KINGS

Kings. Although they come last, they really should come first, as Kings are where the Court Cards start. They are the fire - their element - the passion, the driving force. This is why Crowley has them as Knights instead, riding on horseback (rather than sitting passively on a throne), filled with energy, moving, leading. Kings are related to the Emperor, and like him they are planners, motivators, commanders, and creators; the one who rallies everyone together to form the kingdom. (Think Henry V.) The Queen is the one who will make it real, and the Knight/Prince will take it beyond the castle walls. But without the King, it won't happen at all.

Thus, Kings in a spread can indicate motivation, a beginning or start of something.

King of Wands

The planning of a great trip, the idea for some grand new career, being motivated to go into politics or take charge. Depending where it is in the spread, it can indicate that the Querent has decided to take command, to overthrow the old with his new, bold ideas.

King of Cups

The decision to start a new relationship may indicate a man deciding to propose or just finally motivating himself to approach a special someone. This is a new love, but it is a mature love, one that is determined. Can also indicate a man motivated to be a new and better provider, father and husband.

King of Swords

Tossing out a new idea, getting thoughts on paper, brainstorming. The ability to see problems objectively and find new and better solutions.

King of Pentacles

Drawing up plans for a new business, new thoughts on how to make money or craft something. Perhaps building a new house.

. . .

The thing to remember with the Kings is that while they are powerful motivators, they are still "in the crown" - in the head. They can move mountains with their enthusiasm and energy and light a fire under almost anything. But they can't make it real all by themselves.

Like all court cards, the King cards are most likely to be people. These might be men the Querent knows or the Querent himself if he's an adult male. It may signify the kind of man he is, or the kind of man he is at this time or in this circumstance.

All Kings have high aspirations, they dream of having the best "kingdom" in the land. And they expect loyalty, especially from family and friends. They are men of influence, and leadership; others come to them for advice. They can be stubborn, absolutely sure that they are right.

King of Wands

Call him "The Preacher." His dream kingdom is a philosophy. He fills a room when he walks in, expansive, full of energy, charisma, fun. You know this man; he's the motivational speaker, the charismatic church leader, the warm politician, the bullying coach who turns losers into winners. He loves danger, adventure, challenges. A great innovator, he can turn a company around, with employees working overtime to please him. This is Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Henry V. He always has to lead the charge. He hasn't friends so much as worshippers; people either love him or hate him, and the same goes for his family. Not that he doesn't love his family; he fell in love with his wife at first sight and wooed her till she loved him back; and he's great with kids. No dad was ever so inventive or fun. But he fully expects his family to come with him, wherever he goes - like an impromptu African Safari - support whatever he does. If they don't, his other side can come to the surface, one that is jealous, impatient, tyrannical. It is not surprising that sometimes his wife or children will rebel against him.

King of Cups

Call him "The Godfather". A kinder, gentler, more loving man you'll never meet. His "kingdom" is his family, and his one dream is to be sitting at the head of a huge table filled with kin, kids, grand kids, serving up food to them all. His family comes first; for them he'll work, sacrifice, do just about anything; and, yes, like the "Godfather" he will consider doing terrible things to you if you cause grief to any member of that family.

More likely to be a chef, bookstore owner, museum curator, decorator or restorer than a Godfather, this King is a historian, an old fashioned man with quaint, old fashioned ideas. He'll motivate the neighborhood to restore old buildings, to be more friendly, neighborly and polite. Very like the Queen of Cups, however, he's too soft and sentimental. No matter how prodigal the son, this father will always bail the kid out. About his family, it is almost impossible to make him see reason.

King of Swords

Call him "The Judge". His kingdom is the kingdom of high ideals. Loving, friendly, but distant, the one thing everyone says about this man is "He's Fair." Likely a lawyer, judge, musician, politician or designer, he is a patient, careful man, with very high ideals. Here is a man of eloquence, so good with words and debate that he can easily see the other side of every argument. This does not keep him from his own strong beliefs, beliefs which he expects his family and friends to adhere to. Not that he isn't a good father; he can be kind, playful, a loving and faithful husband. He treats his wife and kids fairly, hearing them out, acknowledging when they are right. But if he is against child labor, and won't wear certain shoes to protest it, no one in his family can wear those shoes either. And he'll be bitterly disappointed in them if they do. Unlike the King of Cups, this King does not put "Family first, right or wrong." Ideals come first, and he can be unforgiving of the family member who is weak or more "human" than he. He is willing to go on hunger strikes, fight or die for these high minded ideals. He will not budge when it comes to upholding them, not even for his nearest and dearest.

King of Pentacles

Call him the "Tough Old Farmer" and his Kingdom is his "business" or farm. Proud and self-reliant, this respected man is likely a civil servant, architect, engineer, manager, farmer or, surprisingly, entertainer. Wherever he is, he worked hard to be in charge and in charge he intends to stay. Although he can seem cold and aloof, he can also be strangely charming and funny, telling the most amusing tales at the dinner table. And he is, underneath it all, kind and loyal. If you need help, he will help and never ask for repayment. But if you help him, he'll repay you as soon as he can; he doesn't like being beholden to anyone. He will always provide for his family, do his best for them, stick by them, and expects them to be equally responsible, hardworking and disciplined. Much like his queen, he hates being embarrassed and has a hard time forgiving any one who causes him embarrassment, be they family, friends or enemies. Likely, no one he cares about will ever be told that he loves them; the best they'll get out of this King is "I'm proud of you." Which, from him, is his highest compliment.

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