A Knight is shown riding his horse, moving slowly. There is some water visible, though it is not abundant. The Knight carries a Cup, which he regards carefully. This Knight is moving, but he’s not in a hurry; he is not hasty.
It is the nature of Knights to not stick around. They’re likely to go on quests; in Tarot they are Knights-errant. Their quests may vary. Some may seek to perform deeds of valor. Some may search for the Holy Grail. But they move on.
The Knight’s helmet and boots are winged, reminiscent of the Greek God Hermes – known to the Romans as Mercury. One of Hermes’s roles was as psychopomp – a guide of newly-departed souls to the afterlife. This may explain why the Knight of Cup card so closely resembles the Death card.
Cups represent emotions and love. They also represent Spirit. I see Knights as going on “quests,” riding out into battle or wherever. I suppose a Knight’s quest when it comes to Spirit could be to lead souls to the afterlife.
Keywords: Charm. Psychopomp.