The Knight of Cups Tarot Card Meanings Simply Explained

Today we’ll cover the meaning and interpretation of the Knight of Cups tarot card. This is a part of a deep dive series on the tarot.

Summary

CategoryMeaning
UprightRomance, charm, creativity, following your heart, emotional journey
ReversedEmotional manipulation, moodiness, disappointment, unrealistic expectations
AstrologyWater signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)
LoveRomance, passion, a new love interest, creative expression in relationships
CareerCreative professions, art, music, writing, acting, counseling, diplomacy
FinancesFinancial gain through creative pursuits or partnerships
PastA significant romantic or creative experience
PresentA time of emotional growth and exploration
FutureA new romantic or creative opportunity, following your passions and intuition

The Knight of Cups tarot card description

knight of cups tarot card meanings

The Knight of Cups is a tarot card that is often used for divination and is part of the Minor Arcana. The imagery on the card can vary depending on the deck, but common elements include a knight, a cup, and various symbols of emotion and intuition.

The Knight of Cups typically depicts a young knight or prince riding a horse and holding a cup. The horse is often shown as white, symbolizing purity and innocence, while the cup represents emotions and intuition. The knight is often depicted as handsome and chivalrous, representing the ideal of the romantic hero.

In some decks, the knight is shown riding through a lush, green landscape, with flowers and trees in the background. This imagery may represent the emotional journey the querent is currently undertaking.

In some other decks, the knight is shown on water, which represents the emotions and the subconscious. The cup he is holding may be decorated with symbols such as a fish, which is a symbol of emotions, or a heart, which is a symbol of love.

There may be also additional symbols on the card such as a butterfly, which represents transformation, or a dove, which represents peace and love.

Overall, the Knight of Cups represents the arrival of a romantic opportunity, a new relationship, and the arrival of someone who will bring love into the querent’s life. It also represents a journey of emotions and intuition, and the need to listen to one’s heart when making decisions.

The Knight of Cups card keywords

Some keywords associated with the Knight of Cups tarot card include:

  • Emotions
  • Intuition
  • Love
  • Romance
  • Chivalry
  • Adventure
  • Emotional journey
  • Subconscious
  • Transformation
  • Peace
  • Idealism
  • Sensitivity
  • Creativity
  • Imagination
  • Sensuality
  • Tenderness
  • Empathy
  • Emotional balance
  • Listening to the heart
  • New relationship
  • Romantic opportunity
  • Ideal romantic partner
  • Emotional fulfillment
  • Emotional maturity
  • Emotional expression
  • Emotional healing
  • Emotional stability
  • Emotionally available
  • Emotionally engaging
  • Emotional depth
  • Emotional openness
  • Emotional vulnerability
  • Emotional connection
  • Trusting your emotions
  • Following your heart
  • Inner guidance
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Emotionally honest
  • Emotionally grounded
  • Emotional security
  • Emotional strength

Astrology of the Knight of Cups card

In tarot, each card is often associated with a specific astrological sign or planet. The Knight of Cups is often associated with the astrological sign of Pisces.

Pisces is a water sign, which represents emotions, intuition, and the subconscious mind. Pisces is also associated with creativity, imagination, and sensitivity.

These traits align well with the Knight of Cups card, which represents the arrival of a romantic opportunity, a new relationship, and the arrival of someone who will bring love into the querent’s life. It also represents a journey of emotions and intuition, and the need to listen to one’s heart when making decisions.

Pisces is also associated with the planet Neptune which is the ruler of Pisces. It is associated with intuition, imagination, and spirituality, and also governs the subconscious mind.

This association further emphasizes the Knight of Cups as a card that’s related to emotions, intuition, and the subconscious.

It’s important to note that the astrological association of the Knight of Cups may vary depending on the deck or the reader’s interpretation. Some readers may associate it with different astrological signs or planets.

In any case, the Knight of Cups is a card that is related to emotions, intuition, and the subconscious mind.

Upright Knight of Cups tarot card meaning

What is the meaning of the upright Knight of Cups card?

The upright Knight of Cups tarot card symbolizes new beginnings in love, emotions, and intuition. It represents a romantic opportunity, a journey of emotions and intuition, and the need to listen to one’s heart when making decisions.

The traditional interpretation of the upright Knight of Cups tarot card is one of new beginnings, particularly in the realm of love and relationships. The card represents a young man who is chivalrous, romantic, and idealistic.

The knight on the card is seen as a messenger of love, an opportunity for a new romance, and a chance to experience the joys of love.

The card can also represent the person receiving the reading if they embody the characteristics of a Knight of Cups.

They may be in a phase of their life where they are open to new love and romantic opportunities, they may be imaginative, sensitive, and in touch with their emotions.

The Knight of Cups is also associated with intuition, creativity, and imagination. The person may be in a phase of their life where they are being called to tap into their creativity, trust their intuition, and follow their heart.

In a career or business context, the Knight of Cups may represent a new opportunity or project, which is emotionally fulfilling, it may be a project that aligns with the person’s creative passions.

When the Knight of Cups appears in a reading, it is often seen as a sign that the person should be open to new opportunities and listen to their intuition. It is a reminder that love and emotional fulfillment are important and that they should be open to new experiences and new relationships.

In summary, the upright Knight of Cups tarot card represents new beginnings in love and relationships, intuition, creativity, imagination, emotional fulfillment, and following one’s heart.

Example upright Knight of Cups reading

The querent, who is currently single and looking for love, draws the Knight of Cups in their reading.

The tarot reader interprets this as a sign that the querent will soon meet someone new and exciting, who will bring love and romance into their life. The knight represents a young, idealistic, and romantic person, who may be the querent’s ideal partner.

The reader advises the querent to be open to new experiences and to trust their intuition when it comes to love and relationships. The Knight of Cups also suggests that the querent should tap into their creativity and imagination and follow their heart, this will lead them to the right person and a fulfilling relationship.

The reader also advises the querent that this new relationship may not be without challenges, but with trust, communication, and emotional openness, the querent will be able to navigate through them and find emotional fulfillment.

It’s important to note that tarot readings are not predictions of the future, but they are a reflection of the present and the potential outcome based on the current situation and the choices the querent makes.

Reversed Knight of Cups card tarot meaning

What is the meaning of the reversed Knight of Cups tarot card?

The reversed Knight of Cups tarot card symbolizes disappointment, confusion, and a lack of direction in matters of the heart. It may indicate unfaithfulness, emotional unavailability, lack of trust, lack of emotional fulfillment, lack of inspiration, and disconnection from intuition in relationships, work, or decision-making.

The traditional interpretation of the reversed Knight of Cups tarot card is one of disappointment, confusion, and a lack of direction in matters of the heart. The card represents a young man who is emotionally unavailable, unfaithful, or unable to commit.

The knight on the card may be representing someone who is not trustworthy or who is not being honest with the person receiving the reading.

The reversed Knight of Cups can also indicate that the person receiving the reading may be experiencing a lack of inspiration and creativity, they may be feeling emotionally blocked or disconnected from their intuition.

In a love and relationship context, the reversed Knight of Cups may indicate that the person is experiencing a lack of emotional fulfillment, they may be feeling unimportant or unappreciated in their current relationship.

The card may also indicate that the person is experiencing a lack of trust or communication in their current relationship.

In a career or business context, the reversed Knight of Cups may indicate a lack of passion or emotional fulfillment in one’s work. It may also indicate a lack of creativity, imagination, and intuition in decision-making.

The reversed Knight of Cups is a reminder that the person receiving the reading should pay attention to their emotions and listen to their intuition. It may also indicate that it’s time to let go of a relationship or project that is no longer emotionally fulfilling.

Example reversed Knight of Cups reading

The person drawing the card is in a long-term relationship but feeling unfulfilled and unsure about their partner’s feelings for them.

The tarot reader interprets the reversed Knight of Cups as a sign that the person’s partner may not be emotionally available or may be unfaithful. The knight on the card represents someone who is not trustworthy or who is not being honest with the person receiving the reading.

The reader advises the person to pay attention to their intuition and to have an open and honest conversation with their partner about their feelings.

The reversed Knight of Cups also suggests that the person should reassess the relationship and make sure it’s emotionally fulfilling, if not, it may be time to let go of it.

The reader also advises the person to focus on their own emotional well-being, to find activities that bring them joy and make them feel fulfilled, and to surround themselves with supportive people.

It’s important to note that tarot readings are not predictions of the future, but they are a reflection of the present and the potential outcome based on the current situation and the choices the person makes.

Meanings of the Knight of Cups in tarot positions

Depending on the position of the Knight of Cups card, you will need to interpret it differently.

Love Knight of Cups tarot meaning

In a love context, the Knight of Cups tarot card represents new beginnings, particularly in the realm of love and relationships. The card represents a young man who is chivalrous, romantic, and idealistic.

The knight on the card is seen as a messenger of love, an opportunity for a new romance, and a chance to experience the joys of love.

This card can indicate that the person receiving the reading is ready to open their heart to new love and romantic opportunities, they or may be imaginative, sensitive, and in touch with their emotions.

The Knight of Cups often represents a person who is caring, gentle, and loving. It can also indicate a time for someone to be more intuitive, and creative and to trust their feelings.

Career Knight of Cups tarot meaning

In a career context, the Knight of Cups tarot card represents new opportunities and projects that are emotionally fulfilling.

The Knight of Cups suggests that the person should tap into their creativity and imagination, and follow their passions in their professional life. The knight on the card represents a person who is imaginative, intuitive, and emotionally in touch, which could be an asset in creative or artistic fields.

This card can indicate that the person receiving the reading is about to embark on a new project or opportunity that aligns with their creative passions.

It can also indicate that the person should trust their intuition and be open to new experiences, this could lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying career path.

Additionally, the Knight of Cups can also indicate a time for someone to be more compassionate and empathetic in their work, to bring a touch of emotions in their professional life.

Finances Knight of Cups tarot meaning

In a financial context, the Knight of Cups tarot card represents new opportunities for financial gain that come from creative or intuitive endeavors.

The Knight of Cups suggests that the person should tap into their creativity and imagination and follow their passions when it comes to financial matters.

The knight on the card represents a person who is imaginative, intuitive, and emotionally in touch, which could be an asset when it comes to making financial decisions.

This card can indicate that the person receiving the reading is about to embark on a new project or opportunity that aligns with their passions and has the potential for financial gain.

It can also indicate that the person should trust their intuition and be open to new experiences, this could lead to new income streams or financial opportunities.

Additionally, the Knight of Cups can also indicate that the person should pay attention to emotional aspects of their financial life, such as being more compassionate and empathetic when it comes to spending or saving money.

Advanced modern tarot interpretations of the Knight of Cups card

I always like to examine other, modern decks to see what can be read into their symbolism.

The reason for this is that every person will have different decks, so it’s good to learn how to go with your gut on what you see. This is the best way to have a good interpretation of the moment.

Too many people stick to a learned reading instead of going with the flow. Remember, each reading, deck, person, position, and question is different. Reading the cards is an art, not a science.

Here is a new interpretation of the Knight of Cups tarot card:

The Knight of Cups tarot card can be interpreted as a symbol of taking a leap of faith in the face of uncertainty. It represents someone who is courageous and willing to follow their heart, rather than being held back by fear or insecurity.

The knight on the card is seen as a trailblazer, a person who is willing to break out of their comfort zone and try new things.

The card can indicate that the person receiving the reading is about to embark on a new journey or adventure, whether it be in the realm of love, career, or personal growth.

It can also indicate that the person should be open to new experiences and take risks, this could lead to new opportunities and personal growth. The Knight of Cups can also represent a time for the person to embrace change, be more adaptable, and have a more flexible mindset.

In a modern interpretation, the Knight of Cups can also represent a person who is willing to challenge societal norms and pursue their passions and dreams, regardless of what others may say or think. The card can also indicate that the person should be true to themselves, listen to their inner voice, and trust their intuition.

knight of cups tarot interpretations

Back to the Minor Arcana list.

The previous card was the Page of Cups tarot card and the next card is the Queen of Cups card.

References

  • Dean, L. (2018). The Tarot Companion: A Portable Guide to Reading the Cards for Yourself and Others. Fair Winds Press.