Knight of Cups Meaning in Tarot by Avia from Tarot Teachings

About Knight of Cups
Meaning in Tarot

Wish you could chat over a cup of grog with the knight of cups? What would he say to you? Well, this article is told in the first-person from this knight. As you read through, imagine the knight of cups is speaking directly to you.

The Knight of Cups – In His Own Words…

“I am the Knight of Cups and this is my story.

You’ve never met anyone quite like me. I am unpredictable but you can’t help but be attracted to my energy because I am magnetic. Even when I frustrate you because you can’t figure me out, you will come back for more.

Some keywords from the Knight of Cups:

Vain
Cool
Lover
Volatile
Effective
Cunning
Sensitive
Defensive
Observing
Perceptive
Charming
Handsome
Duplicitous
Calculating
Manipulative
Unpredictable
Well mannered

It’s the water-fire combination of my suit (cups=water) and station (knights=fire). It makes for a whirl-pool, combustive personality. Sometimes I even surprise myself with my own behavior.

I ride a pale horse, and this is symbolic of my intent to eradicate misdeeds within the kingdom. I have an unorthodox approach too. I can “read people” easily, and I use this ability to manipulate. I figure people should know their own minds, and if they leave themselves open (and give their “tells” so easily) then they are asking to be manipulated.

I hope this doesn’t sound callous because I am quite caring of others’ wellbeing. However, as the Knight of Cups, my responsibility is to protect the royal heart. My armor is more than physical, it is also a symbol for protecting what matters by any means necessary.

In truth, I’m a very sensitive person. I hate violence, and that is why I revert to mental and emotional tactics to get results. While my brothers (the other Knights) are charging with their swords, I prefer not to dirty myself in such ways, and so I use my intuition as a means to an end.

Knight Of Cups Meaning (as told in first-person)

I wasn’t always this savvy. In fact, many Tarot scholars liken me to Perceval in the Grail legends. Anyone familiar with the story would know my doppelganger was quite a greenhorn when he joined Arthur’s knights. ‘Twas the same with me.

However, I am extremely perceptive and the more I am exposed to mankind, the more I can discern their motives and foretell their next move.

Being the Knight of Cups puts me in a defensive position, but I’m most comfortable when my armor is off, and I am in the presence of artists, friends, and lovers. Beneath my protective layers rests an amorous spirit, full of love and bright ideas.

People will tell you I’m a braggart, but it’s so infrequent when I can let my guard down. When the occasion arises I take it to the hilt. My station as Knight of Cups hampers much of my demonstrative tendency.

My father (King of Cups) says I am overly concerned with what others think of me, and that I would do well to just be myself. But, I see how this tactic affected my youngest sibling (the Page of Cups). No thank you. I’ll keep my private self safe; only revealing to my closest confidants.

This is not to say I do not entertain the company of companionship. I am naturally charming, and love being loved. I’m all about romance. Candles, satin, luxury, I’m always employing all the trappings Cupid has to offer to woo my heart’s fancy. I get no complaints from the objects of my desire either.

Fortunately, I have great looks to go along with my flirty ways. Strikingly blue eyes and wavy hair, I’ve been told I am an Adonis. My physique is a work of art too.

When I come to you in the cards, I will send you mixed messages. My appearance will mark your need to weed out dishonesty in your life and kill it at the source. Further, I will ask you to take this action by means of emotional intelligence. Use your ability of intuitive perception to gain the knowledge you need in the situation expressed in the cards. I may just woo you too, and invite you to entertain some spice in your love life.”

Some symbols in the Knight of Cups:

Feather: Symbolic meaning of feathers deals with higher thought. They may also point to ascension and spiritual evolution to a higher plane. Feathers were worn by the Knight of Cups may also symbolize communication with spirit energies, and expresses intuitive wisdom. Literally, we can recall the adage of “quite a feather in his/her cap” which means an accomplishment or success that looks very well on one’s record or puts one in high standing. Get more about symbolic meaning of feathers here.

Fish: It is no coincidence that the fish is featured on all the cups court cards because fish symbol meanings deal with emotion, intuition, and creativity. When considering the fish in the Knight of Cups, we must first recognize the nature of the water in which it lives: in motion, unpredictable, and representative of the subconscious (see Water symbol meanings). The fish is a symbol of prolific abundance if we have the wherewithal to harness our own passion responsibly.

Mountains: Seen on many of the cards, mountain symbol meanings deal with triumph, challenge, attainment, and realization. Mountains also represent timelessness and an endurance that is infinite. When those mountains peak out of the cards into our attention, we may consider the vastness of our universe, and contemplate our place within it. We may also want to consider the heights to which we are climbing, and what the realization of our goals may mean for us and those around us.

Water, Rivers, Streams, Waterfalls: Water is a symbol of emotion and the subconscious. Therefore, rivers and waterfalls deal with the constant running and flowing movement of our emotions and the stirring movements of our deeper minds. Observing the river in the Knight of Cups, we see they typically move at such a rushing speed that they tend to take everything with them in their path – rocks, trees, any debris in the midst of a waterfall is subject to its pull. This is symbolic that we must not let our emotions run away from us. Get more about the symbolic meaning of water here.

Some Questions the Knight of Cups asks:

What gifts do you have to offer?
Use your emotional intelligence to discern your inner gifts. Then, ride the steed of creativity to cross the river of doubt in your pursuit to utilize these gifts in your purpose.
How do you feel about romance?
Is it time for a little love in your life? Lead with your heart in matters of love.
Are you using your powers of perception appropriately?
I believe hard work is unnecessary when we use our natural abilities and perception.