Two cards

The King of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

The King of Cups is like the King of Cool.

He is a great card in a reading when you are seeking ways to express yourself emotionally or having to accept aspects (or people) in your life that you would rather not. With the King of Cups in your reading you can know that while there may be a lot going on in your life and you are likely to find that not everything is going you way… what will be will be. Pay special attention in your life to the areas that are demanding a lot of attention from you. Focus on those aspects and think about the ways in which you can work smart rather than working hard. The energy from the King of Cups is really great at helping you to keep your composure, maintain balance in your life, and when you have a need for patience.

The King of Cups sits upon his throne and he knows that he is where he is by his own works. Like other Kings in the deck, he is at a place where he has mastered his own element. The element of water covers all things emotional and spiritual. The King of Cups is the guy you turn to when you need problem-solving skills and works well under pressure. The focus in your life right now should not be what you can do, but rather what do you feel.

Having this card show up in your reading can show that there are aspects of your life where you need to weight out the pros and cons of the situation. Before you take a leap forward you want to really listen to your intuitions and only then, act accordingly. Even if you feel that things are mellow right now, be prepared for a challenge headed your way that will throw you off balance. You have a warning now and you should be able to deal with the challenge head on as long as you maintain your composure and understand that no matter how big the challenge is, you are strong and smart enough to overcome it. There is no need to feel overwhelmed; everything is as it should be. Seek your inner Yoda. The card can also represent a male that is older than you. He will likely be bald or have graying hair. This person usually comes to you in the form of a wise counsel or something that you can trust has your best interest at heart. Keep the voice of this person close to you.

The King of Cups in Love

The King of Cups in love is an excellent card as it shows all good things regarding emotional spirituality. If in a relationship, it often represents the peak time in a relationship where you and your partner are working together, bickering is to a minimal, and things seem to be going your way. Often it will indicate getting fulfillment from your partner and being taken care of in emotional aspects. Often this card will come up when you need a shoulder to lean on while dealing with a stressful period. This card shows you that there is someone around you that can empathize or understand. It’s okay to open up emotionally at this time. In fact, you likely need to. As a warning card, the King of Wands can represent the need to do so.

When looking for love the King of Cups card can be descriptive in showing the qualities of someone coming your way in a relationship. It is a male card; however it doesn’t mean that if you are a man that another man is coming. Rather, in that situation it will refer to the aspects of yourself that you need to focus on. If you are a woman looking though it will indicate a water sign – Cancer, Pisces, or Scorpio that is coming to your life or already around you now. This person is likely older than you, but not always. It’s less about age and more about maturity. This will usually be a person that has been tried emotionally and sometimes he can come off as cool or even a bit shy. He is a person secure in his own emotions and isn’t likely to be flashy or outgoing per say. The King of Cups is a person who typically has a great sense of humor and can be a little silly once you get to know him.

The King of Cups in Health

A good sign for health, the King of Cups indicates that there is a good mindset around you regarding health. Emotionally there is a positive attitude regarding health and therefore even ailments or physical illness is usually on its way up. It’s a great sign also for healing after illness or surgery. There is hope when this card is present.

The King of Cups in Work and Wealth

The King of Wands is less concerned with work and wealth than the King of other suits. When he shows up in your reading it can be an indication that you are not focusing on your finances properly or that you should stop focusing on them too much. Often when the King of Cups comes up in a financial reading it indicates that you aren’t in a good place to be dealing with your finances as you can be too idealistic, hopeful, or immature with your funds right now.

At the workplace the King of Cups gets along great with co-workers and shines in areas like networking and grievances. He is astute at dealing with adversity and can bring a level head to a heated situation. It’s likely that there is a fire that needs to be put out and the way to do this is to have a direction that is blameless and positive. Whatever is done is done and there is no going back and getting a do-over in this situation. Rather the King of Cups tells you to focus on moving forward, rather than focusing on the past.

King of Cups Advice

Drawing the King of Cups generally signals good things, the King is a master of his emotions and knows how to use his power to harness his creativity. You likely feel in control of your feelings and at peace with the emotions that wash over you. The advice here is to retain your strength, like the King depicted on this card, you must remain composed. That may mean you need to distinguish and keep to your own personal boundaries and trust your instincts. 

Notice how the king remains acting bold stood upright, undisturbed by the lion next to him and the activity behind him, you too must stay consistent. Do not be tempted away from your serenity by the external chaos of daily life. Like the King who can see the fish jumping out of the water and the ship sailing away behind him, you will still witness the emotional and material elements of life play out, but you will rise above them. 

The King of Cups in an advice reading is ultimately a sign of balance. It is an indication that you have the knowledge and ability to achieve what you’re looking for. You should continue to use your wisdom to make the best decisions while staying true to your own moral compass. Life can throw up difficult situations, but if you continue you as you are, nothing will lead you astray. Trust in your own stability and power and your emotional contentment will continue to thrive. 

King of Cups Yes Or No

When drawing the King of Cups in looking for a ‘yes or no’ answer, it is important that the reader is able to detect their instinctive feeling. The King of Cups is a powerful and authoritative figure; he is both decisive and wise. More than anything, this card suggests the power of your intuition. The King of Cups does not point clearly to yes or no, and instead tells you trust in your own instincts. Like the King, you have the balance and wisdom to make your own decision. Trust in your gut feeling and the answer will be obvious - just remember not to lessen your clarity by mulling things over too much, be decisive and fair. 

King of Cups Past

For the King of Cups tarot card to appear in the past may suggest you should reflect on your recent history and any difficult situations you have overcome, whether that be on your own or with the help of a caring figure. Either way, it is referring to something which helped you find balance within yourself and subsequently led you to where you are today. Whatever the source, the impact is still affecting you positively in the present.

Perhaps you exercised maturity, wisdom, or even power, in handling a past situation - this might refer to the ending of a negative relationship or event. Sometimes people see this card if they experienced a difficult childhood or endured a bad relationship. If you can think of a wise, calming figure from your recent history then the King of Cups may be hinting that you should try and live by their example - they gave you balance in the past, and you can sustain that in the present, too.

King of Cups Present 

When the King of Cups is drawn in tarot spreads in the present it may indicate a few different things. Perhaps you are currently faced with a difficult decision or predicament. There is a lot going on in your life, as is depicted on the card, you can see the expansive sea, fish jumping out of water and the ship sailing away - but the King remains certain and poised in his throne, he holds a chalice and scepter showing his power and balance. Take inspiration from the kings symbolism, make measured, cool-headed decisions. Don’t be thrown off by what is happening around you and instead stay focussed on what’s important.

Alternatively, the King of Cups may refer to something external to yourself. You may be about to encounter a person who will be able to help you achieve balance within yourself and in your life on the whole. Look out for individuals who are authoritative but fair, heed their advice and learn from their example. With their help and influence you will find that your hopes and plans can come to fruition. 

All in all, the King of Cups in the present position is a signifier of victory over chaos. It suggests, no matter the seeming enormity of your present situation, ruling with a kind and responsible disposition will see you through.

King of Cups Future and Outcome

When the King of Cups appears in a reading relating to the future and outcome position it should be taken as a very reassuring sign. Regardless of the readings in your past and present position, the King of Cups points to upcoming resolution.

In the future seeing the King of Cups can indicate that you will be guided by a calm and wise entity; this may come in many forms, it may be a lover, mentor, an experience, or even a personal journey you make on your own. If things feel difficult in the present moment, take comfort in the fact that all will soon be well. Like the king piously seated and peaceful in his throne, you will overcome difficulties with grace and decorum, either independently or with the aid of an outside source (which you must trust and follow). This will be rewarded with serene inner peace. 

King of Cups Love Reconciliation

There are few cards as reassuring as the King of Cups in a love and reconciliation reading. If you are in a relationship, seeing the King of Cups indicates contentment and happiness. This card sometimes appears before a major relationship step such as marriage, children, or moving in together - it signals that you and your partner are in harmony with each other and ready to lay a foundation for a happy romantic life going forward. 

Whatever the situation, you can trust that the love you share with your significant other is sincere and fully reciprocated - there is a very good chance you have found your life partner. Remember to keep your mind in the moment and avoid dwelling on past issues. If you’ve recently reconciled with a partner then the King of Cups is a clear sign you made the right decision in reuniting. 

The King of Cups is also a very promising card to draw in a love reading if you are single. If you are dating and looking for love then you’ll be excited to hear a new romance is just around the corner. This person is likely going to be very special to you and is bound to have a positive impact on your life. Remember to keep your heart and mind open, and the one for you is sure to find their way into your life. 

King of Cups As Feelings

Drawing the King of Cups in relation to how somebody else feels about you signifies a positive, stable relationship. This is a good card for love feelings, if you are looking for reassurance about this person’s feelings for you, then this card brings comfort. The person you are thinking of is confident in their admiration of you, it can even signal a marriage proposal. 

Whatever your relationship to this person, they feel that you are trustworthy and gracious. This card speaks volumes about the strength of a partnership and if there is a romantic element to your relationship with this person, it may even signify that you may move beyond just friends in the future and that you have found your soul mate.

King of Cups As Friendship

The King of Cups is a good card to see in a friendship spread. Have you recently met some new people or reconnected with old friends? If so, expect good things to come. You will likely find yourself drawn to a kind but authoritative person, someone who may seem to be the ‘leader’ of the friendship group. They will play a very important role in your life going forward - you will find their sage advice and emotionally mature manner very grounding. Learn from their confidence and level headedness, you have a great friendship ahead of you. 

The King of Cups doesn’t always relate to new friendships, either, it may be pointing to a change in your existing group of friends. If this is the case, it may be the case that you will be the person to take on the leadership role. You have a great deal of wisdom to share and an objective and fair sense of morality. If this sounds like you, be prepared to be giving out more advice than ever before going forward. Make sure you use your calming presence to keep the peace within your friendship group and avoid any gossip or pettiness between you and others.

The King Of Cups in the Reversed Position

The King of Cups reversed is a negative aspect of one being too emotional. While it can represent a person who is normally calm and collected being over emotional, it usually is worse than that. The negative representations of the reversed position are being irritable, moody, sullen, or extremely withdrawn. Just like the King of Cups is fully in control of his emotions, the reversed position is just the opposite. It is usually a sign that you need to seek balance emotionally and spiritually and a sign that you are overreacting to a situation or person in your life. You must find your inner quiet and reign in your emotions to get what you want out of a situation. 

King of Cups Reversed - Love and Romance

Seeing the King of Cups reversed in a love and romance reading can be troubling. If you are in a relationship it suggests there is something amiss, you and your partner are likely going through communication issues and feeling confused as a consequence. 

It may also be a sign of turbulence, perhaps things switch from moment to moment, some days good some days bad. When the King Of Cups appears reversed, the card can represent a clear cautionary sign, tread carefully, you don’t want to let a bad mood one day sabotage the entire relationship. This card doesn’t have to mean the end of romance, instead, it suggests that you seek stability. It’s likely a good idea to set some boundaries around personal space, spend some time cooling off and working out a clear, practical way to communicate.   

If you’re single, now is probably not the best time to look for love. The King of Cups reversed projects possible chaos and even emotional turmoil. Perhaps you have had a difficult breakup or are dealing with some personal issues. Either way, the best thing for you right now is to focus on yourself and your own wellbeing. When you have restored your own sense of inner peace you can turn your mind back to prospective relationships.

King of Cups reversed - Family and Home

Reversed, this card can signify difficulties within the domestic space. The family unit may have been shaken by a difficult event or the behaviour of a particular individual. This card signifies a time for reflection, work out what your priorities are as a family and come together to overcome this difficult period. The reversed King points to a loss of control, to try and counter this you should be confident instead. It’s clear that a steady hand is needed in this situation. Try and manifest the power of the King of Cups when drawn upright, fairness paired with authority. 

King of Cups Reversed - Work and Finances

Seeing the King of Cups in relation to work and finances usually points to a precarious period of instability. You may be experiencing this in a number of ways - whether it’s a loss of love for your career or a financially trying time, you are feeling deflated and maybe even out of control. If you’re still getting a steady paycheck each month then the King of Cups reversed should prompt you to consider your sense of job satisfaction, has your job become stale or boring? Or perhaps you, personally, are struggling with a lack of inspiration and vigor. Seeing the King of Cups reversed in a financial reading is a sign you should seek balance. Take a long, hard look at your career and be honest with yourself, maybe the problem is your situation but it may also lie in your outlook. Whichever it is, believe in your own power to change it for the better.

King of Cups Reversed - Health and Wellness

Seeing the King of Cups reversed in a health and wellness reading can cause concern to those who know this reversed card association with instability. But do not panic, when related to health issues, the King of Cups reversed is a signal that you should trust health care professionals. It can be easy to become swept up in the age of the internet, there is so much advice to scroll through, but do not become untethered by this or anyone else who is not an expert.

Instead, stick with the advice of those who know best. If your mental wellbeing is suffering at the moment, this card could be a sign that it's time to seek support. Going it alone is a daunting task and we all need a little extra help and advice from others from time to time. Let go of the feelings of overwhelm and focus on finding professional advice and support to get you back on track. 

King of Cups Reversed - Personal Spirituality

The King of Cups Reversed in a personal spiritual reading points to a careless or haphazard approach to spiritual pursuits. You may be acting rashly or letting yourself become caught up in unimportant things. To readjust your spiritual journey it’s important to take time out to explore yourself and your actions. Remember there is no need to rush into things and that patience is a virtue. Think of your long term spiritual goals and you will find far greater fulfillment than you will seek quick wins.

Upright King of Cups meanings in keywords

• Man over age of 40
• Offer of love 
• Emotionally passionate
• Unable to let go
• Solid love
• Marriage proposal

Reversed King of Cups meanings in keywords

• Calamity
• Manipulation
• Clarity and control
• Depending on others
• Flighting for passion

The Hermit Tarot Card Meaning

The Hermit card is often very much underestimated in my tarot experience. I call this the underdog of the tarot that when in a spread and invokes a reaction from readers and querents alike. Often this card is not welcome and that’s just sad.

The Hermit doesn’t hide from people; but merely likes to live life on their own terms. The Hermit is some decks is male and in my deck she is female. She has chosen to retreat into solitude above all of the madness of society. She beckons you to turn your view inward and allow yourself the time and space to think, feel, and meditate on what it is that you truly want in and from your life. By doing this you will be able to unlock your true desires and find complete happiness.

The Hermit looks to be standing on his or her (in my card) own surrounded by nothing and holding only a lamp. Look more closely at the card and you will note that she is standing ready to move to the mountain. These are the very same mountains that symbolize monetary issues or stability in the Rider-Waite deck. His lantern is not to guide his own way, for he’s already where he wants to be. It is there to guide you to him or to his location. Now is a time to advance past trivialities in your life and focus on what really matters. It is not a damning card indicating seclusion, but rather a hopeful card showing you that there is a way to find solutions to your answers if you know the right questions to ask.

The Hermit card in your reading sometimes shows that there is a need for healing and understanding in your life. It is a very personal and spiritual card that shows you that you are not alone right now even if you feel that way. If you are going through a time of loss, feeling insecure or incomplete now is the time to embrace those feelings not as negative aspects but as empowering life-affirming experiences. It is easy to feel abandoned at certain times in one’s life as people can be let down by expectations placed on others, society, or the world. Consider who has let you down or disappointed you and left you feeling as you are.

Do not wallow in this feeling and do not allow it to eat at you. The Hermit has chosen to walk away from it all not for her disdain for mankind, but rather she was seeking answers and understanding through solitude and taking herself away from materialistic possessions. Now is a good time to pick up the book Walden by Ralph Waldo Emerson, grab a cup of tea, cozy up in your favorite chair and embrace the times that you have when you are on your own. Focus on the own inner quiet of your existence and check in on your true self.

The Hermit in Love

The Hermit may be alone standing on top of the mountain looking down at you, but this does not mean that you must do the same. In fact, the Hermit card is a sign for you to take stock in what you have going on in your life’s relationships that are good and revel in them. Rather than focusing on what you WANT now is a time to focus on what you need from love. Knowledge is power and you have the power to get what you want out of life through your relationships.

Since the Hermit card represents focusing on the positive aspects of your life, it may show up in your love reading as a suggestion to stop trying too hard. In a relationship that is rocky for example, the Hermit often advises to take a step back and allow arguments or disputes between two people to die down and to focus on what you brought you together in the first place. Allow yourself to go back to the basics of love and feel them again in retrospect. It is likely that you will find that the arguments in your relationship are not the root of the problem. Often there are outside issues that destroy our relationships such as work stress and finances. Put those issues aside for the time being and focus on the true connection between the two of you.

If you are looking for love and this card comes up it can have one of two meanings. The first is a representation of your lonely feeling by not being in a relationship. The other is a representation of needing to take a break from your search and focus on yourself for a while and allow for love to find its way to you. Maybe consider taking a break from dating and taking up a hobby. Find things in life that truly satisfy you and through those avenues, you will likely find what you are looking for.

The Hermit As Feelings

As feelings, this card can also suggest deeply buried feelings or emotional coldness. If you are asking someone's feelings for you this card can suggest they are finding the time to really look inside before making a decision on you.

By shining the light on the card, this is positive. It is showing they are thinking about their feelings and life's direction, the hermit understands where their feelings lie. Rather than determining if they like you or love you, you need to figure out where the relationship is headed. For those starting new romances this is a positive card.

As his feelings for you, the Hermit card says he is feeling a sense of aloneness, of being alone to figure out what he wants. 

If you pulled this card for her feelings towards you then she clearly has her lantern in hand, seeking  knowledge to understand the future of love. 

The Hermit As Love Recognition

The Hermit tarot card for love recognition is a great card to pull, it is a symbol of being alone to figure out what you want from love. The Hermit in my view places emphasis on empowering and formative solitude that allows the individual to heal old wounds and develop new aspects of personality and skill. 

The Hermit, to me, is a card of weeping in darkness and feeling frustrated by the difficult times, the Hermit is a sign that “space” is needed in this relationship. I don't want to be all doom and gloom but the hermit tarot card represents being alone and understanding within oneself and allows us to move past any pain or conflict if it appears in a love reading. 

The Hermit in Health

For some true happiness is found simply by following the initial advice of the Hermit card. So many of us are busy day in and day out that worry and stress literally eat us from the inside out. It can be hard to find joy in the simple things as you drive your child to soccer practice after a long day in the office only to get home and cook dinner and finally plop down exhausted wondering where the day has gone. The card in your reading can be a sign that you are doing too much to the extent that you are at risk of health issues and concerns. Exceedingly high levels of stress and pressure can also cause health problems.

Consider taking time for yourself to find your own center and balance. You may want to invest in a low-level fitness program to rejuvenate your mind and body. Daily walks, time to meditate, and time to reflect is important to your mental health at this time. Do not take your own health for granted. You are not expendable.

The Hermit in Work, Money, Business, Career, and Wealth

You may find that you are at a point in your life where you question what everything means. Consider that perhaps you really are running in circles and getting nowhere and it is time to take a new direction in your life. The hermit is also searching for something and is connected to how we reflect "work"in life. This could be inner search for self-confidence or in taking a new step career-wise. In essence, this card often appears when we need to be alone to think. The hermit could in some cases represent unemployment or self-employment for a period of time - in order to reflect what you really wish to do in life.

Money can certainly be the root of all evil if you let it. Consider if you are putting too much focus on money or work at this time. Often this card will come up when a person is feeling desperate to find a job. It’s easy to say that money is not important when you have it. As the hermit relates to Virgo which is the 5th house, this represents employment, it might be time to start a new business? But, you have to find your own way with the light.

The best way to learn to trust your own wisdom is to take a leap of faith and go for it. Depending on your situation, this may mean pushing forward - but it more often refers to taking time out. Remember the sturdiest homes are built on solid foundations. Lay the groundwork before acting, the results will be more fruitful and longer-lasting. 

The Hermit As Action/Advice

The Hermit for advice or action is about disconnecting from the noise of life and instead turning inward, to one's true path. You may not find answers in others or their words; but use the light of the lantern and look only within yourself can you seek out an understanding that will lead your journey towards spiritual growth. 

The Hermit Yes Or No

The Hermit does not deal in yes or no, it can be frustrating to draw a card like this here because it does not point with any certainty to one way or the other. However, just because this card is not a firm answer, it doesn’t mean it lacks guidance. In fact, this card is a big signifier of intelligence and intuition, it is saying trust your gut.

The Hermit As A Person

Hermits are complex and hidden people, often feeling conflicted and helpless when faced with inner problems. As a person they protect themselves from the unknown, preferring instead to be quite. It is difficult for many people to gain clarity about anything when confronted with a Hermit, since these individuals tend to be lost in their own spiritual selves; only by offering patience to yourself and others can one ultimately escape any situation.

The Hermit In Past Position

A time from your past; a quiet point, away from the day-to-day bustle of life and instead meditative, reflective, full of contemplation and inner discovery. You learned many things about yourself in this period, perhaps you spent time studying for a new skill or qualification. 

The Hermit In Present Position

Don’t let your self-doubt stop you from taking this journey of self-discovery on your own, and don’t be swayed by the people who say no is the key message, even  in the chaotic world.If you draw this in the present it can mean that you need time. Time to understand what is going on and how best to focus on your future.

The Hermit In Future and Outcome Position

There is going to be a quite time in the future this is what this card means. It represents a journey that you must take to go within yourself in order to understand what is important. It indicates that something is going to end (which needed to) and you need time to decide that or reflect on it.

The Hermit As Friendship Or Family

Friendship is based on a foundation of genuine connection, not doing things for show. This card is a sign that either you, or one of your friends, is in need of some personal space.

Reversed Hermit in a Reading

The reversed Hermit indicates a dire situation in the extreme; usually representing of someone so far gone off their path that they may be best just wiping their hands clean of a situation and starting over completely. The light of wisdom is snuffed out, the path obscured, and hope gone the Hermit is alone and doesn’t know where to turn. When this card shows in the reversed position it is very important to look to the other surrounding cards for cues as to which way to go to get out of the current situation. The reversed position can also indicate seeking outside counsel or turning your introspection to those around you.

The Hermit Reversed - Love and Romance

When the Hermit card appears in a love reading reversed, it typically means that we are seeking an answer to a messy situation, but don’t know which way to choose. The Hermit can represent someone who is alone and feeling spiritually isolated from others. On my card, you will see she is holding a lantern, this means that the hermit is the “wise guide” or teacher, leading you towards answers while keeping some distance, I also want to add this card could be interpreted in our relationships when we feel that something isn’t quite right yet don’t want to let go of it completely.

The Hermit reversed - Family and Home

There is beauty in solitude, but when taken too far it turns into isolation and can generate selfish emotions. Seeing The Hermit reversed regarding family and the home usually suggests you have taken your solitude too far. We all need time alone, but, especially within the family, there must be community and shared experience, as well. You have an important role to play in your family, you need to support your loved ones and show them your affection (just like they do for you). 

The Hermit Reversed - Work and Finances

While upright The Hermit is all about independence, reversed, it is about not being afraid to ask for help when you need it. There are few times where guidance and mentorship are more beneficial than in work and finances, it is here that leaders can truly lead you to new exciting lands. Ask for help and you’ll reap the rewards, just like an autumn harvest after a warm summer.

When we reverse the Hermit tarot card, it almost always indicates more of a negative outcome, either that something will not happen or that further guidance needs to be found. It could represent the need for caution while taking risks related to your money or career. 

The Hermit Reversed - Health and Wellness

Something has delayed when I see this card. This card is rarely a sign of anything serious to worry about, instead, you should take it as an indication that you need to freshen things up. Try and find a balance between things that you enjoy and things that are good for you (don’t ever forget it’s possible to achieve both, balance lies at the heart of all life). 

The Hermit Reversed - Personal Spirituality

It’s good to expose yourself to the wisdom and experiences of others as this can be spiritually enriching too. Remember that our learning on this earth is never done, so keep your mind and heart open. This means for you, if you draw this as a personality or your own path, be confident, but not arrogant. 

The Hermit Upright Meanings in Keywords

• The need for alone time
• Turned away from the world
• Thinking deeply
• Deciding what to do
• Coming out of you shell
• Mysterious person
• Walking alone

The Hermit Reversed Meanings in Keywords

• Reflecting on inner conflict
• Feelings as oppose to actions
• Withdrawn
• Egotistical
• Self defining