· XIV ·
King of Cups
“Wind rests on water — the waves do not pull me under.”
Upright
Reversed
Identity
- Rank
- King
- Outer
- Water
- Inner
- Air
- Combined
- Air-within-water — a steady wind along the sea's surface. It does not still the water but gives it direction; it is also the hardest wind to notice when it has changed direction.
- Zodiac Span
- Libra · Scorpio · 10/13–11/12
- Archetype
- The sea-diplomat · the elder cup-keeper
- Signature
- Let us hear it out, then speak.
- Gesture
- When everyone begins to raise their voice, he tops up the tea — then asks one question no one has asked yet.
Upright
Summary
Wind resting on water.
In a conversation that would otherwise rise into waves, keeping level — not by suppressing feeling, but by holding it below the waterline so it does not set the course.
Reversed
Summary
Undertow dressed in courtesy.
The steadiest person has been moved — and has hidden it inside courtesy. An undertow pulls the ship off course more surely than any visible wave.
Symbols
Story
A king sits on a stone throne that rises directly out of grey-green water. On either side the waves crest, but none touches him. He wears a long blue robe and a modest gold crown. One hand holds a chalice, the other a scepter. Far off, a ship sails steadily; nearer, a great fish breaks the surface. He looks at neither — his gaze goes straight through them, toward something further.
Correspondences
- Element
- Water
- Color
- Storm-grey · deep blue
- Direction
- West
- Season
- Autumn
- Temperament
- Phlegmatic with an inner wind — outwardly steady, inwardly watching
- Color
- Storm-grey · deep-sea blue
- Scent
- Salt-wind · tarred rope
- Plant
- Mangrove · sea-pine
- Gem
- Sapphire · abalone shell
- Metal
- Silver
- Note
- G
- Animal
- Dolphin · albatross
- Time
- The hours of the night watch
Elemental Dignity
Shadow
Training composure into a shield that never yields — what looks like steadiness is a quiet pushing-away of whoever comes close. Or using softness as manipulation — making the other apologize before they have even erred.
Related Cards
· A QUIET LETTER ·