78 Tarot · First Edition
King of Cups
A king sits on a throne that floats above a turbulent sea — the emotionally mastered person in the midst of emotional chaos. A fish leaps on one side, a ship on the other. He is not untouched by the depths; he has mastered them. His cup is held with ease, his expression composed and kind.
Upright Meaning
Emotional mastery, compassionate authority, and the wisdom to navigate turbulent emotional terrain without being swept away. The King of Cups embodies genuine maturity: someone who feels deeply but leads with steady warmth rather than reactivity. Be this person — or look for them.
Reversed Meaning
Emotional manipulation, moodiness, or the wise king turned tyrant when his feelings are uncontained. Or a repression of feeling that comes out sideways.
♥ King of Cups in Love
An emotionally mature, stable, deeply caring partner. A love that is both tender and reliable — someone who shows up consistently with their whole heart.
◈ King of Cups in Career
Compassionate, emotionally intelligent leadership — the manager or mentor who gets results while genuinely caring about the people they work with.
Daily Affirmation
"I lead from a place of deep emotional wisdom and compassionate strength."
King of Cups in the 78 Tarot Decks
In every 78 Tarot deck, the King of Cups is illustrated by a different international artist who brings their own unique cultural perspective and artistic style to this archetype. From the Nautical deck's ocean-inspired vision to the Ecological deck's environmentally conscious interpretation, each artist's rendering of the King of Cups adds a new layer of meaning to this timeless card.
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