King/Ruler of Cups

Master

of Balanced Emotion

The King or Prince of Cups sits upon their throne, the wheel of life. The six visible spokes refer to the position of the kings on the Tree of Life. Their wings provide stability and lightness. The two cups they hold represent the balanced power they have harnessed by way of the light and dark forces inherited from their parents, the Knight and Queen. The waxing gibbous moon that crowns them represents their almost fully realized power. The still waters beneath them reflect peace and harmony. In the Hermetic Tarot, this card is known as the “Prince of the Chariot of Waters.”

The Kings or Princes are associated with the alchemical symbol for Air.

In a reading, this card may represent a calm, enlightened, or compassionate person. They may be a mediator, diplomat, or spiritual leader. They are sincere, compassionate, wise, and just. The King of Cups may represent the same energy within you. They are an invitation to seek balance in your emotions, intuition, and spirituality. Step into the role of a mentor or advisor who cares about the emotional wellbeing and needs of others. Approach emotional issues with logic and understanding to achieve and maintain balance.

The reversed may represent someone whose emotions are not fully balanced. They may be subservient to their emotions instead of their ruler. They may be feeling things too strongly, be overly dramatic, or trying to repress something. Kings are powerful, and unchecked power has the tendency to corrupt. This card reversed may represent someone who is abusing their power with, emotional abuse, control, or exploitation. It is a reminder to seek balance to maintain control to avoid these extremes. You may be in the process of tapping into emotions and feelings you never knew you had. Welcome them and turn them into a constructive expression of your power.