Mastery over emotions leads to wisdom and stability. This card represents balance between heart and mind, offering support without losing control. True leadership comes from emotional intelligence.

Physical Appearance

The King of Cups typically depicts a mature, authoritative figure seated on a throne, holding a cup that symbolizes mental composure and wisdom. He is often surrounded by calm, soothing elements like water or serene landscapes, emphasizing his control over his emotions. This card represents a person who is balanced, compassionate, and skilled in managing both their own feelings and those of others.

Also Known As: King or Lord of Goblets, Chalices, or Vessels.

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Upright Meaning

Keywords: Emotional Mastery, Wisdom, Compassion, Inner Serenity

Upright, the King of Cups symbolizes emotional stability and maturity. It represents someone who has achieved a deep understanding of their feelings and is able to handle complex interpersonal situations with grace. This card suggests that you are in a position where you can offer support and wise counsel to others. The Lord of Goblets encourages you to use your social intelligence to navigate through challenges and provide guidance.

• Love: Represents a loving and supportive partner who brings stability and depth to the relationship. Encourages open communication and emotional connection.
• Career: Highlights people skills and leadership as key to professional success. Suggests fostering a positive and empathetic work environment.
• Finance: Indicates a wise and balanced approach to money management. Encourages thoughtful decision-making and long-term financial planning.

Yes or No: Upright, the King of Goblets is a "Yes." This card symbolizes emotional balance, maturity, and wisdom, suggesting a stable and fulfilling outcome.

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Reversed Meaning

Keywords: Emotional Turmoil, Suppression, Conflict Resolution, Emotional Clarity

Reversed, the King of Cups may point to volatile emotions or difficulties in managing feelings. The Lord of Chalices appears inverted, reflecting struggles with emotional control or understanding. This card encourages seeking ways to regain balance and clarity, addressing the root causes of distress.

• Love: Indicates emotional distance or communication issues in relationships. Suggests working on building mastery of emotions and resolving conflicts.
• Career: Highlights challenges with emotional leadership or dissatisfaction at work. Advises improving social intelligence and aligning work with personal values.
• Finance: Suggests impulsive spending or poor financial management. Encourages a structured and practical approach to handling money.

Yes or No: Reversed, the King of Chalices is a "No." This card reflects emotional imbalance or challenges, suggesting that the situation may face obstacles requiring introspection and growth.

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Timeframes

The King of Chalices is linked to a timeframe of Months or Summer. This card suggests a period characterized by emotional balance, wisdom, and maturity. The timing could also involve someone embodying the Lord of Cups’ qualities – a person who is compassionate, mentally stable, and skilled at navigating complex feelings. This individual might play a significant role in influencing events or decisions during this period.

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Who Is "The King of Cups" In Your Life?

The Lord of Cups is known for his emotional maturity, compassion, and diplomatic nature. This individual excels at offering guidance and support, maintaining balance in complex emotional situations. If someone in your life is calm, wise, and empathetic, they may embody the King of Cups. However, his strong focus on control of emotions can sometimes lead to difficulty expressing his own needs or confronting issues directly.

To work effectively with the Lord of Goblets, value his wisdom and emotional leadership. Support his role as a mediator or guide, while encouraging him to express his own feelings openly. By fostering mutual respect and understanding, you can create a harmonious relationship that honors his strengths while addressing his personal needs.

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King of Cups as Feelings

The Lord of Cups represents feelings of emotional depth, compassion, and maturity. The person might feel mentally secure and capable, focusing on understanding and supporting others. Their feelings are centered on balance, stability, and emotional leadership. Overall, the King of Goblets indicates they are feeling socially grounded and wise.

• How Someone Feels About You: They see you as a source of emotional depth and stability. They likely feel that you bring balance and understanding to their life, viewing you as someone who provides compassionate support and wisdom. The Lord of Chalices suggests they hold you in high regard as a steady and mature presence.

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Worried About Drawing the King of Cups?

Drawing the Lord of Cups is a reminder to embrace emotional wisdom and compassion. This card encourages you to trust your intuition and use your social intelligence to navigate challenges, fostering harmony and balance in your life.

“I honor my emotions and lead with compassion and wisdom.”

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Related Cards

The King of Cups connects with other cards symbolizing emotional mastery, intuition, and leadership. Explore these relationships:

• Queen of Cups: Represents emotional depth and nurturing qualities, complementing this card's stability and leadership.
• Knight of Cups: Reflects the pursuit of emotional fulfillment and creativity, aligning with the Lord’s emotional wisdom.
• The Star: Symbolizes hope and inspiration, resonating with the ability to guide and inspire others.
• The Empress: Embodies nurturing and abundance, aligning with the Lord's compassionate leadership.

Click on any card to explore its meaning and how it complements the Lord of Chalices’ themes of emotional mastery, compassion, and wisdom.

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Frequently Asked Questions

written by Greg Swanson

updated: 2/14/2025