General

Similar to the Queen of Cups, the King of Cups usually represents a person. This person is a romantic, a family-oriented person, someone who is empathetic and emotionally mature. The King of Cups is usually seen as someone who has social intelligence and emotional intelligence, and someone who can navigate social situations quite easily. He is also a devoted husband and father (though the King of Cups is not gender binary, because the King of Cups is a “he”, I would refer to him as such). In traditional tarot, the King of Cups is seated on his throne and calm waters surround him. This represents that there is a good balance between the conscious and unconscious.

Upright

In the upright position, the King of Cups represents someone who is wise, diplomates and has a good head on their shoulders since they are able to find a balance between their head and their heart. This person may be someone who is in an advisory position or a counsellor. In love, the King of Cups represents a lover who is devoted and loving, someone who is willing to commit and to continuously bring joy and romance into the relationship. This is a compassionate and emotionally stable partner and someone who is mature enough to be in a romantic relationship. In career and finances, this could mean that you or the person on your mind has gained the respect from their peers because of the way they handle matters in the workplace or in their personal finances. This is someone who is diplomatic and people admire them for this quality.

Reversed

In the reversed position, the King of Cups may be someone who is manipulative or temperamental. This person is a little selfish and emotionally immature. Sometimes, the King of Cups is someone who is deliberate and controlled, watching and observing others and using the information that he has gathered about people to use against them. This person could be emotionally blackmailing you to get the things that they want. In love, the King of Cups represents a selfish lover, someone who is deceptive and manipulative. This could be someone who is leading you on and not putting in the effort to create a life with you. Sometimes, the King of Cups could be a negative thing when using one’s intuition to discover if your partner has any ulterior motives when what is needed is contentment and an ability to be in the moment and appreciate it. In career and finances, the King of Cups could represent a career that lacks emotional fulfilment yet there is an ulterior motive to staying in the job. This could also represent bad financial judgement and overspending because one is feeling emotionally charged.