King of Cups
Keywords · Upright
Keywords · Reversed
Upright
The King of Cups represents a person who has mastered his deep emotions and governs them with calm and maturity. He blends emotional depth with reason, offering compassion, wise counsel and diplomatic grace. The card advises meeting turbulent feelings with the serenity of a master.
Reversed
Reversed, the King of Cups warns of suppressed or uncontrolled emotions that turn into moodiness, coldness or emotional manipulation. He can show a person who appears calm outwardly yet is inwardly ruled by moods or addictive behaviour. Beware of false gentleness that conceals true intentions.
Love
In love, this card promises a mature, caring partner who offers emotional stability and deep understanding, staying calm even amid conflict. Reversed, emotional distance, insincerity or a partner who hides his feelings may strain the relationship.
Career
In career, the King of Cups shows a leader who guides with empathy, patience and diplomatic skill, keeping a cool head in crises. Reversed, there is a risk of manipulation in the workplace, lack of sincerity or mixing emotions with duties.
Health
For health, the card points to emotional balance and inner peace; calmly steering one's feelings supports the body as well. Reversed, suppressed stress, addictive tendencies or buried emotions can undermine well-being.
Symbolism
The King sits on a stone throne amid a turbulent sea, holding a cup and a sceptre, untouched by the waves — a symbol of mastery over the emotions. A leaping fish and a sailing ship in the background point to the unconscious and to his mind balanced above the emotional waters.
Numerology
As rank 14, the King embodies the highest maturity and culmination of the Water energy, uniting depth of feeling with sovereign, outward mastery.