King/Cups versus King Canute

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 13 Dec 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

gloria	13 Dec 2003
King Canute came into mind when looking at King/Cups card. Both seated on thrones with water lapping around their feet. Does anyone know if this card is in fact based on this particular King of England? And what do these two Kings have in common? I’d very much appreciate your views here. Gloria.

Thirteen	13 Dec 2003
Canute was a Viking who later on became king of England, Denmark, Norway and part of Sweden. Here's what I found on why Canute is shown seated on his throne while waves lap at his feet: Quote: "Let all men know how empty and worthless is the power of kings. For there is none worthy of the name but God, whom heaven, earth and sea obey!" So spoke King Canute the Great, the legend says, seated on his throne on the seashore, waves lapping round his feet. Canute had learned that his flattering courtiers claimed he was "So great, he could command the tides of the sea to go back". Now Canute was not only a religious man, but also a clever politician. He knew his limitations - even if his courtiers did not - so he had his throne carried to the seashore and sat on it as the tide came in, commanding the waves to advance no further. When they didn't, he had made his point that, though the deeds of kings might appear 'great' in the minds of men, they were as nothing in the face of God's power.

gloria	14 Dec 2003
Thanks for that Thirteen. These are a couple of lines I came across describing King/Cups. He is a man of intense but controlled emotions. (Very true!) His depth of feeling penetrates every situation, and he is ruled by his emotional nature, and yet, he can hold out and hold back forever. (The tides?) I wonder if this is why he is depicted in similar pose as King Canute because of the similarity of personality and characteristics? Any other ideas on this?

casia	17 Dec 2003
I´ve always thought of the King of Cups as a Cancer. He reminds me of a very hermetic man, very sensitive, loving and protective of his family. Cancer has to do with the water element too...

gloria	18 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by casia I´ve always thought of the King of Cups as a Cancer. He reminds me of a very hermetic man Yes I agree Casia... someone who keeps emotions very much under wraps. I think this is a guy who has difficulty in showing his true feelings. Gloria.

The King/Cups versus King Canute thread was originally posted on 13 Dec 2003 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.