This is one of my favorite art prints. Oh my God, can't you just feel forbidden love's agony? It's called "Meeting on the Turret Stairs" by Pre-Raphaelite artist Fredrick Burton. I'm a sucker for this kind of tragic, uber-romantic codswallop. Sigh. This type of "love" was in fact made an institution in the middle ages: courtly love. A knight would focus his amorous attentions on an unavailable noble lady and seek to win her favor. The affair was often unconsummated, for adultery was viewed with such seriousness that a man could be executed for it. But humans being what we are, I'm sure that little legality didn't stop many. Marriages were often loveless, as they were political and arranged for land and negotiation rather than love. So the emotional outlets were through the practice of courtly love, and, well...emotions are not so easily restrained.
When this knight appears in a reading, he often heralds an ardent romantic admirer. More often than not, this court card usually does represent an actual person who is trying to "court" you in some way and his way of approach is through your emotions. It's a soft sell, but an efficient one, especially if you tend towards the cups inclinations as well. As advice, he often prompts you to consider feelings in the matter, especially your own, but of others as well. He asks you to consider doing what it is you love, what really speaks to your emotional side, and to understand that when you love what you do, you naturally do it well. He also gives a nudge to those who have been admiring someone they fancy from afar and with a knowing wink he says, "Go for it."
Conversely, he could likewise be telling you that you may be apt to lose interest in something or someone too quickly, and to check how deep your emotions in this matter truly go. Because if you are simply caught up in the moment and not truly committed, it won't last. Are you making promises based on something fleeting? Don't. Is your head in the romantic clouds? Come back to earth, please. While being "in love with love" is a wonderful feeling, it can leave the soul unsatisfied when the wanderlust has worn off.
Old English Tarot By Maggie Kneen Published by US Games 1997
Who ever wrote that about the knight of cups is a very good writer. I love the flow of emotions through out the entire discription. Good Job.
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Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth and welcome to 78 Notes To Self. The writer of these blog entries is me, Ginny Hunt, author of this site. Glad you're enjoying it. :)
ReplyDeleteI really like how you described everything about the Knight of Cups. It totally reminded me of my Pisces ex-boyfriend. We're friends now. I just did a tarot reading and the Knight of Cups appeared in my overview. Does it mean he'll be back in my life again?
ReplyDeleteHi Jane and welcome! :) Yeah, a Pisces guy would be a good fit for the Knight of Cups. As for whether the ex will return, well-- I don't know? The Knight of Cups may be indicating another suitor. That card will often show up when someone attempts to "wine and dine" you or simply pursues a romantic attraction toward you. However, if you want to know if that card showing up is indicating a specific person, I would suggest doing a reading on that specific relationship and seeing if things look like they will be changing.
ReplyDeleteMarvellous site, very elegantly designed. Thank you for this well-written post. I was swept off my feet by a Knight of Cups, only to land on my arse. But things are looking up as my knight has now become a man. Anna
ReplyDeleteHa! Anna, the same happened to me but with a Knight of Wands. He's become, mostly now, the King of Wands. :)
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