The Knights cards of the Minor Arcana are all about energy and motion. They represent people of action, ready to charge into battle when and wherever they’re needed.
When they appear, they often display the traits of their suit in excess. There’s likely to be a lot of movement and change, for good or ill. For the Knight of Cups, this usually involves love and the emotions.
About Knight of Cups
- Keywords: Attraction, charm, proposals, whirlwind romance
- Keywords (Reversed): Heartbreak, lack of commitment, moodiness, emotional manipulation
- Yes or No: Yes
- Yes or No (Reversed): No
- Element: Water
- Zodiac Signs: Scorpio, Cancer, Pisces
The Knight of Cups embodies the element of Water. In the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot, he’s illustrated as a young man in plate armor, wearing an overcoat adorned with fish. The visor of his helmet is up, and his expression is calm and determined.
In one hand, he holds a golden cup. In the other, he holds the reins to his horse. His horse is a light gray, and depicted as mid-stride as he trots placidly through the land. The horse’s tack is blue-gray, matching the Knight’s attire.
In the background, there are more symbols of water. The primary feature is a river winding peacefully through the landscape.
The land itself appears to be shaped by the water, with a sandy bank on one side, a mountainside on the other, and a grove of trees in the distance.
See also: Check out Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot decks here.
Knight of Cups Meaning (Upright)
The Knight of Cups represents positive developments of an emotional nature. This could be emotionally healing breakthroughs, marriage proposals, or other good news that relates to feelings.
If he doesn’t symbolize a situation, he can also depict an emotional state or set of traits. When he appears, you may be feeling calm, compassionate, diplomatic, and affectionate.
He might also signify a person with these traits. This person is most likely to be a young adult who was born under a Water sign.
Knight of Cups Meaning (Reversed)
When reversed, the Knight of Cups indicates negative emotional situations. You might have a broken proposal, emotional setback, or disinvitation to an event you were looking forward to.
He may also serve as a warning. You might be exhibiting the negative traits of this suit when he shows up, like moodiness, irritability, and emotional instability.
This card can also represent a young adult born under a Water sign, who initially appears to be charismatic and gentle but turns out to be deceitful and disloyal.
See also: Check out alternate Tarot decks here.
Knight of Cups Meaning – Love & Relationships (Upright)
The suit of Cups relates to love and emotion, so the Knight of Cups is a great sign for relationship readings of all types. When he appears upright, you’re likely looking at some very positive developments in your love life.
You or your partner might be gentler, more attentive, or more loving at this time. You might even receive a marriage proposal, or some other sign of intense commitment.
For single people, this card can represent a prospective romantic partner. This person will likely be between the ages of 20-39, born under a Water sign, and very charming and romantic.
If he doesn’t signify a specific person, the Knight of Cups can also depict landing in an intense romance. Remember, the Knights represent action. If you’re interested in someone, now’s the time to go after them!
Knight of Cups Meaning – Love & Relationships (Reversed)
The Knight of Cups reversed isn’t good for relationship readings. If you’re expecting or hoping for a marriage proposal, you’re likely to be disappointed.
Rather than experiencing more gentleness, compassion, or romance, you and your partner might be entering a phase marked by disloyalty, infidelity, or emotional abuse. Look to the surrounding cards for more context.
If you’re single, then the Knight of Cups can indicate that you’re harboring feelings for someone who doesn’t feel the same way.
It may also represent a potential romantic partner who’s between the ages of 20-39, born under a Water sign, and both charismatic and emotionally volatile. Be careful — they can sweep you off your feet only to show you their true colors later on.
See also: Check out the current top 100 Best-Selling Tarot books in the USA here.
Knight of Cups Meaning – As Feelings (Upright)
If it’s romance you want, the Knight of Cups upright will bring it to you. This person is probably charming, charismatic, and very in love with you.
They likely want to make all kinds of romantic gestures toward you. They might even have an idealized vision of what being with you would be like. If you feel the same way, tell them!
Knight of Cups Meaning – As Feelings (Reversed)
Reversed, the Knight of Cups goes from “romantic” to “mopey.” This person’s feelings are changeable. They probably like you, but in a way that’s jealous and possessive instead of romantic.
It’s possible that they’re frustrated because they expect a relationship to be like a romance novel, and the reality isn’t measuring up.
Knight of Cups Meaning – As Reconciliation (Upright)
If you want to reconcile, the Knight of Cups upright is a very good sign. Your ex loves and misses you. They want another chance. There’s only one problem here: their tendency to idealize.
It’s likely that your relationship was sabotaged by their vision of what it should have been. While a reconciliation is definitely possible, you’ll have to work together to overcome this problem.
Knight of Cups Meaning – As Reconciliation (Reversed)
Reversed, the Knight of Cups’ fantasizing becomes more pronounced. Your ex is moody, and their feelings are inconstant.
They might even be feeling betrayed because the real you didn’t measure up to the impossible fantasy they had in their head. A reconciliation is still possible, but your ex needs to learn to ground themselves in reality first.
Knight of Cups Meaning – Careers, Business & Money (Upright)
Even though the suit of Cups generally doesn’t deal with wealth or prosperity, the Knight of Cups is still a welcome sight in career and business readings. You’re likely to receive an offer that you’ll be excited about, especially in a field you find fulfilling.
It can also signify a period of harmony and fruitful collaboration between you and your co-workers. Look to the surrounding cards for more specifics, but know that you’re in a good position.
Financially, this card can symbolize the free flow of money coming to you. If you’ve been struggling, a creative solution could be the answer to your problems. Consider your options, and take action.
Knight of Cups Meaning – Careers, Business & Money (Reversed)
When reversed, the Knight of Cups isn’t very good news for a business or career reading. You’re likely to get some bad news, or find that you’ve missed an opportunity you were really looking forward to.
Problems like gossip, slander, blame games, or fraud may also arise. Sometimes, this card can indicate feeling stuck in a position that you find emotionally and creatively stifling. Knights advocate taking action, so it’s up to you to improve your situation.
In a financial reading, the Knight of Cups reversed says that you’re likely to get some bad money news.
This news might not seem terrible at first blush — the Knight of Cups reversed has a unique ability to appear charming and trustworthy, only to end up deceiving you in the end. Look out for offers that seem too good to be true, because they probably are!
Knight of Cups: Yes or No?
The Knight of Cups is a “Yes” for any “Yes or No” reading, but this is especially true if your question has anything to do with relationships or romance. This card represents offers and invitations, so you can expect your query to go well for you.
If the Knight of Cups is reversed, things don’t look nearly as good. In this situation, he can represent rejected or rescinded offers, or even heartbreak. You most likely won’t experience the results that you’re hoping for.
Knights are young, energetic, and impulsive, and the Knight of Cups is no different. While he’s more mature and experienced than the Page of Cups, he still advocates taking action to get what you want.
Pay close attention to the cards that arrive with him, because they can give you very valuable advice about how to proceed.
See also: For more Tarot Card Meanings, check out our complete list of Tarot Card Meanings here.
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