King of Cups

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King of Cups is a Minor Arcana tarot card.

Tarot cards are used throughout much of Europe to play Tarot card games^[1].

In English-speaking countries, where the games are largely unknown, Tarot cards came to be utilized primarily for divinatory purposes^[1][2].

[edit] Game Usage

[edit] Divination Usage

In most decks, the King of Cups appears as a mature, fair-haired man, seated on a throne and holding a cup in his right hand and often with a short sceptre in his left. The image usually has some reference to the sea or water, water being the element connected with the suit of Cups. in the Rider-Waite deck, for example, the sea is pictured surrounding the throne, and a stylised dolphin and ship are depicted in the background to the side of the it,

The divinatory message of the card is of a fair-haired man or one associated with business, law, or divinity. It may also represent a man who is favourably disposed towards the querent, or in a mor abstract sense refer to the arts and sciences or any sphere which involves creative intelligence. Reversed, the card represents scandal, injustice, and double-dealing, or a dishonest man.^[3].

Other divinatory meanings are less positive, wioth some sources claiming that the card indicates a man of ambition not necessarily one favourably disposed towards anything other than his own gains. He is the man who is respected and feared rather than loved, and is helpful only insofar as it aids his own plans^[4].

The personality of the King of Cups is a combination of the positive water energy of the Cups suit and the active, outward focus of a King. He is wise and understanding, with a deep knowledge of the world that comes from the heart. He is a teacher and way-shower who guides his students with loving attention. He cares about others sincerely and always responds to their needs with compassion. He heals with a gentle touch and a quiet word. He is calm and relaxed in all situations, seeming to know intuitively what is called for at any moment. Others turn to him for advice because they know he will listen attentively. There is always a peacefulness around him that others respond to. He is tolerant of all points of view and shows patience in the most trying circumstances. He gives others freedom to grow and develop in their own ways without asking anything in return.

In readings, the King of Cups asks you to take the kinds of actions he might take. For example: responding calmly in a crisis, using diplomacy rather than force, reaching out to help, or accepting a different point of view. This King can also represent a man or woman who acts as he does, or an atmosphere of caring, tolerance and understanding. In a reading, he tells you that his special energy has meaning for you at this time. Let yourself be inspired by this King in whatever form he appears in your life. ^[5]

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b} Dummett, Michael (1980). The Game of Tarot. Gerald Duckworth and Company Ltd.. ISBN 0-7156-1014-7. 
2. ^ Huson, Paul, (2004) Mystical Origins of the Tarot: From Ancient Roots to Modern Usage, Vermont: Destiny Books, ISBN 0-89281-190-0 Mystical Origins of the Tarot
3. ^ Waite, A. E. (1989). The Pictorial Key to the Tarot. U.S. Games. ISBN 0-913866-08-3. 
4. ^ Cavendish, Richard (1986). The Tarot. Chancellor Press. ISBN 1-85152-021-X. 
5. ^ Copyright © 1995-2005 by Joan Bunning