The Queen of Cups embodies compassion, intuition, and deep emotional connection. In her positive aspect, she symbolizes a great capacity for love and support towards others. An excellent emotional advisor, the Queen of Cups is always ready to offer a compassionate shoulder. This embodiment of the balance between intellect and emotions reminds us that true wisdom lies in the intelligence of feelings. On the darker side, the Queen of Cups can become overwhelmed by the emotions of others. Her hypersensitivity makes her vulnerable to emotional manipulation to the point of losing her own emotional identity. At the other end of the spectrum, she might retreat into the dungeon of her emotional wounds and disconnect from her feelings. Medusa-like and vindictive, she becomes more cruel and uncompromising when she suspects abuse. In the context of a reading, the Queen of Cups can represent a person who embodies these qualities of empathy and understanding. It may also indicate a need to cultivate these attributes within ourselves, by becoming more receptive to our emotions and those of others. In all circumstances, this card advises us to maintain a balance between compassion and the preservation of our emotional well-being.