King of Cups
- Compassion
- Emotional Stability
- Diplomacy
- Wisdom
- Composure
- Counselor
- Maturity
- ELEMENT
- Water
- PLANET
- Mars
- NUMBER
- 14
- ARCANA
- Minor
I.THE CARD'S SCENE
The King of Cups sits with unshaken dignity on his carved throne at the edge of a vast, still sea. The violet-stoned medallion at his throat and the open golden cup in his hand show his mastery over the depths of the water element. Water flows down from the arms of his throne and merges with the sea, showing the king's calm amid emotional storms. This card, representing the summit of feeling, intuition, and compassion, is the portrait of a wise spirit who has mastered his inner world. He appears before us with the bearing of a loving father figure, or a trustworthy counselor.
II.UPRIGHT AND REVERSED
The King of Cups signifies emotional maturity, composure, and compassion. In your life, this suggests a period of stability where you can navigate complex feelings with wisdom. You are encouraged to lead with your heart while maintaining healthy boundaries. This is a call to act as a mediator, offering support to others without losing your own sense of inner peace. Balance logic with intuition to achieve harmony.
- Compassion
- Emotional Stability
- Diplomacy
- Wisdom
- Composure
- Counselor
- Maturity
When reversed, the King of Cups invites you to address emotional instability or suppressed feelings. It is an opportunity to reclaim your power from moodiness or manipulative tendencies. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by your internal tides, focus on self-care and establishing firmer emotional boundaries. Use this time to examine where you might be over-extending yourself emotionally and return to a place of centered, authentic self-expression and calm.
- Emotional Withdrawal
- Inconsistency
- Suppression
- Sensitivity
- Overwhelmed
Note: Merolot web spreads never use reversed cards; the reversed meaning is given for anyone studying the card.
III.SYMBOLISM
That the king's throne rises right at the sea's edge, as though out of the water itself, shows his mastery over the depths of the subconscious. The violet-stoned medallion at his throat is a symbol of creativity and spiritual awareness. A glowing castle and tower on a distant shore tell that the king keeps his inner peace despite the turmoil of the outer world. His dark violet cloak, embroidered with stars, and his gold-worked robes represent the harmony of intuitive depth with mental clarity. The cup in his hand is open, not closed — showing that he remains open to emotional exchange.