King of Cups as Love Outcome (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The King of Cups is the card of wisdom, diplomacy, balance, devotion, and counseling. The king sits on his throne, holding a scepter in one hand and a large cup in the other. He is looking out into the world with confidence and maturity. He is balanced in his approach. He loves deeply, but is also able to know when something is no longer serving him. When it comes to those he loves, he is extremely devoted.

The King of Cups reminds us that in mature love, we always find a good balance between the head and the heart. The pinnacle of love is not in the early stages of infatuation, but is in the steadiness of a loyal devotion that only grows stronger with time. As you continue to emotionally mature, you will grow closer and closer to becoming the King of Cups and all he represents. 

Upright King of Cups as Love Outcome

If you are asking about what is the outcome of a relationship, and you draw the King of Cups, that means that your relationship is loving and mature. This is a two-way relationship where the give and take is well balanced. Your person is the perfect gentleman or lady. They understand the importance of treating others with respect and compassion. Even if this person finds you physically attractive, thatʼs not all they care about in a person. This person is attracted to peopleʼs personalities, their kindness, and their values.

The King of Cups as love outcome is a sign of a deeply emotionally fulfilling partnership. This particular king is most closely associated with Scorpio, so the emotions will run deep. With all that Scorpionic and Water energy, the intimacy is mind blowing. Scorpio is also the sign of shared resources, so your person is generous with what they have, even if the King of Cups typically doesnʼt place much importance in material things. They can be generous with their time, energy, attention, or material resources. If theyʼre a busy individual, they will make a point of dedicating time for you to make you feel special.

If you are wondering about a potential relationship, the King of Cups as love outcome means your person respects your feelings and would never want to hurt you. The kings in the Tarot are some of the most mature energies in the deck among the court cards. Your person is very emotionally mature. This is a type of person who understands every manipulation tactic in the book, but refuses to use them because he knows that it’s not morally right. This person’s approach to love is peppered with his life experiences, so they might be cautious and want to take it slow. However, they’re not cynical and still believe in love.

If you are in a new relationship, the King of Cups as love outcome means a bond that could develop into an established relationship. The King of Cups is a seasoned lover. He knows good things take time, so he would never rush a relationship. However, this is also a card of maturity, so your person would never entertain a relationship unless they thought it might go somewhere significant. This person isnʼt casually dating. They have a vision for their future, and theyʼre seeking the perfect person with whom to live out that future. This will likely be a drama-free relationship. Your person is considerate and sensitive.

If you are in an existing relationship, the King of Cups as love outcome means you should be very grateful. Your person loves you unconditionally. They embody all the positive traits of the water signs. Your person has the nurturing compassion of a Cancerian. They are dreamy and romantic, which is a light side of Pisces. This person may also be passionate, great in bed, and generous, which is a positive manifestation of Scorpionic energy.

If you are currently in separation with each other, the King of Cups as love outcome means deep love. If you are separated by distance, they feel a deep emotional and spiritual bond with you despite the physical distance. If you are inquiring about an ex you’re interested in reconciling with, your person can either see you two ways: They love you to bits and can’t wait to reconcile and heal the relationship. Or, alternatively, they love you unconditionally, and they are willing to set you free to find love and happiness elsewhere. If you are interested in this person, make the first move. They are likely to be receptive. 

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Reversed King of Cups as Love Outcome

If you are asking about what is the outcome of a relationship, and you draw the King of Cups reversed, that means that there may be emotional manipulation. This card is astrologically associated with Water signs, but especially carries Scorpionic energy. Like the Knight of Cups, the King of Cups is also well-versed in emotional manipulation tactics. However, because he is more seasoned, he might do it in a more subtle but cutting manner. Don’t let yourself get sucked in by this person’s manipulations. Stand your ground.

The King of Cups reversed as love outcome is a sign of an emotional tug-of-war. When the King of Cups is drawn in reverse, the person you are inquiring about may exhibit the darker, more negative sides of the water signs. Your person could be controlling, possessive, and manipulative, which is a darker side of Scorpio. They can also be smothering and clingy, a shadow trait of Cancer. In some cases, your person may be prone to destructive habits and delusional thinking, the darker sides of Piscean energy. Stand your ground and learn what a healthy relationship is meant to look like! 

If you are wondering about a potential relationship, the King of Cups reversed as love outcome means a lack of love and compassion. Your person could be dating you for the wrong reasons. They may want you as a trophy spouse, or they might have ulterior motives. Learn more about what theyʼre like behind closed doors before making any long-term commitments with this person. If youʼre interested in starting a family, make sure you find out what their thoughts on parenthood are. Observe their behavior, ask yourself if you can tolerate their behavior, and be honest with yourself. 

If you are in a new relationship, the King of Cups reversed as love outcome means there could be a lack of understanding at an emotional level. Your person may not be the most emotionally accommodating. They may appear to not be paying attention to what you have to say. You could even feel “breadcrumbed” despite already being in an exclusive relationship with them. If you feel like youʼre doing all the heavy lifting when it comes to relationship maintenance, let your person know how you feel about that. Find out if they just had bad role models growing up, if they struggle with social interactions, or if they’re toying with your emotions.

If you are in an existing relationship, the King of Cups reversed as love outcome means that there could be very unhealthy dynamics in your relationship that require healing. Your person may have a cruel streak. They could have you jump through multiple hoops to keep them “happy” just to see how high you’ll jump. This could also manifest in emotional manipulation or even abuse. Alternatively, your person could be resistant to “growing up”. If they seem reluctant to get into higher levels of commitment, get to the bottom of it so you can find a resolution.

If you are currently in separation with each other, the King of Cups reversed as love outcome means feeling emotionally disconnected. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the feelings aren’t there. But the energy is blocked and left unexpressed. Your person could embody the darker sides of water and Scorpionic energy. If you are separated by distance, they could be obsessive, controlling, and even stalkerish. If you are inquiring about an ex you’re interested in reconciling with, they are equally obsessive, will try to win you back at all costs, only to trap you in yet another toxic cycle.

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Conclusion

For love readings, the King of Cups represents emotional maturity and devotion. The King of Cups is the pinnacle of the suit of cups, which rules over emotions. His steadfast nature paired with his compassion makes him the ultimate symbol of how to treat others to cultivate deep love and loyalty. This card is a reminder that we can get to a place where we have a deep understanding of our emotions without being beholden to their every whim. 

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.