Knight of Cups -

Tarot Card Meaning

Part of a full-series guide of all 78 Tarot Cards. See the full guide here.

Written by Made Musings

KNIGHT OF CUPS

At a glance:

While it’s ok to let your ideals and passion drive your actions, there is a need to balance this with caution.

Upright Keywords:
Passionate, idealistic, romantic

Reversed Keywords:
high expectations, disappointment

Court Card Association:
Knight - quest, speedy action, impulsivity

Knight of Cups: Upright Meaning

In the Knight of Cups tarot card, a knight sits stoutly on his horse, presenting a cup. He wears a helmet and boots adorned with wings, and his tunic is decorated with fish. A river flows in the background, symbolizing the flow of emotions and intuition. The Knight of Cups embodies romantic idealism and a deep connection to one's emotions, whereas the horse represents speed and readiness to act. While it’s ok to let your passion drive your actions, there is still a need to balance this with caution. Reacting too quickly can land you in trouble, so don’t get too “swept up” by your motivations.

Court Card and Suit Meaning:

  • Knights symbolize a quest for achievement, speedy action, and quick decisions. They can sometimes represent an impulsive person.

  • The suit of Cups is associated with intuition, emotions, relationships, and love. Oftentimes, it also deals with spirituality and the subconscious.

  • Elementally, cups are connected to water. An easy way to remember is that cups hold water. Like emotions, water can be calm when it’s flowing in a gentle brook. However, it can also be destructive when it becomes a raging tidal wave.

Love/Relationships

The Knight of Cups love meaning represents an idealistic approach towards romance and relationships. You may find that your relationships are fueled by a deep sense of love and passion. However, it's important to remain grounded and not let your idealism lead to unrealistic expectations. While it's wonderful to dream and aspire for a perfect relationship, you must also be aware of the reality and imperfections that come with it. Strive for a balance between your dreams and the practical aspects of your relationship. If you have just made a romantic connection with someone, this could indicate that you shouldn’t rush the process. Like a calm river, just go with the flow.

Money/Career

In the context of career and finances, the Knight of Cups indicates that emotional intelligence and creativity will be your greatest assets. You may find yourself navigating workplace politics with ease, thanks to your ability to understand and manage your emotions and those of others. This card suggests that your creative solutions will be key to overcoming challenges and achieving success.

Spiritual/Self

The Knight of Cups encourages you to follow your heart and let your emotions guide you. This card represents a journey towards self-discovery and spiritual fulfillment through the exploration of your passions and creative talents. This is also a wonderful time for creativity, such as art, music, or writing. Take time to reflect on your emotional needs and seek out experiences that bring you joy and fulfillment. Trust your intuition and let it lead you towards personal growth and enlightenment.

“Right now, you are fueled by a deep sense of love and passion. However, it’s important to remain grounded and not let your idealism lead to unrealistic expectations.”

Astrology

The Suit of Cups is associated with the element of Water, which governs Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. These Zodiac signs are the masters of emotions, intuition, creativity, and transformation. Known for their empathetic and nurturing behaviors, these water signs promote the free flow of feelings as a means to reaching our highest forms of evolution.

Note: It's important to recognize that not everyone incorporates astrology into their Tarot readings. The extent to which astrological references are used can vary greatly among readers. Each reader has a unique approach; some may draw heavily on astrological archetypes, while others might not use them at all. This information is meant to offer an additional perspective that could be helpful in your interpretations by highlighting parallels between Tarot and Astrology.

Although some argue that astrology wasn't originally part of Tarot, more modern interpretations like the Rider Waite Smith and Thoth decks may have integrated astrological concepts to align with their modern time mystical beliefs. Many contemporary decks made in this current decade also feature astrological references. Ultimately, every individual develops their own unique relationship with both Tarot and Astrology.

Reversed Meaning

When reversed, the Knight of Cups suggests that high expectations have led to  disappointment. The initial excitement of a new project or relationship may fade as challenges arise, leaving you feeling disillusioned. This card advises you to forgive the shortcomings of others and work through obstacles with patience and understanding. It’s recommended that you also reevaluate your expectations and adjust them to be more realistic.

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CARD SUMMARY

Follow your heart and passions, but don’t get too “swept up” by your motivations.

Learn More about Tarot.

  • Your Guide to the Celtic Cross Tarot Spread.

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  • Access our Tarot Guide to all 78 card meanings.

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  • How to cleanse and prep your cards.

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  • Tarot Spreads for Guidance: A List of our Favorite Spreads for Newbies and Experts.

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  • Get a FREE digital Tarot cheatsheet.

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