Knight of Cups
The Knight of Cups is symbolized by a bird of paradise perched on a golden cup, representing freedom, creativity, romance, and charm. Upright, it signals incoming inspiration, romantic or creative opportunities, and encourages following the heart and actively working toward dreams. Reversed, it warns of disappointment, withdrawn invitations, and the dangers of moodiness, daydreaming, or emotional imbalance preventing action. Overall the card guides you to remain emotionally present, graceful under pressure, and to seek a balance between heart and head as you pursue passions.
Keywords
Animal
Bird of Paradise
Fun fact
Birds of Paradise are most well-known for the elaborate courtship dances performed by the males of the species, as well as the intricate and artful feather displays that gave them their heavenly name. It is believed that the absence of predators in their environment led to these birds evolving for ornamental purposes.
Keywords
Care, Romance, Artistry
Reversed keywords
Heartbreak, Disappointment, Moodiness
Meaning
A bird of paradise stands on the edge of a golden cup brimming with fruits, its head thrown back to sing its praise to the sky. Birds of paradise are resplendent symbols of freedom, creativity, romance, and charm. Their beautiful plumage echoes their rumored heavenly origins and invokes joyful visions of paradise. The Knight of Cups reminds us to be as vivacious and resplendent as these beautiful birds. In order for us to engage in a warm, charming way with those around us, we must keep in touch with our emotions and remain graceful even under the innumerable pressures of life.
Upright meaning
When upright, the Knight of Cups implies that the user is about to receive good news or is about to receive an influx of inspiration. Whether you’re thinking about pursuing romantic or creative interests, now’s the time to bite the bullet and follow through. Move forward with your dream and remain open to exploring new passions as they emerge. Keep in mind that decisions you make now will come from your heart and not your head. How you feel will guide you into the next stage of your journey. Listen to your heart carefully and follow where it leads you. Remember that you can only achieve your dreams if you actively work towards it. Stay true to yourself no matter what, and you won’t be led astray.
Reversed meaning
When reversed, the Knight of Cups suggests that a wave of bad news is soon headed your way. Invitations may be withdrawn, proposals are in short supply, and disappointment will be prevalent. You may be too busy daydreaming about what the finished version of your project will be like instead of acting on it. Perhaps someone you’re fond of turned down your romantic gestures. Temper your emotions if you find they are preventing you from moving forward. Frustration and jealousy are one end of an extreme, but be mindful of avoiding the other end as well. Staring at the world through rose-colored lenses can also prevent you from making proper choices. Seek a balanced relationship with your heart and your head. Only then will you be able to begin moving forward.
Trailing colon
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Visual Description
A vivid red-orange bird with a long, flowing tail perches on the rim of an ornate golden chalice filled with grapes. The bird's wings are partially open and its beak is lifted as if calling, set against a deep purple, star-speckled sky. Curving decorative lines drift across the background like wisps of cloud or smoke. The title "KNIGHT OF CUPS" is printed along the bottom of the card.
Oriens tarot
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