King of Cups

King of Cups

Basic Meaning of the Card (Rider-Waite)

The King of Cups represents an emotionally balanced and wise individual who is in touch with their feelings and can use them in a constructive way. The card shows a King sitting on his throne by the sea, holding a cup in one hand and a scepter in the other. The sea symbolizes feelings, and the King is masterful at navigating these feelings and using them to help others.

Upright Meaning

When the King of Cups is right-side up, it indicates that you are in a period of emotional stability and have a deep understanding of your feelings and those of others. You are someone who is both empathetic and decisive, and you are capable of providing guidance and support to those who need it. The card encourages you to trust your intuition and use your emotional intelligence to make wise decisions.

Reversed Meaning

When the King of Cups is reversed, it may mean that you are emotionally detached, manipulative or not in touch with your feelings. It may also suggest that you have difficulty controlling your emotions or that you are allowing them to dictate your actions in a destructive way. Reversed, the card may warn that you are not listening to your intuition or ignoring other’s feelings and needs.

Example Interpretation

If the King of Cups appears in a reading about your personal life, it may mean that you are in a period of emotional maturity and balance. You are capable of offering support and guidance to those around you and using your emotional intelligence to make wise decisions. If you have been feeling emotionally detached or manipulative lately, the card may be urging you to reflect on your behavior and work on improving your emotional intelligence and empathy.

Psychological Interpretation

Archetypal Meanings

The King of Cups is a complex archetype that represents mastery over emotions, intuition, and relationships. He is often depicted as a mature, calm and compassionate ruler, sitting on his throne by the sea. He holds a cup in one hand, symbolizing his emotional depth and mastery, and a scepter in the other, representing his authority and power.

This card embodies the archetype of the wise and empathetic leader, who is in touch with his feelings and is able to maintain balance and harmony in his kingdom. He is also associated with the element of water, representing the unconscious mind and the realm of emotions.

Behavioral Patterns

The King of Cups represents someone who is emotionally mature and in control of their feelings. They are able to approach situations with calmness and understanding, rather than reacting impulsively. They are also known for their strong intuition and the ability to empathize with others.

On the negative side, this card can indicate someone who is overly emotional and prone to mood swings. They may also struggle with setting boundaries, as they tend to be very giving and compassionate towards others, sometimes at the expense of their own well-being.

Integration and Shadow Work

Working with the energies of the King of Cups can be beneficial for those who struggle with emotional regulation and empathy. It is important to cultivate a balance between the rational mind and the emotional self, and this card can help with that integration.

Shadow work with this card may involve addressing any patterns of codependency or people-pleasing behavior. It may also involve learning to set healthy boundaries and not allowing emotions to rule over rational decision-making.

Overall, the King of Cups reminds us to embrace our emotions, but also to approach them with wisdom and balance. By integrating the energies of this archetype, we can become more compassionate and empathetic leaders in our own lives and within our communities.


More Tarot Cards In "Minor Arcana"

Page of Wands

The Page of Wands is a tarot card representing a young person who is full of energy and creativity. It also symbolizes new beginnings and opportunities that await and is a sign that you should be ready to take the chance and follow your intuition.

Page of Wands

Queen of Cups

The Queen of Cups is a tarot card that represents emotionality, intuition, and empathy. It symbolizes a person who is able to understand others' feelings and has the ability to manage their own emotions with wisdom and understanding. The Queen of Cups also stands for someone who is emotionally stable and has a good ability to see the bigger picture.

Queen of Cups

Queen of Pentacles

The Queen of Pentacles is a tarot card that symbolizes material stability, well-being, and the ability to provide for oneself and others. It also suggests a sense of being grounded and secure. This card is an indication that one has the power to create a lasting, material security for themselves and those around them.

Queen of Pentacles

Queen of Swords

The Queen of Swords is a tarot card that symbolizes a woman who is wise, powerful and objective. She has the ability to see both the good and the bad in a situation and can handle a problem with sharp intelligence. She stands for wisdom, justice and the ability to make rational decisions.

Queen of Swords

Queen of Wands

The Queen of Wands is a tarot card that symbolizes a woman who is emotionally stable and self-assured, and who has a strong will and great self-confidence. She stands for creativity, entrepreneurship, and leadership, and she inspires others to reach their goals.

Queen of Wands

Seven of Cups

The Seven of Cups is a Tarot card that symbolizes possibilities and dreams. It stands for the fact that there are many different paths to choose from and it encourages one to ponder which one is best for them. It also conveys the message to be careful of becoming overwhelmed by too many possibilities.

Seven of Cups

Seven of Pentacles

The Seven of Pentacles is a tarot card that symbolizes having reached a certain level of success and being ready to take a step back and enjoy what has been created. It is a sign that good work has been done and now it is time to receive the reward for it.

Seven of Pentacles

Seven of Swords

The Seven of Swords Tarot card symbolizes caution and creative solutions. It means that it is important to be cautious when making decisions and that it may be necessary to think outside the box to find the best solutions.

Seven of Swords

Seven of Wands

Seven of Wands symbolizes strength and courage to stand up for oneself and one's beliefs. It also represents the fight for what one wants and being ready to defend what one believes in. This means that one must stand up against adversity and try to find a way to move forward.

Seven of Wands

Six of Cups

The Six of Cups tarot card symbolizes joy, nostalgic memories, and reconciliation. It shows two people sharing a bowl of seven cups, standing as a sign that one can overcome the past and learn to love again. It also represents the good will to give back what one has received from others.

Six of Cups

Six of Pentacles

The Six of Pentacles tarot card symbolizes a balanced exchange between two parties where both receive something in return. It stands for receiving what one deserves and giving what is fair. The card can also represent being generous, giving back, and being willing to share.

Six of Pentacles

Six of Swords

The Six of Swords tarot card symbolizes a journey that involves leaving the past behind and offers a hope of reaching a better future. It also represents a feeling of relief and resolution to problems and anxiety.

Six of Swords

Six of Wands

The Six of Wands tarot card symbolizes victory and triumph. It represents success, recognition, and strength. It is a sign that one has succeeded in overcoming obstacles and achieving their goals. It is a sign that one will receive the recognition they deserve.

Six of Wands

Ten of Cups

The Ten of Cups is a tarot card that stands for love, harmony, and happiness. It shows a family standing on a bridge and enjoying the sunset together. It symbolizes a state of inner peace and a strong emotional bond.

Ten of Cups

Ten of Pentacles

The Ten of Pentacles is a tarot card that symbolizes stability and security. It stands for a sustainable long-term investment that yields profitable results, and it conveys a feeling of trust and assurance. It can also represent a good financial situation, but it also stands for appreciating what one has and not taking anything for granted.

Ten of Pentacles

Ten of Swords

The Tarot card Ten of Swords symbolizes the end of a difficult period and implies that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It also represents that there is hope after difficult times. It stands for overcoming, strength and power through accepting changes and taking responsibility for one's actions.

Ten of Swords

Ten of Wands

The Tarot card Ten of Wands symbolizes responsibility and burden. It represents that you have taken on too much and that you should prioritize your commitments and restrain yourself. It urges you to let go of what is no longer necessary and to focus on what is important.

Ten of Wands


Three of Pentacles

The Three of Pentacles is a tarot card that symbolizes creativity, skill, and success. It represents the possibility of realizing your visions and dreams through using your ability and knowledge. It encourages you to keep working hard to achieve your goals.

Three of Pentacles

Three of Swords

The Three of Swords is a tarot card that symbolizes sorrow, pain, and heartbreak. It also symbolizes the inability to get over what has happened and feeling paralyzed by it. It is a sign that one must take action to address what has happened in order to move forward.

Three of Swords

Three of Wands

The Three of Wands tarot card symbolizes attentiveness, planning, and anticipation. It also represents preparation for success and the ability to see the bigger picture. It can also signify that one is about to embark on a new project or take a step forward.

Three of Wands

Two of Cups

The Two of Cups tarot card shows two people holding two cups and toasting. It symbolizes a covenant, love relationship or friendship that is filled with harmony, balance and equilibrium. It is a sign of emotional closeness and intimacy between two people.

Two of Cups

Two of Pentacles

The Two of Pentacles tarot card symbolizes juggling of different goals and worries. It advocates that one must find a balance between different aspects of life in order to achieve success. It is a sign that one must find a balance between work, leisure, family and other areas of responsibility.

Two of Pentacles

Two of Swords

The Two of Swords tarot card symbolizes a state of mental blocking and inner conflict. It suggests that you are facing a difficult decision-making situation where you must choose between two options that both have their advantages and disadvantages. It also emphasizes the importance of making a conscious choice that is in line with your values and needs.

Two of Swords

Two of Wands

The Two of Wands in Tarot symbolizes planning, decision-making, and expansion. When upright, it indicates a time for considering various possibilities, long-term planning, and being open to new ideas. When reversed, it suggests difficulty making decisions, fear of change, or uncertainty about plans and goals. In a reading with the Queen of Swords and the Five of Cups, focusing on planning (Two of Wands) can lead to better clarity, insight, and communication skills (Queen of Swords), helping overcome feelings of loss, grief, and disappointment (Five of Cups) and fostering personal growth and self-understanding.

Two of Wands

Ace of Cups

The Ace of Cups is a tarot card that symbolizes love, trust, tenderness, compassion and emotional fulfillment. It also symbolizes new beginnings, new relationships and a fresh start. The love it represents is universal and can be between two people or between a person and a thing.

Ace of Cups

Ace of Pentacles

The Ace of Pentacles tarot card symbolizes material blessing and wealth. It stands for an abundance of resources, stability, and a good financial situation. It is a sign that one has the right tools to succeed, and that they have the knowledge necessary to create a sustainable life.

Ace of Pentacles

Ace of Swords

The Ace of Swords tarot card symbolizes clarity, power, and understanding. It is a sign that one has the mental strength to tackle problems and see them from a new perspective. It can also represent a new beginning and newfound insight that provides the opportunity to move forward.

Ace of Swords

Ace of Wands

The Ace of Wands tarot card symbolizes new beginnings, creativity, and energy. It stands for new opportunities and potential that are ready to be tapped into. It also signifies a time for recovery and renewal, which can help one get back on the right track.

Ace of Wands

Eight of Cups

The Eight of Cups tarot card symbolizes the need to leave a comfortable situation in search of something better. This means it is time to leave what feels safe and familiar and take the step into unknown, yet necessary, territory.

Eight of Cups

Eight of Pentacles

The Eight of Pentacles tarot card symbolizes a person who is dedicated to hard work in order to achieve a specific goal. It stands for the focus, discipline, and effort required to achieve success. It is a sign that one cannot expect anything to come for free, but must work hard to reach their goals.

Eight of Pentacles

Eight of Swords

The Eight of Swords tarot card symbolizes imprisonment and restrictions. It shows a person bound by eight swords standing around them. It symbolizes that the person is stuck in a situation that they cannot get out of. The card stands for taking responsibility for one's actions and overcoming their limitations.

Eight of Swords

Eight of Wands

The Eight of Wands is a tarot card that symbolizes speed, movement, and change. It also represents success and progress and stands for a period of intense activity and quick results. It can indicate that it is time to take initiative and take big risks in order to reach one's goals.

Eight of Wands

Five of Cups

The Five of Cups tarot card symbolizes sorrow and longing. It depicts a person standing with their head bowed in front of five glasses that have been spilled and emptied of their contents. The card suggests that it is time to come to terms with what has been lost, and that there are new possibilities to explore.

Five of Cups

Five of Pentacles

Five of Pentacles symbolizes scarcity and worry, and encourages us not to give up hope. It shows two people standing outside a church, indicating that one should seek solace in spiritual solutions. It also suggests that one should find new ways to overcome difficulties, such as working hard to get what one wants.

Five of Pentacles

Five of Swords

The Five of Swords tarot card often symbolizes a feeling of loss or defeat. It can also represent strife, failure, and one's own ambitions having hurt others. It is a sign that one must learn to accept loss and move on.

Five of Swords

Five of Wands

Five of Wands is a tarot card that symbolizes conflicts and rivalry. It also represents struggles and competition that can lead to exhaustion and resistance. It encourages to address issues in a constructive way to avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Five of Wands

Four of Cups

The Four of Cups is a tarot card that symbolizes a feeling of fatigue and sadness. It shows a person sitting with their arms crossed while staring at three cups in front of them. This card symbolizes that we should take a step back and look back to understand what we have missed and what we can learn. It urges us to open our eyes to new possibilities that can lead to new insights.

Four of Cups

Four of Pentacles

The Four of Pentacles tarot card depicts a person holding two pentacles, symbolizing material wealth and financial security. It represents a feeling of control and determination to hold onto what one has. It can also symbolize a strong will to protect one's resources and not waste them.

Four of Pentacles

Four of Swords

The Four of Swords tarot card represents a person recovering from a stressful period and taking a break to focus on healing and recovery. It is a sign that it is time to take a break to focus on recovering and regaining strength.

Four of Swords

Four of Wands

The Four of Wands tarot card symbolizes victory and triumph. It represents joy and celebration, and is a sign that a goal has been achieved. It stands for feelings of security, stability, and long-lasting happiness.

Four of Wands

King of Pentacles

King of Pentacles is a tarot card that symbolizes material stability, creativity, and the ability to realize one's dreams. It represents a person who is responsible, dedicated, and constructive, who has the ability to create a well-balanced and stable environment for themselves and others.

King of Pentacles

King of Swords

The Tarot card King of Swords is a card that represents a strong, intelligent and logical leader. It also symbolizes justice, objectivity and wisdom. It indicates that the one who reads the card should be careful in making decisions based on reason and not just on emotions.

King of Swords

King of Wands

The King of Wands is a tarot card that symbolizes leadership, ability, and confidence. It is a card that stands for passion, creativity, and a willingness to take initiative. It can also represent a strong, loyal, and secure leader who is ready to make decisions and lead others.

King of Wands

Knight of Cups

Knight of Cups is a tarot card that symbolizes feelings, romance, and intuitive creativity. It represents a person who is open to new experiences and strives to reach a higher level of awareness. It also represents someone who is trustworthy and has good intentions.

Knight of Cups

Knight of Pentacles

The Knight of Pentacles is a tarot card that symbolizes stability, hard work, and focus. It encourages us to take things slowly and to focus on the details in order to achieve success. It reminds us to be practical and to take one step at a time towards our goals.

Knight of Pentacles

Knight of Swords

The Tarot card Knight of Swords symbolizes a person who is determined, powerful, and honest. It also represents someone who is very intelligent and willing to take initiative. It can also symbolize a need to take leadership and focus on achieving their goals.

Knight of Swords

Knight of Wands

The Knight of Wands symbolizes an adventurous, impulsive, and creative mindset that is ready to take on new challenges. It also stands for courage, enthusiasm, and a desire to change. It is a sign that there are great opportunities to take on new projects or ventures.

Knight of Wands

Nine of Cups

У меня есть машина.I have a car.

Nine of Cups

Nine of Pentacles

The Nine of Pentacles is a tarot card that symbolizes self-confidence, joy, and control. It shows a woman standing with a stack of pentacle coins, symbolizing stability and financial security. The reverse side of the card reveals that she has achieved the highest level of joy and control over her life.

Nine of Pentacles

Nine of Swords

The Nine of Swords is a tarot card that symbolizes sorrow, anxiety and despair. It represents a state of fear and anxiety, and it may also mean that you are worried about something that you cannot control. The card can also serve as a warning to learn to let go of what makes you sad.

Nine of Swords

Nine of Wands

The Nine of Wands is a Tarot card that symbolizes a defensive stance and perseverance. It is a sign that one is close to achieving their goals, but there are still some obstacles that must be overcome. It is a card that encourages one to maintain their perseverance and not give up hope.

Nine of Wands

Page of Cups

The Page of Cups is a tarot card symbolizing youthful curiosity and creativity. It stands for a fresh start, new opportunities, and the ability to receive and understand emotions. It also represents a person who is open to new ideas and experiences.

Page of Cups

Page of Pentacles

The Page of Pentacles is a Tarot card that symbolizes a fresh start, new possibilities, and a focus on both material and spiritual aspects. It stands for hard work, accuracy, and the ability to make the most of one's resources. It also conveys a message of seizing opportunities and never giving up.

Page of Pentacles

Page of Swords

The Page of Swords is a tarot card that symbolizes a person who is intelligent, observant, and knowledgeable. It stands for someone who is cautious, analytical, and critical while also being loyal and sticking to the truth. It also represents someone who is focused on solving problems and seeking solutions.

Page of Swords