King of Cups upright meaning
The King of Cups sits on a throne amid choppy seas, yet his waters stay calm. He is the master of emotion, feeling deeply while never being ruled by it. He offers diplomacy, wise counsel, and a steady hand in turbulent times. When he appears, lead with compassion and composure.
King of Cups reversed meaning
Reversed, the calm sea churns. He can be moody and volatile, use emotions to manipulate, or bottle everything up until it spills over. It warns of feelings turned cold or controlling, or of a man whose kindness hides a storm.
King of Cups in love & relationships
In love he is a mature, supportive partner who handles conflict with calm and care. Reversed, it flags emotional manipulation, withdrawal, or unpredictable moods that keep a partner off balance.
King of Cups in career & money
At work he is the level-headed leader who keeps the team steady under pressure and mediates with fairness. Reversed, it warns of a boss who is volatile, passive-aggressive, or emotionally cold.
King of Cups tarot card FAQ
What does the King of Cups mean?
He represents emotional balance and maturity, a compassionate, diplomatic figure who feels deeply yet stays composed and in control.
What does the King of Cups reversed warn about?
Reversed, he warns of moodiness, volatility, or emotional manipulation, feelings that are either repressed or used to control others.
New to the cards? Start with our beginner's guide to tarot, or browse the full 78-card dictionary. Tarot is a tool for reflection, not fortune-telling.