General
In emotional connection and intuition, this card points to responsible mastery, reliability, and using influence with purpose. Consider how feeling, relationships, intuition, and emotional exchange are shaping the situation.
King of Cups
cups · king · water
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Upright
Love
In love, this card points to dependability, mature commitment, and clear shared expectations. Its cups emphasis highlights feeling, relationships, intuition, and emotional exchange.
Work
At work, this card points to leadership, sound stewardship, and well-directed expertise. Its cups emphasis highlights feeling, relationships, intuition, and emotional exchange.
Reversed
General
In emotional connection and intuition, this card suggests misused authority, stubbornness, or mastery not matched by integrity. Look for where feeling, relationships, intuition, and emotional exchange need attention or a more balanced approach.
Love
Reversed in love, it can indicate controlling behavior, emotional distance, or promises unsupported by conduct. Look for a clear conversation about needs and expectations.
Work
Reversed at work, it can indicate rigid leadership, misuse of authority, or results pursued without accountability. Review the practical next step before investing more effort.
Card illustration
A crowned king holds a cup and scepter on a throne floating amid choppy water. The card belongs to the suit of cups, associated with feeling, relationships, intuition, and emotional exchange.
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Copyright and public-domain information
The underlying Rider–Waite–Smith card design is attributed to Pamela Colman Smith (original Rider–Waite–Smith design) and is identified by this site’s dataset as public domain in the United States. This statement concerns the historic artwork; a particular scan or digital file may have separate source details or terms.
File-specific note: Original 1909/1910 Rider–Waite–Smith artwork is public domain in the United States. Commons file pages identify the status of each scan; verify the individual file page and local law before reuse.
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Copyright terms differ internationally. Commons cautions that the image may not be public domain in Mexico (100 years), Jamaica (95), Colombia (80), Guatemala or Samoa (75); these countries do not apply the rule of the shorter term. Honduras has a 75-year term but does apply that rule. Certain French wartime works and specified Russian wartime or posthumously rehabilitated works may also receive extended terms.
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Tarot meanings are reflective interpretations for entertainment and general information. They are not guarantees, professional advice, or a substitute for your own judgment.
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Related cards
Follow the same suit, shared themes, or the card sequence.
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