King of Cups...haunting

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 18 Mar 2005, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Enchanted	18 Mar 2005
Fairly new to tarot and have been doing a single card daily draw for about six months. The most frequent card to occur is the King of Cups. "He" not only shows up here, in my daily draw, but I will always "find" "him" when I cut the deck or he falls out in a shuffle. I have read previous threads where this has occurred and tried to do a clarification spread and also cleansed the deck (by arranging them back in order) but still "he" prevails and remains a mystery. I would like to know others thoughts/encounters on/with this card are. Is it possible that "he" is actually representing a part of myself that needs expression or balancing? Because if that is the case I would expect the Queen of Wands, fiery soul, watery heart, but perhaps I am being too gender specific. I know that there is something I am missing here so any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Keslynn	18 Mar 2005
I would definitely say that the King of Cups is trying to tell you something if he's showing up all the time. I had the Queen of Swords show up for almost a year until I could actually become more like her. Now, she doesn't show up, but it's because I learnt that lesson. In your case, here are a couple of questions you might want to consider: - Are you expressing your emotions enough or do you try to understand/control them? The King may be telling you that you don't need to run from your emotions and that you can use them to help you in your everyday life. - Do you listen to your intuition? If not, perhaps you should start. - Is there someone you've been ignoring or scared to relate to? Do you fear letting down your walls in relationships? The King might be telling you that you don't lose any personal power by being open and showing affection. You might want to try meditating with the card. You might also even assume the position of the King in your deck. See what goes through your head as you act like you think he would act. It might give you more insight into what he's asking you to do. Good luck. :) Kes

Enchanted	18 Mar 2005
Thanks for responding! I really think that you hit the nail on the head, as such, and thank-you for providing me with some much needed clarity. Being in a situation (previously) where the emotional side was repressed I am now definitely now trying to understand and control my awakened emotions and the intuition (which I also previously dismissed). I guess I am just not sure how to get that point of "synthesis". (yes I am a yo-yo!! haha). I will try meditating with the card as you suggest and and see what that brings to light. Thanks again.

Thirteen	18 Mar 2005
Don't forget that the King of Cups could also be a person in your life or coming into your life--perhaps someone you've been ignoring who could mean something to you. Kings represent fathers or mature men, they are also motivators (or emblematic of motivation)--in this case, they appeal to your heart, to sentimentality, love--and, yes, guilt. The King of Cups is a loving dad, the kind to bring out the hankerchief and weep openly at his daughter's wedding. But he's also not above making his kids feel guilty if they can't make home for the holidays. He's never afraid to show his emotions or be sensitive, caring and giving--or emotionally manipulative ;) The King of Cups is often a sad fellow, like all cups, he can be depressed, he can also be a maryter, sacrificing himself for his kingdom. Consider all the above, not only as a person in your life, but what might be motivating you--or should be motivating you. One last thing.... Our King can be someone who drinks too much--is or was an addict. If that's the kind of motivaton that's being mentioned here, than take him as a warning.

paradoxx	18 Mar 2005
He is also one to make a big deal about little things (wearing black as a symbol of negativity for example, none of his business as much as he wants it to be) and making sure that his social heirarchy is recognized, with or without honor. his intuition is strong, but sometimes misguided, he is respresented by Cancer (rulled by the moon and currently influenced by SAturn, represented by the world) and wants a strong homelife. his behaviour might leave something to be desired, especially once his true colors show. The king might be manipulated easily too, take care. the King of cups is truly a king, but he may not have what it takes to lead.

Enchanted	18 Mar 2005
The King of Cups is definitely not my father, more a King of Pentacles I think. But I do get the feeling that his influence is not a wholly positive one, which is why I am trying to discover if the card is referring to me, something I am doing or not doing or to another person. Is there a spread for that? The last time he appeared in my daily draw, was after I had what I thought was an ah-ha moment on an emotional issue the previous day. Thanks for your responses, you have certainly given me a lot to consider.

Thirteen	18 Mar 2005
Enchanted wrote: The King of Cups is definitely not my father Well, he doesn't have to be a dad. Any "mature" male will do--as compared to a more teen or collage age "knight." But as you seem to think this has to do with something you're doing or not doing--and it's not positive, then perhaps the best thing to do is the following: As you're drifting off to sleep, envision the King of Cups approaching you, there by his sea side kingdom. Ask him what the deal is, what he's trying to tell you. He might say. If that doesn't get results, set him out in the center of the table and put some five or six cards around him. Something like: 1) "What are you trying to tell me about myself?" 2) "What are you trying to tell me about my friends or family?" 3) "What are you trying to tell me about my enviornment?" 4) "What are you trying to tell me about my work/career?" 5) "What are you trying to tell me about my future?" Let us know what you come up with!

Enchanted	19 Mar 2005
I was hoping to discover the meaning behind my 'haunting' of the King of Cups with your much appreciated guidance. So I thought I would post my findings and see what you think. I tried the meditation, but sorry I am no good at that, Virgo ascendent, a mind that rarely shuts up, both a blessing and a curse. Thanks to Paradoxx for pointing out that the King of Cups is a Cancer (my reference had him as a Scorpio, no wonder I was confused!!) and influenced by Saturn. Saturn represents sense of reason, when I looked up the definition I came up with "ground or motive". Keyword: MOTIVE!!! I had a feeling that the King of Cups referred to some part of myself rather than another person and this really cemented that for me. My Saturn is in Cancer. I then did the reading recommended by Thirteen (sorry admittedly a little intimidated, love your card interpretations!!). Instead of putting the King in the middle I put him near my heart. (I know a bit weird but hey I did at one point consider having a bath with him, you know near water haha!) Here is what I got: (apologies if this is the wrong place to put this). (Myself) Queen of Wands (Friends/Family) Six of Cups (Environment) Ten of Cups (Work/Career) Fool (Future) Two of Pentacles NB: Five of Cups popped out in the shuffle From the reading I think that the King is telling me to be true to myself (Queen of Wands/Leo sun sign), to learn to trust my intuition and emotions and to not give up. I have a lot of love in my life (Six/Ten of Cups) to be grateful for. To go ahead and change that job and to embrace change and to keep juggling. I got the pervading sense that the King of Cups is 'haunting' me because I have repressed the emotions triggered by a certain event, a Knight of Cups, (herein lies the MOTIVE: to start a new relationship) which happened when I was just struck by the Tower and was not ready to act on my intuition (telling me to go for it) because I did not trust myself or my emotions yet. Now the opportunity is gone and I don't think that I have allowed myself to feel that disappointment. (Popped out Five of Cups) Any thoughts???

Enchanted	21 Mar 2005
Was feeling pretty good about my reading and thought that I had maybe resolved the issue...until King of Cups shows up AGAIN in daily draw for today, which makes me think, he is saying "no that it not what I am trying to tell you". If anyone has an opinion on my cards and what the king could be representing I would appreciate your advice. :)

Fulgour	21 Mar 2005
The King of Cups could be a sign from you spirit guide, telling you that when you see this card you may need to move beyond your fixed thoughts, work to develop a new area. This could mean seeking new challenges. I think you will find "The King of Cups" will never mean the same thing twice, and will have a deeper meaning. Edited to add: This is based on my personal experience, and with me, the card that has this effect is also playful. Spirit guides are private and personal in their approach, and it can be serious, but it will always be truly positive.

bibi	21 Mar 2005
I always think that if a card keeps popping up it's too say that you haven't quite found or "accepted" its true meaning.. I did u a reading and I got The lovers, 8 of wands and 9 of swords. Could it be that an love adventure leaves/left you upset?? Or perhaps a guy from the past is upset and wants to be your man (again)? Good luck! Bibi

paradoxx	21 Mar 2005
Saturn is moving direct Today (21st). Also, the King is one who is slow to act sometimes, he is in such a position of authority that he needs others to act on his behalf, like our unconcious minds work with our subconcious and concious minds to get what we need.

Thirteen	21 Mar 2005
Enchanted wrote: From the reading I think that the King is telling me to be true to myself (Queen of Wands/Leo sun sign), to learn to trust my intuition and emotions and to not give up. I have a lot of love in my life (Six/Ten of Cups) to be grateful for. To go ahead and change that job and to embrace change and to keep juggling. I think you did an excellent reading--and I think you're right about all points but may have missed the emphasis. Cancers represent *THE HOME* and *FAMILY*. So you're reading is spot on in what the King is telling you about yourself (you're strong, spirited, dynamic, fiery), your job/career (yep, time to change, move on, or just keep after that foolish dream, just watch your step), and future (but, you will have to keep juggling). The enviornment and family cards are, I think, the key--they're the ones that got "cups" and they're the ones ruled by Cancer. And then there's 5/cups there...so I gotta ask, Cancer wise and in the voice of a nagging mom or dad: "Have you kept in touch with your family? Have you gone back home for a visit?" :D I'm only half kidding. That Queen/Wands and Fool card marks you as a bit of a wanderer, out on a mission, unafraid of travel--but also likely to miss or neglect what's right under your nose (Fool), or behind you (Queen/Wands do tend to take their adoring entourage for granted). I think King Cups is trying to tell you that it's either time to visit the family/old friends/old neighborhood or invite old friends/family to your home. Make them dinner or bake them cookies get back to your roots, look through old photo albums and reminess. Tell them how much you love and appreciate 'em. Does that feel right? The way he's nagging you, I almost think he's got some sort of surprise waiting for you if you'd only slow down and come home for dinner with the family--like maybe he's found you a nice boy.... ;)

Enchanted	22 Mar 2005
Thanks bibi for doing a reading for me that was very generous of you. I think you would be right on both points. :) Shame they aren't the same person. :( Thanks Thirteen for clarifying my reading! :) Never shared my cards before so worried that I am not reading them properly, especially as it is often hard to be unbiased in your own readings. I do find it hard to come up with a summary and feel that while I can assess the cards in their position I find it difficult to find the emphasis or commonality, but I guess that only comes with experience and practice. I do see your point about the family issue and have summised that while I may be physically present I am not always truly there. (Going through a bit of a hermit phase). So perhaps the King is telling me to be more 'open' and 'present' with family and friends and to not just take from them the support that I need but to give more of myself to them too! Well it can't hurt can it! :D

Keslynn	22 Mar 2005
It seems like you did a great reading to me! He might just be showing up because the situation is not totally resolved yet. Yes, you did a reading about it, and you're recognizing the issues that he represents. But I think he'll keep showing up until you've actually progressed in working on the issues. I think he's still telling you to do something with those repressed emotions. Being aware of them isn't enough. I think he might want you to take action as well. :) Kes

Enchanted	08 Apr 2005
In case any one is still watching this thread, I thought I'd update. Still haunted! Usually appears on a Monday (I have no idea, I hate Mondays) as single daily draw and eerily has been appearing as the 'why' card for others. But thanks to everyone who responded, was getting a little 'freaked' out to say the least about this cards repeated appearance, even made me disconnect with my deck for a bit there. But now, not so much! :) I'll post again, if I ever get to the bottom of it! ;)

The King of Cups...haunting thread was originally posted on 18 Mar 2005 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.