Kings are associated with control, mastery, discipline and resolve.  Cups represent emotions, love, pleasures in life; matters pertaining to the unconscious, intuition and the inner planes, and the element of water.  The King of Cups is both a romantic, loving person who does not let his emotions lead him down the wrong path.  He has enough life experience to know that while he desires love and pleasure in life sometimes that can lead to unhealthy choices. 

The Fradella King of Masks is Serengeti, an African Peacekeeper.  He is crouched near a waterfall with a large club in his right hand and a shield decorated as a mask clasped in his left.  He is well built and could be fearsome if the occasion calls for it but right now he seems calm, serene and prepared.  He is not looking to fight but if the need arises where he must protect his people, Serengeti is on watch.

At first glance, the Anna K King of Cups appears somber and shrouded in shadows.  He sits on his throne and reads a book by firelight.  A closer look reveals he is smiling.  He appears to be enjoying whatever he is reading.  Surrounding him are little flying, fluttering creatures - either fairies or insects or floating flowers.  Their appearance reminds of me daisies.  Is the king reading to these creatures?  Are these the cares and concerns of his people?  Whatever they are they seem to be drawn to this calm and strong demeanor.

Both these kings give off an energy of strength and calmness.  They are not the type who feel the need to bluster and show off to impress others.  They are comfortable with their power and at ease with their abilities.  The is a quiet surety to both of them.  They know they can handle any situation that arises and they will be able to protect, guide and lead their people.  This card is often associated with the traits useful for a good counselor or therapist - someone who is comfortable with people's emotional natures and has the ability to stay calm and help guide them through whatever is causing them pain or discomfort so they can heal. 

These are qualities I can certainly admire but I can't quite say that I actually possess.  Of course knowing that I don't have them at least makes me aware of the lack and can help me work towards acquiring them.  I think having these traits will help me be a more compassionate and skilled Tarot reader.  After all many of the same skills are useful in both lines of work.  Of course the irony is that I chose not to pursue a doctorate in psychology because I didn't want to listen to people whine about their problems.  Of course my attitude about this has changed too.  Now I realize that most people need a sympathetic ear at some point in their lives.  It can be very difficult to deal with some of our problems alone.

On a personal note, I think this is also a reminder that when dealing with some of the challenges with my mom-in-law.  She is so scared that it breaks my heart.  She is lonely and feels abandoned by her family.  Except for hubby and I, she barely hears from anyone else.  Her grandchildren are rarely around and don't call much and her other son hasn't been heard from in years, although he did call her for Mother's Day this year.  She gets so frustrated when she makes mistakes and panics if she thinks she has done something wrong.  I think we're the only people she speaks to most of the time.  I keep trying to encourage her to walk up to the nearby deli because the owner likes her and she could sit and chat for a while.  She says she will but rarely does.  I become easily frustrated with her but I need to be more open and realize that she is dealing with major challenges right now.  She hates being dependent on anyone and she hates being unable to remember things.  Getting older is challenging for anyone but getting older and feeling that you're alone has to be painful and frightening.  I need to understand that and be more tolerant of her vagaries.  We also need to find some type of support services for her so that she isn't so alone all the time.