Queen of Cups

Queen of Cups from the Rider-Waite Tarot deck

The Queen of Cups is the thirteenth card in the suit of Cups. It usually stands for a good, fair woman. An honest, devoted woman, who will do service to the Querent. Loving intelligence, and hence the gift of vision. Success, happiness, and pleasure. Wisdom and virtue. A perfect spouse and a good mother.

General description

In the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, Pamela Colman Smith depicts the Queen of Cups as a fair-haired woman gazing reflectively into a large chalice. Her throne is richly adorned with cherubs and icons of the sea. The flowing water nearby touches the hem of her garment.

Divinatory meaning

Beautiful, fair, dreamy—as one who sees visions in a cup. This is, however, only one of her aspects; she sees, but she also acts, and her activity feeds her dream. This queen is to us the image of the married woman and the mother and of all that which woman can give to man and mankind, by her virtue both of soul and body. So the card must also mean the realization of hopes and wishes, consequently success.

The wisdom is here more of the practical blend, usefulness, knowing how to act with care and prudence.

The card may represent a woman, or an impersonal power or authority, whom the querent has to obey, or to whom it will be to his advantage to submit. It expresses a tendency to go out into the world and make a name and position for oneself, and indicates the right moment to do so. It is fairly certain that it will ensure some publicity, renown, fame, or even glory or theatrical success.

There is a strong Gemini/Cancer energy in this card. The combination of air and water suggest an ever-changing scenario.

If reversed, the card can mean: A good woman; otherwise, distinguished woman but one not to be trusted; perverse woman; vice, dishonor, depravity. A rich marriage.