Keywords & phrases

• Romantic
• Chivalrous
• Passionate
• Creative
• Hero
• Lover
• Dreamer
• On a quest for love

First impressions

A knight in shining armour. Lancelot. Prince Charming. Jaime Lannister.

What is happening in the card?

In the Knight of Cups, we see a handsome, straight-backed young man in shining armour riding a beautiful high-stepping white horse. A river runs through the landscape.

Over his armour, he wears a tunic decorated with a fish motif and on his head, he wears a winged helmet, visor up so that we can see his charming smile.

He bears a golden cup, a shining chalice as if it were a gift. In fact, he seems to present himself as if he were the ‘gift’. I wonder who the lucky lady is, or man.

How can we relate to this card?

The Knights are the action heroes of the Tarot Court. They ride out into the world to prove themselves and carry with them the action and energy of their suit.

Here is the Knight of Cups, on a quest for love, proving his devotion with the gift of a golden cup… or a bunch of flowers. Here is a man who knows how to present himself. And he believes in love in that moment.

He represents the fiery aspect of Water which sounds like quite a steamy combination.  And this may well seem like an attractive proposition when presented so beautifully at the start of an ‘affair’.

This Knight will sweep you up, and get swept up himself, in the first flush of love and passion, but what of his staying power? Is there a danger that he will he run out of steam?

As with the other court cards, he may represent an aspect of your personality, your passion, dreams and desires. Or he could point to someone in your life who brings the energy described here.

Whoever or whatever he represents, be careful not to get swept away. Enjoy the ride, by all means, but keep a foot on solid ground.

Message & affirmations

Today, and every day, I step out into the world to seek love and passion and I am ready, open and willing to accept more love in my life.

My personal experiences of this card

If the Knights are ruled by any character from the Major Arcana it is The Chariot. They are the bold and the beautiful, the travellers and explorers.

For me, the Knight of Cups is the person or that part of me that loves the idea of being in love. That part that believes that love will conquer all, that love is all you need. That part that idealises love, or the object of love, and is then disappointed or challenged by the reality and the hard grind of actual human relationships with actual imperfect humans.

He reminds me of individuals that I have encountered, who 100 percent believe in their declarations of love in the moment that they are making them, but easily float or are easily swept away towards the next shiny new thing. It’s all about the quest.

The challenge for the Knight of Cups is how to move through the passion and romance of that honeymoon period and reach the other side still invested in a deeper more meaningful relationship. Something solid.

When he comes up for me, it’s not usually as a ‘lover’. He can present a little challenge for me to get out there into the game. Everyone needs a little bit of fun and romance in their lives. Even me.

And more recently, when I see the Knight of Cups, it leads me to consider how I am presenting myself to others.

Events, situations & readings

In a relationship spread:
The Knight of Cups in a love and relationships spread is highly suggestive of a lover, or someone looking for love. Could that be you? But is it the real thing, or is this someone who is in love with the idea of being in love? 

In a work/career spread:
The Knight of is a lover not a fighter. He could represent a supportive and nurturing colleague who is keen to collaborate on creative projects to get them moving.

Reversed:
When reversed, the Knight of Cups might prove to be a little unreliable if you are looking for someone who you might trust with your heart. Perhaps they are not emotionally mature enough for the responsibility of a fully committed relationship. Maybe they are just looking for some fun right now. And maybe that’s also ok for you… right now.

People & interaction with other cards

With The Chariot we can see the Knight of Cups as someone on a mission to find love. Highly focused on their goal. But maybe it’s all about the thrill of the chase?

In reading with other Knights, you may have travel or a journey on your mind. Perhaps a holiday romance or a romantic getaway. Remember to bring home some gifts for friends and family.

When he appears with the 9 of Cups or The Devil himself, he may be a warning of excess or even addiction – something to be aware of in yourself or another.

Questions, prompts & insights

Are you actively seeking love right now? Do you have someone in your sights that you want to devote yourself to? What steps are you taking on that path? Are you putting yourself out there? What are your intentions?

If you are in a relationship, how are you showing up for each other? Are you fully committed or not quite ready for a long-term commitment?

And in your relationship with yourself, what can you do to show more love and care for yourself right now?

Featured decks:
Main image from The Rider Waite Tarot.