Exploring Tarot: King of Cups

A King sits on a throne that floats on the ocean. A large fish jumps above the waves while a ship with red sails navigates the treacherous water. The King wears a crown with flaps that cover his ears while holding a golden chalice in his right hand and a scepter with a similar shape as the chalice at its top. He wears a fish symbol as an amulet over the top of a yellow-green robe adorned by orange edging worn over a light blue garment.

A card of Elemental Water, the King of Cups does not look the reader in the eye, instead, he casts his gaze to the future. He is both wise and loving, spiritual and generous. However, he may also have problems with commitment and can be, at times, impulsive, and passive-aggressive.

When this card appears upright in a reading, it can signal a mentor in your life who is there to support you. Or if the card appears reversed in a reading, it can signal someone who may be passive-aggressive and unreliable. If the card represents you, if upright, it could suggest you are open and express compassion easily, or if reversed, it could indicate that you aren’t particularly honest in your dealings with others.