The King of Cups is also known as the Prince of the Chariot of the Waters and represents mastery of the emotional realm.
This King is deeply connected to his feelings and his creativity - it can be said of this King that still waters run deep. In a reading where multiple cards are drawn, the Court Cards will often refer to a person with whom you are connected or will soon come in contact with.
Because the readings on this page are for a single card, I prefer to read them as if the characteristics embodied in the persona of the Court Card are something that needs to be developed in the querent.
And so, as this is the 'highest' of the Courts, it refers to someone with a very well developed emotional side, something that comes more easily to those of the water signs or those who have strong water influences in their charts.
This is often the mark of an Empath - a person that knows what others are feeling without having to be told. And with the King, it is also the ability not just to feel. but to transform emotions in self and others by the path of awareness.
When you can put yourself in another's shoes, especially those who are in opposition to ourselves or our beliefs, it truly allows for a different response than the normal one you are used to.
It is a different way of looking at others, and through that, of looking at your own life. This is the power that the King of Cups bestows if you will let him.
What situations in your life do you need to bring more emotional maturity, understanding and acceptance to? How can you transform your whole experience by looking at issues from both sides of the emotional spectrum?
"If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it." - Atticus Finch
Image from "Shadowscapes Tarot" © Stephanie Puiman-Law