The essential meanings of this Minor Arcana card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

Upright: The King of Cups upright embodies emotional balance, wisdom, and generosity. He represents a person who has mastered their emotions – kind and compassionate, yet calm and level-headed. This card suggests using diplomacy and understanding in a situation; maintaining composure even if things around you are turbulent. Upright, the King of Cups encourages you to lead with heart and head in harmony. It's an indicator of support – either you providing guidance to others with empathy, or receiving wise counsel from someone you trust. It’s a reassuring card that implies strength in compassion and the ability to navigate emotional situations with tact and care.

Reversed: The King of Cups reversed can indicate emotional instability or suppression. You or someone involved may be struggling to manage feelings – this could manifest as being overly emotional, withdrawn, or even manipulative. It might also point to someone using emotional leverage (like guilt trips) rather than open honesty. In a reversed position, this card urges addressing emotional issues directly. Be wary of bottling up feelings until they explode, or of acting cold and indifferent to avoid being hurt. Balance is needed between feeling and logic. This card encourages finding healthy outlets for emotions and possibly seeking help if mood swings or emotional challenges feel too heavy to handle alone.

Three Possibilities

The secrets of this card for heart, mind and soul.

Love: The King of Cups rules with a heart both deep and steady. He represents a partner who is emotionally mature, devoted, and wise. Love under his influence is not just passionate but stable, guided by deep understanding and care. This is the presence of a love that withstands time and tides, where emotions are honored but never uncontrolled.

Career: In career, the King of Cups signals leadership through emotional intelligence. You may be in a position where you must guide others with wisdom and compassion. Whether you are mentoring, managing, or counseling, your ability to remain calm in turbulent times will be your greatest strength.

Spirituality: The King of Cups embodies spiritual mastery—he has learned to balance his emotions and intuition, flowing with the tides of the universe without being overwhelmed. This card calls you to embody the same wisdom: trust in the depth of your emotions, but do not let them control you. Find balance, and you will find peace.