King of Cups: modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
Upright King of Cups Meanings
Keywords
Emotional Balance, Maturity, Compassion, Diplomacy, Control, Calm
Generally
The King of Cups represents the mastery of the emotional realm. He is the epitome of emotional balance, compassion, and control. Unlike other court cards who might be swept away by their feelings, the King has integrated his emotions with his intellect. He is a calm, diplomatic, and tolerant leader who responds to situations with a composed and caring authority. This card signifies a time of emotional maturity, where you can navigate difficult situations with wisdom and grace without becoming emotionally overwhelmed.
In a Love Context
In a love reading, the King of Cups represents a mature, stable, and emotionally available partner. This is someone who is a master of their own feelings and can provide a secure and loving environment for a relationship to flourish. In an existing partnership, it signifies a deep, balanced, and committed love where both partners feel safe and understood. If you are single, this card encourages you to embody his qualities of emotional maturity to attract a loving, stable partner.
In a Money/Career Context
This card points to a position of leadership that requires a calm demeanor and strong diplomatic skills. It can represent a successful career as a counselor, doctor, therapist, mediator, or in any field that requires compassion and emotional intelligence. The King of Cups is a master at keeping a level head in a crisis, making him an excellent and respected leader. He advises balancing logic with intuition for the best professional outcome.
In a Spiritual Context
Spiritually, the King of Cups signifies a profound level of self-awareness and mastery over one's inner world. He has successfully navigated his subconscious and is at peace with himself. This card encourages a balanced spiritual practice, one that honors both reason and intuition. It can represent a wise spiritual teacher or the culmination of a long period of emotional and spiritual development.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Stay calm and composed. Balance your heart with your head. Act with compassion and diplomacy. Take control of your emotions.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
Emotional mastery and stability. A situation will be resolved through calm and compassionate leadership. A deep and balanced relationship.
As Obstacles
Repressed emotions are causing a blockage. A fear of showing vulnerability is preventing connection. Being too detached or emotionally distant.
As Hidden Energy
A deep well of emotional stability and wisdom you have not yet accessed. The potential for compassionate leadership.
As Resources/Alliances
A mature, compassionate, and emotionally stable person. Your own ability to remain calm under pressure.
‘The King of Cups’ Reversed
Keywords
Emotional Manipulation, Moodiness, Volatility, Escapism, Uncontrolled Emotions
Generally
Reversed, the King of Cups warns of emotional instability and manipulation. The calm mastery of the upright card is gone, replaced by moodiness, emotional blackmail, or a complete repression of feelings. This card can represent a person who uses their emotional intelligence for selfish or cruel ends, or someone who is completely overwhelmed by their own feelings, leading to volatility, depression, or escapism through addiction.
In a Love Context
In a love reading, this card reversed is a red flag. It can point to a partner who is emotionally manipulative, controlling, vindictive, or prone to sullen moods and emotional outbursts. It warns of a relationship where love is used as a weapon through guilt-tripping and blackmail. It can also signify a partner who is emotionally shut down and unavailable, leaving you feeling insecure and confused.
In a Money/Career Context
This can signify a toxic work environment with a manipulative or emotionally volatile boss. It can also represent unethical or deceitful business practices. The reversed King of Cups warns against making decisions when you are emotionally unstable, as it will likely lead to poor outcomes. It can also point to a career that is emotionally draining you to the point of burnout.
In a Spiritual Context
Spiritually, this card reversed suggests a dangerous emotional imbalance. This can manifest as spiritual bypassing—using spiritual concepts to avoid dealing with difficult emotions—or falling prey to a charismatic but manipulative guru. It is a warning that true spiritual maturity requires facing your emotional "shadow self," not repressing it or allowing it to run rampant.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Be aware of emotional manipulation. Do not repress your feelings, but don't let them control you either. Seek help if you are struggling with addiction or emotional turmoil.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
Emotional blackmail will be exposed. A situation will devolve into emotional chaos. Disappointment due to instability.
As Obstacles
Emotional volatility is the primary hindrance. A tendency towards manipulation or being manipulated. A refusal to deal with one's own emotions.
As Hidden Energy
Deep-seated emotional turmoil that is being repressed. A secret tendency towards manipulative behavior or addiction.
As Resources/Alliances
The clarity that comes from recognizing and leaving a manipulative situation. The motivation to seek therapy or support for emotional issues.
Additional Notes on The RWS ‘King of Cups’
Waite’s Divinatory Meanings of The King of Cups
"Fair man, man of business, law, or divinity; responsible, disposed to oblige and equity; also art and science, including those who profess them, and particularly sciences connected with mankind. Reversed: Dishonest, double-dealing man; roguery, exaction, injustice, vice, scandal." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911)
RWS King of Cups Symbolism
A.E. Waite’s King of Cups shows a king sitting on a stone throne that appears to float in the middle of a turbulent sea. Despite the stormy waters around him, the king himself is perfectly calm and composed, symbolizing his mastery over the emotional and subconscious realm. He holds a cup in one hand and a scepter in the other, representing the balance of emotion and power. A small fish amulet hangs from his neck, a symbol of his creativity and connection to Spirit. A fish (intuition) leaps from the sea on one side, and a ship (control) sails steadily on the other, reinforcing the theme of emotional balance and control.
Meditations On The King of Cups
How can I respond to this situation with both compassion and wisdom?
Am I in control of my emotions, or are my emotions in control of me?
Where in my life do I need to create more emotional stability?
