A Knight is shown riding his horse, moving slowly. There is some water visible in the background, though it is not abundant. Water is the element of Cups; its presence is expected, though in this image, it seems less abundant than it should be. 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.
This Knight is often a charmer, a warm-hearted, affectionate person. He may be welcome, but it may be that he won’t remain long in a person’s life.
This 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.