Bohemian Gothic Tarot
QUEEN OF CUPS
Lighter or more conventional meanings
A well-balanced, likeable woman * A creative, sensitive person of real talent * A woman who shows great empathy for others * Someone loveable and likeable in many different ways.
Darker, shadow or more hidden meanings
Malevolent intent hidden beneath a beautiful surface appearance * A talented, clever, attractive woman - but watch out, she's risky to be around * Creativity put to nefarious purposes.The Queen of Cups is generally considered to have the most attractive, well-balanced personalities of all the Courts. She in some respects combines the most positive aspects of the other tarot Queens - intelligence, practicality, warmth and good-looks - with her own unique creativity and artistic talents. She is often thought of as the Minor Arcana mirror of The Empress as she has some similar attributes, in particular her creative abilities and ease with nature as well as her sheer feminine charm.
The Bohemian Gothic card shows a stunning young woman resting on rocks in the last of the evening light. Her small golden harp shows the particular artistry in which she excels and this, together with her pretty, almost childlike face and long, blond hair suggests that she is positively angelic. But beware; this figure is a Lorelei, a water spirit related to the mer-people and with an even more malevolent attitude towards humans. The Lorelei specialises in playing her harp to attract the sailors working on boats on the river. When they approach her, lured equally by her music and her beauty, she pulls them under the water and drowns them. While her surface appearance is of someone who's an embodiment of all the typical Queen of Cups qualities, the reality is the absolute opposite; she's a heartless, violent spirit who lusts after men only to destroy them. It's not by chance that a black raven or crow sits beside her, like a small harbinger of doom. The ray of sun that pierces the clouds and strikes the water might also be a sign and a warning - a pointing finger of light showing where her last victim lies.
In readings, this card presents something of a dilemma and you will need to decide whether it signifies the good or bad aspect of this Queen. This person is likely to appear to have all good qualities but you need to consider what's going on underneath the charm and sweetness. She may be quite genuine, but alternatively, her adorable surface could conceal much darker, more dangerous depths.
