King of cups Tarot Card Meanings

Minor Arcana Tarot

King of cups Tarot Card Meanings

Upright Card Meaning

The King of Cups represents a leader that follows in the true tradition of the Renaissance man or woman. The King of Cups is a person who values the finer intellectual pursuits in life, such as law, art and science. Think of the famous art patrons of Renaissance Italy that allowed such greats as Leonardo da Vinci to create their amazing works.
The King of Cups embodies water, the element which rules the suit of cups. Water fuels the creative pursuits mentioned above, but it is also an element of equality and balance. The King of Cups is a leader who manages without becoming tyrannical, somebody who is fair and balanced in their outlook. The King of Cups always tempers their judgement with compassion, bringing balance even to such harsh arenas as law and justice.
Face the challenges you are up against right now with the energy of The King of Cups. Do not let them push you into despair or bitterness, but maintain your fairness and appreciation for life throughout your trials and you will emerge victorious.

Minor Arcana Tarot

King of cups Tarot Card Meanings

Reversed Card Meaning

When the King of Cups is reversed, the fairness and balance of the card has been corrupted. The card represents dishonesty and trickery. Beware of someone around you that feels too good to be true, you never know what deals they may be making behind your back. Or, the card is warning you to avoid going down that dark path yourself. The path of roguery and deception promises an easier life in the immediate moment and it may be tempting, but it would be a violation of your principles. Do your best to stay honest and beware of anyone that is all too eager to give you advice.
Alternatively, the King of Cups reversed represents someone who is cold and judgemental towards others, or the unpleasant sprouting of those qualities within yourself. Before you ridicule someone’s decisions or look down on them, try to put yourself in their shoes. Do not let your grumpiness affect your treatment of other people.
If the King of Cups upright is a Renaissance duke, the King of Cups reversed represents some of the worst qualities of absolutist princes—tyrannical and heartless. Be careful to stay away from that path.