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

Upright: The Knight of Cups upright is the romantic and idealistic knight, often signifying a proposal or an invitation. This card embodies following one’s heart – it might represent a person who is in love with love, someone artistic, or an offer coming your way that is emotionally appealing. Upright, the Knight of Cups suggests movement toward a goal guided by the heart, whether it’s pursuing a creative project, asking someone out, or bridging peace in a situation. It encourages acting on compassion and creativity. This is the poetry, music, and affection knight, reminding you that it's okay to chase a dream or express your feelings openly.

Reversed: The Knight of Cups reversed can signal moodiness, unrealistic expectations, or an offer that falls through. It might represent someone who says all the right things but doesn’t follow through – the charming promise that isn't kept. You could be feeling let down by a person or outcome that didn’t live up to the ideal. Alternatively, this might be warning against chasing fantasies or being led purely by emotions without grounding. The reversed Knight of Cups advises finding balance between dreams and reality. If you've been hurt by disappointment, take time to regain emotional equilibrium. If you're acting the part of the over-dramatic knight, tone down grand gestures and ensure sincerity in your actions and promises.

Three Possibilities

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

Love: The knight rides forward, offering his cup with a heart full of poetry and romance. This is the card of grand gestures, deep emotions, and the pursuit of love’s beauty. A passionate suitor may enter your life, or an existing relationship may be filled with tenderness and devotion. This is love in motion—embrace it with an open heart.

Career: In career matters, the Knight of Cups brings creative opportunities and the pursuit of passion-driven work. An offer may arrive that aligns with your dreams, or you may feel inspired to follow a career path that speaks to your soul. This card encourages you to follow what moves your heart, not just what fills your pockets.

Spirituality: The Knight of Cups is the spiritual traveller, seeking deeper meaning in life. He reminds you that the journey of the soul is not one of logic but of feeling. Trust your intuition—where it leads, your spirit is meant to follow.