Comparing the Kings

The Fairy Tale Tarot represents the four kings in the deck with:

• The King of Cups: The Golden Headed Fish
• The King of Wands: Aladdin/Arabian Nights
• The King of Swords: How Raven Brought Light to the World
• The King of Pentacles: The Frost King

The King of Cups dealing with emotions and with the element of water uses the Golden Headed Fish to bring forth the ideas of diplomacy and wise caring. Exercising care and compassion are key traits of this king!

The King of Wands dealing with actions and energy embodies the element of fire. The use of Aladdin to highlight risk taking, authority, and mental vitality reflects the idea that one can transform ideas into action. Quick thinking and mental alertness are key traits of this king.

The King of Swords dealing with thinking and ideas symbolizes the element of air. How the Raven Brought Light to the World, emphasizes the analytical mind and focus. The raven is a cunning trickster who uses his ideas and thinking to reach his objective. Creativity and focus are key traits of this king.

The King of Pentacles dealing with physical pursuits, finance and work represents the element earth. The Frost King with the key word of integrity, support and wealth, is a harsh tale of jealousy and ill will. In the end the cruel Frost King spares the innocent girl but the "favored child" is frozen. Integrity and compassion for those deserving are key traits of this king. He is not easily fooled.

Each of the kings represents key human traits and could be read as an individual in a reading or as situations requiring those traits to be resolved.