Knight of Cups
Following your heart, you offer a cup of love. Romance and invitations are on the way.
- Card
- Minor Arcana · Cups (Water)
- Upright keywords
- Romance, An invitation, Sincerity, Kindness
- Reversed keywords
- Temptation, Insincerity, Fickleness, Empty words
- Yes or no
- Leans yes
Traditional correspondences Element: Fire of Water / Golden Dawn: Lord of the Waves and the Waters, the mounted “King”, equivalent to the Waite Knight / Thoth: Knight of Cups / Aquarius 21° to Pisces 20° / Sephirah: Chokmah (Wisdom)
Upright meaning
A romantic invitation or a sincere offer. Follow your heart.
A knight rides slowly on a white horse, holding out a cup as though offering it. The Knight of Cups is the romantic: offers, invitations, proposals and gestures from the heart. Upright, it brings romance, creativity and sincere feelings.
Reversed meaning
Sweet words with little behind them. Watch for insincerity.
Reversed, the romance is unreliable. Charm without substance, moodiness or unrealistic ideals may be at play. Look for consistency between words and actions.
For ways of reading reversed cards, see how to read reversals.
Love
A romantic proposal or a charming suitor.
Someone who promises more than they deliver.
Work
Creative offers or opportunities that appeal to your heart.
Unrealistic plans.
Money
An offer that appeals emotionally. Check the details.
Being swept along by feelings.
Relationships
Kind and considerate company.
Flaky friends.
Health
Emotional balance.
Moodiness.
Tarot does not diagnose physical conditions. If you have symptoms that worry you, please see a doctor.
Mind and spirit
Following your heart’s calling.
Chasing illusions.
As a person
A romantic, idealistic person.
Someone charming but unreliable.
Timing
An invitation or offer arrives within weeks. In the calendar, mid February to mid March is also a guide (roughly February 9 to March 10).
Advice
Follow your heart with sincerity.
Check that words match actions.
Questions to ask yourself
- What offer is calling to my heart?
- Is this real or just charming?
- How can I express my feelings sincerely?
A common misreading
The Knight of Cups isn’t always a romantic partner. It can be any heartfelt offer or your own idealism.
The story of this card
The Knight carries water into the world, offering feeling to others.
The Waite deck’s picture and symbols
In the Waite deck a knight in armour with a winged helmet rides a white horse slowly, holding out a cup. A river flows through the landscape.
History and differences between traditions
In the Golden Dawn system this figure is the King, the fiery part of water.
Words for today
I offer my heart sincerely.
I trust actions over words.