Cups · Minor Arcana

King of Cups

Tarot Card Meaning

King of Cups tarot card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck

Upright

  • emotional balance
  • diplomacy
  • wisdom
  • calm

Master of emotional waters. Lead with empathy and calm wisdom — feelings and logic in harmony.

Reversed

  • emotional manipulation
  • volatility
  • coldness
  • repression

Emotions suppressed or weaponized. The calm exterior hides a storm within.

Symbolism

A king sits calmly on turbulent seas — emotional mastery amid chaos.

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