure authoritive flavor. Kings are about law, order, rules, and regulations.
Add the cups to the king and I come up with a need to get a tighter reign on emotional conditions. Beware of tendencies toward depression, drama, fear – or even their opposites. Seek balance in emotional states and don’t let emotions get unruly.
It reminds me of what I wrote last night about knowing temper tantrums won’t solve anything.
If I’m not mistaken (which I could be), I think I remember this card being associated with Cancer in the Zodiac (although the fish around the King’s neck makes me think Pisces). If I’m accurate about it being a Cancer sign, then those energies would also apply. Cancer energies are highly subjective to depression and/or mood swings. It’s an extremely emotional energy, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing if those emotions are well balanced, although Cancer energy sometimes has a tendency to focus on the negative. Cancer energy is highly focused on homes and work and can also tend to be introverted (loner). The cancer energy does seem to align here with the King’s authority asking for more order and regulation, coupled with the cups suit of emotion.
So if I drew this card in a reading for someone else, I’d advise them to work hard at keeping their emotions in check, warding off depression or tendencies to focus on the negative, and to invest more energies into home, family, and work to help restore emotional balance.
Am I right? *shrugs*
Let’s check the other sources:
Here’s from LearnTarot.com:
Wise
gives good advice
has a deep grasp of human nature
teaches through loving attention
knows what others need for growth
sees right to the heart of the matter
understands many levels of experienceCalm
maintains his or her composure
has a quieting influence on others
is emotionally stable and secure
keeps his or her head in a crisis
never seems nervous or tenseDiplomatic
can balance the needs of many people
keeps everyone working together happily
can diffuse a tense situation
achieves goals through subtle influence
says just the right word at the right timeCaring
responds to emotional needs
is a natural healer and therapist
takes action to help those in need
feels compassion for the less fortunate
does volunteer and charity workTolerant
has open and broad-minded views
accepts the limitations of others
is comfortable with all types of people
allows others their freedom
is patient in trying circumstancesThe personality of the King of Cups is a combination of the positive water energy of the Cups suit and the active, outward focus of a King. He is wise and understanding, with a deep knowledge of the world that comes from the heart. He is a teacher and way-shower who guides his students with loving attention. He cares about others sincerely and always responds to their needs with compassion. He heals with a gentle touch and a quiet word. He is calm and relaxed in all situations, seeming to know intuitively what is called for at any moment. Others turn to him for advice because they know he will listen attentively. There is always a peacefulness around him that others respond to. He is tolerant of all points of view and shows patience in the most trying circumstances. He gives others freedom to grow and develop in their own ways without asking anything in return.
In readings, the King of Cups asks you to take the kinds of actions he might take. For example: responding calmly in a crisis, using diplomacy rather than force, reaching out to help, or accepting a different point of view. This King can also represent a man or woman who acts as he does, or an atmosphere of caring, tolerance and understanding. In a reading, he tells you that his special energy has meaning for you at this time. Let yourself be inspired by this King in whatever form he appears in your life.
Well, looks like I missed my mark on a grand scale on this one! And this is why I continue to study and learn. I wasn’t entirely wrong, but I put my focus too much on what could be wrong instead of how to project the “healthy” energy of this card by being calm, and I totally missed the boat on the healer aspect. Looking at the waters beneath him may help me remember… even though the waters are stormy and rocky, he’s poised with an assuredness. Much to learn. Much to learn.
And here’s from Aeclectic Tarot:
KINGS
Kings. Although they come last, they really should come first, as Kings are where the Court Cards start. They are the fire – their element – the passion, the driving force. This is why Crowley has them as Knights instead, riding on horseback (rather than sitting passively on a throne), filled with energy, moving, leading. Kings are related to the Emperor, and like him they are planners, motivators, commanders, and creators; the one who rallies everyone together to form the kingdom. (Think Henry V.) The Queen is the one who will make it real, and the Knight/Prince will take it beyond the castle walls. But without the King, it won’t happen at all.Thus, Kings in a spread can indicate motivation, a beginning or start of something.
King of Cups
The decision to start a new relationship may indicate a man deciding to propose or just finally motivating himself to approach a special someone. This is a new love, but it is a mature love, one that is determined. Can also indicate a man motivated to be a new and better provider, father and husband.
Whao, Nellie – I missed this one by a long shot. Not only does it give me a better understanding of this card and an ability to better interpret his meaning when he comes up in readings, but … holy hot dogs, Bat Man… what does this mean for me? I didn’t just draw this card today for the sake of learning… I drew it for its divinitory message as it applies to me!
*head rattle*
Okay, here’s one more source I found this morning, just for good measure. At least I had the “Cancer” part correct:
From: The Philosopher’s Stone
King of Cups
Correspondences
Value: 14
Simon’s Exegesis: The Fisher King
Key Expressions: Loving Authority, Ruling through Emotional Manipulation, stability amidst turmoil, comfort, safety, travel
Jungian Type: ENFJ
Element: Water of Air
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Zodiac Element: Cardinal Water
Persona: Father, Husband, Teacher
Direction: West
Gender (main): Female
Gender (secondary): Female
Domain: Emotions
Common Card : King of Hearts
I wouldn’t be so quick to say you “missed” anything. Mastering the Tarot isn’t just about learning the Tarot meanings, it’s about learning about YOU and your own spiritual energy/intuition. It’s about learning that what comes to you is “gospel,” learning to trust your own intuition is the real deal.
The cards have multiple meanings (often at the same time), sometimes contradictory meanings (like, sometimes the Kings mean the end of something). It’s really a dance between your mind — the card meanings that “click” with you — and your intuition. With a strong emphasis on your intuition
You’ll discover that when you put too much emphasis on what others feel the card means (via books or whatever), discounting your own intuition, that’s when it gets mucked up. Again, your own intuition is the real jewel. And the point is to strengthen your trust in it. The stronger that trust becomes, the better you’ll be at interpreting YOUR Tarot accurately. Even when your interpretations later appear to be erroneous, don’t allow it to weaken that trust one iota. Consider that you just didn’t “hear” it quite right, or maybe there was a “higher” reason that you heard it “wrong.”
Some of the coolest (and very accurate) interpretations that I’ve ever received have come not from book interpretations, but things I’ve seen in the images on the cards — in that moment. Let your imagination/creativity/intuition flow without so much restraint and you’ll see what I mean
One of the interpretations for the King of Cups that has stuck in my brain is a repeat of patterns. Patterns that we get stuck in, patterns from our childhood, patterns that really screw with our lives, our relationships… I did a pic on MS Paint a while back that called itself “Patterns” (see my blog under Dove’s Art) and asked the Tarot for a card on it. The card was the King of Cups
So the Tarot tends to show me that card when I’m in the process of repeating (or about to) one of those old “patterns.”
Peace,
Dove
Greetings, Dove -
I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate your comments and insights. I agree with you whole heartedly. I do trust, first, what I feel or how I instinctively/intuitively respond to each card, then draw from what I’ve learned previously about suits, numbers, symbols, etc. – and then, more as a way to expand my own understanding or pick up new “tidbits”, I check other sources. Some of it “sticks”, some of it I choose to let go, but I enjoy taking in the information.
Will be checking out your blog shortly. Just got home from a ten and a half our day at work and am about to crash, but have the next two days off and plan to spend some of it visiting blogs.
Thank you again… your words (and energy) hit home. I appreciate the feedback..
Blessings,
W
Hello,
I just been reading your notes on king of cups and i have to say that they describe a man who is also pisces in the Zodiac. I have met a few piscean males and they are usually have all the qualities listed above. You may find that if any male is interested in the mystical findings of life that he often tends to be a piscean.