King of Cups

Welcome to season 9 of this podcast, where I am talking all about the Suit of Cups. I’ll be going through each card in the suit, one per episode.

What we explore in this episode:

• How the King of Cups teaches us emotional regulation, compassionate leadership, and quiet strength

• Symbolism across decks: calm waters, golden chalices, and poised composure

• What it means to lead with empathy while honoring your own boundaries

• The nuanced power of restraint, strategy, and grounded generosity

Pictures from the decks I talked about today referenced from left to right:

• Anima Mundi Tarot Deck by Megan Wyreweden 

• Therapists Who Tarot Deck, Prompts by Dreya Blume and Images by Rebecca Bloom

• The Sasuraibito Tarot deck by Stasia Burrington

In this episode, we close out Season 9 with the King of Cups—our final card in the Suit of Cups. The King represents emotional wisdom earned through experience. He doesn’t run from his feelings, but he doesn’t let them control him either. Instead, he models what it looks like to respond with intention and grace, even in challenging emotional waters. 

This is a card of deep presence, thoughtful diplomacy, and service without self-abandonment. The King of Cups reminds us that emotional leadership means holding space for others without losing sight of ourselves. It asks: 'Are you offering support to others from a place of self-respect and clarity, or are you overextending yourself to keep the peace?'

If you haven't listened to my other seasons yet, go check them out!

• Season 1 - Tarot basics

• Seasons 2 & 3 - Major Arcana and 4 suits

• Season 4 - Tarot in Pop Culture

• Season 5 - Tarot Spreads

• Season 6 - Suit of Wands

• Season 7 - Suit of Pentacles

• Season 8 - Suit of Swords

Today's Tarot Pull:

From The Citadel: A Fantasy Oracle by Fen Inkwright, I pulled The Orator (upright). This card speaks to communication and confidence. The Orator reminds us that your words carry weight, but so does your intention. Speaking from a place of grounded emotional awareness helps others hear you more clearly. If you’ve been holding back out of fear or discomfort, now is a good time to write down what you want to say and trust your voice.

Reflective prompts on this card:

• What does emotional strength mean to me?

• Where in my life am I being called to lead with both heart and mind?

• How can I speak up while still staying anchored in compassion?

Ways to Connect & Support

• FREE EVENT- Join me for a VIRTUAL tarot card creation event on Friday June 20th at 5pm Pacific Daylight Time. I’ll give you a list of recommended supplies, we’ll meet online, and I’ll walk you through the process of creating your own cards. Get the date on your calendar now and be on the lookout for the signup page coming soon!

• Newsletter: Get my FREE 2025 5-Card Tarot Spread PDF + weekly musings, event invites, and magic straight to your inbox.

• Let’s Talk Tarot Meetup: If you’re Local to the Greater Puget Sound area check out the Let’s Talk Tarot Meetup group for the latest event postings. 

• Support the Podcast: If you love the show, the best way to support it is by listening daily, leaving a review, and subscribing or following in your favorite podcast app.

• Book a Consultation: I’m a sex & relationships therapist working virtually across Washington. I specialize in helping queer, kinky, polyamorous, and witchy folks navigate anxiety, chronic illness, communication, and identity work. Let’s see if we’re a fit: camilleasaunders.com