Eight of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

The Eight of Cups often defines transition. We observe someone in a cloak leaving some cups behind, only to settle into a new place. This means you’ll leave certain things behind in order to find a new beginning.

Is it a good transition? A negative one? There are more ways to interpret this card. Let’s find out what each possible interpretation means based on the position of the card or the type of reading.

Meaning of Upright Eight of Cups

The upright Eight of Cups signifies a major change in life. Many times, this is related to leaving your comfort zone in order to grow. People have to do it every now and then in their lives, especially when feeling tired with their lifestyles.

Getting this card in an upright position shows unhappiness. You’re no longer satisfied with the direction of your life, so you need to seek a different lifestyle. This is when exhaustion kicks in, the final step before going towards a new life.

It sounds like a negative thing, but it’s actually a necessity.

Upright Eight of Cups in Love & Relationships

If you’re in a relationship, maybe it’s time to sit back and analyze it. Is this what you’re looking for? The upright Eight of Cups tries to tell you that you don’t fit perfectly in this relationship. If you can’t see yourself spending the rest of your life with this person, it might be time to move on.

People often get stuck in relationships because they don’t want to leave their comfort zones, which is unfair.

You need to be perfectly honest with yourself and make the right move.

If you’re single, maybe it’s time to get out a little and rejoin the dating scene.

Tarotoo card

Upright Eight of Cups in Career

Leaving something behind in your career may have multiple meanings. Sure, you could be leaving a stressful job. Maybe you’re sick and tired of your unfulfilling job, so you’re interested in a new opportunity.

But at the same time, if you’re alright with your job, it could also be a matter of taking a holiday. Maybe you just need to go away for a few weeks.

If you’re not sure about your job, there are times when you may have to cut your losses. You need to analyze all the factors associated with your job upfront.

Upright Eight of Cups in Money

Your finances may go in the same direction. Sometimes, you need to leave your work behind in order to grow. From this point of view, you may have to ditch financial security in order to build something greater, with even more rewards in the long run.

You shouldn’t make any decisions before analyzing everything upfront. Be cautious and make sure you don’t spend on things you don’t need.

With these thoughts in mind, the upright Eight of Cups could also be seen as a warning.

Upright Eight of Cups in Health

When it comes to your health, the upright Eight of Cups tells you that you focus on the wrong things. You’re dwelling on bad things in life, which will obviously affect your well-being as well. The idea is to change your mindset a little.

As you learn to prioritize, your health will become more important, so you’ll clearly notice some improvements.

With these ideas in mind, even a holiday could reset you.

The Eight of Cups is not necessarily a card about pregnancy but about change. This could also mean a pregnancy is on its way, even if it’s not planned.

If you’re not sure how someone feels about you, the upright Eight of Cups tells you that they’re questioning your connection at the moment. They don’t know if they’ll be happy with you in the long run, so their decision may go in any direction.

Their intentions are doubtful, too. The card shows they raise doubts about how you two connect. That person isn’t 100% sure if you’re the right person and may walk away.

They see you as someone who they may let go, only for them to grow. There are simply too many questions causing confusion.

As for what you should do, the upright Eight of Cups may indicate the necessity to move on. You may even have to leave something comfortable behind, but that’s how you move forward.

Meaning of Reversed Eight of Cups

The reversed Eight of Cups may or may not indicate the need to move on. In other words, it’s a confusing card. You’re confused because you’re not sure what’s best for you, and you don’t want to let go of the past.

Apart from feeling confused, you may feel aimless as well. The issue is caused by your incapacity to set some straight goals in life. A deep analysis of your life should put you back on track and show you the right way.

Reversed Eight of Cups in Love & Relationships

In love and relationship, the reversed Eight of Cups tells you that you should move on, yet there’s something holding you back. Indeed, it’s hard to leave something you’ve worked on, not to mention the emotions, feelings, and time invested.

But then, there are times when you just have to move on, especially if it doesn’t seem to work in the long run.

Give yourself time to clear the fog, and you’ll be able to make your own decisions accordingly.

Reversed Eight of Cups in Career

Deep down inside you, you know that your career isn’t going in the right direction, yet you find it hard to move on. You know that there’s not much you can change. You accept things for no reason. It doesn’t trigger your creativity, and it doesn’t give you the option to grow.

Despite the confusion, it’s important to analyze the situation objectively. The same rule applies to those who run a business. Sometimes, it’s wiser to cut your losses and let go.

Reversed Eight of Cups in Money

The upright Eight of Cups tells you to leave financial security behind for better rewards. The reversed alternative tells you it’s hard to do it. Maybe you’re in a job that gives you security, but you know it doesn’t make you happy.

To make the best decision, you have to consider your own happiness and determine how much it’s worth. Maybe start a new savings account to help you if you do decide to move on.

Reversed Eight of Cups in Health

The reversed Eight of Cups tells you that you’re doing something wrong. You do have the power to change it, but somehow, you decide to keep yourself in the respective situation. The impact on your health is significant.

It could be about joining a gym or changing a diet. Sure, it might be a bit stressful, but it’s the only way to improve your health at the moment.

The reversed Eight of Cups isn’t associated with a pregnancy either. However, if this is what the reading is about, it could indicate negativity, such as a difficult pregnancy. Ideally, you should avoid conceiving at this time.

If you want to know someone’s feelings for you, they fear to leave you. They want to do it, but they don’t know what’s going to happen after. Something is definitely holding them back. Eventually, they may go for it.

Their intentions are similar. They feel like they no longer belong there, so they try to release themselves from a trap, but they’re afraid to do it. It’s not what you want to hear, but that’s the situation at the moment.

People see you as someone who can make decisions for them. Your relationship isn’t great, but you’re in a comfort zone. They know things aren’t going the right way, though.

As for what you should do, sit down and analyze everything. The card is about confusion. Sometimes, it might be better to move on. Other times, it might be wiser to stay. You’re the only one who can make this decision though.

Numerological Meaning of Eight of Cups

Associated with the number 8, the Eight of Cups relates to wanderlust. But when it comes to traditional numerology, it relates to a series of positive elements, such as Infinity, balance, Fluidity and inspiration.

The number 8 also relates to perception and sustainability, as well as success and good intentions.

You are normally guided to step back and assess your situation and motivation. Sometimes, this destruction could make room for something better and stronger. But other times, it could be senseless.

The number 8 also signifies courage and action because to a lot of people, that’s what it means. It could also be negative if the card is reversed and may relate to weakness or even a consistent abuse of power.

Astrological Meaning of Eight of Cups

In astrology, the Eight of Cups has a few different associations.

For example, it has a good connection with Mercury and its wanderlust. But on the other hand, it can relate to Saturn as well. Saturn has a self destructive nature.

The energy you release is deep and masculine. From many points of view, the interpretation isn’t necessarily about you but also about those around you. In other words, you could be seen as a toxic person.

Zodiac Correspondence of the Eight of Cups

The Eight of Cups is defined by the water element, meaning it’s associated with water based zodiac signs. It’s most commonly interpreted as Pisces, since it’s in the first decan of the sign. Pisces relates to Saturn as well.

Now, from some point of view, this theme is about being mature. Saturn is a mature association, while the Pisces zodiac sign defines rediscovering self in order to find a deeper meaning to life.

The two associations have numerous limits and boundaries when mixed.

In some modern interpretations, the Eight of Cups can also be associated with Leo, which is ruled by the sun. In this particular case, the energy is fiery and more intense.

Yes or No Meaning for the Eight of Cups

Asking a yes or no question? If the Eight of Cups is drawn in an upright position, it indicates a no.

Based on the above interpretations, it may indicate the beginning of something new, something that will help you grow. But then, there’s a risk.

The new beginning could also come after a significant loss. The Eight of Cups also indicates abandonment. It’s a change that will ruin your comfort zone, so something may end in your life. With this aspect in mind, you should also be cautious and get ready to experience sadness.

In a reversed position, the card is a solid yes. Indeed, it’s a foggy situation that you’re not 100% sure about, but the card is encouraging to go for it, as the fog will clear up. You just need to make the first few steps and the darkness will disappear.

At this point, it’s just as important to follow your intuition and heart.

Key Actions

The Eight of Cups is an encouraging card, but not before assessing your situation. Step back, think about what makes you happy and what makes you unhappy. When you have all the details, you’ll be able to leave emotional baggage behind with no issues whatsoever.

It’s not necessarily about emotions and feelings, but also about other situations, such as work.

Whether in an upright or reversed position, you’ll need to honestly assess your life and situation. Like everyone else, you’re probably trying to get better and grow, but you won’t be able to do it based on luck only.

Even if this means writing down the pros and cons of a situation, it’s still better than diving in blindly. And if you’re not convinced, don’t do it. The card is about change and confusion, but it doesn’t mean it’s always a yes card. Sometimes, you’ll just have to stay where you are.

Bottom line, by looking closely at your situation and setting clear goals, you can work through this confusion and find your path again. Remember, this uncertain time can lead to deep thinking and, eventually, clarity in your journey.

Full list of suit of cups cards: