The suit of cups is one of the four suits in the Minor Arcana. Each of them has its own meaning and the cups make no exception either. Like other suits in the Minor Arcana, the cups relate to everyday events and can provide guidance based on the type of reading and position.
When it comes to cups, they have a strong association with the element they represent: water. Water has numerous meanings. It can be gentle water, but it can also be a tidal wave. With these ideas in mind, here’s what you have to know about the cups and their interpretations.
Meaning of the Suit of Cups
Unlike other suits in the tarot deck, cups are quite emotional. Many of their interpretations are based on the actual instinct, as well as your intuition. Based on this, they have numerous meanings related to the emotional state.
Now, like other tarot cards, this influence can go in more directions and may affect your love relationship, connections with friends or even the working environment. They determine how you take a certain situation and how you react to it.
Using the Suit of Cups in Tarot Readings
When you see a cup in your tarot reading, make sure you check your dreams. It’s about your heart and feelings. It could be about massive joy, but it could also be about deep grief. These cards show you how you feel about things, but also how others see you.
Given the water association, most cups encourage you to flow with what you have in mind. They suggest finding happiness in every small thing. Some of the most desirable cards in the tarot deck are cups, but they can also indicate confusion or disappointment.
Like other suits, cups come in 14 cards.
Strengths of the Suit of Cups
Each cup relates to your feelings and thoughts. At its best, a cup can be compassionate but also empathetic. It affects your intuition, which could be so sharp sometimes that those around you may see it as a psychic feature.
Intuition can also boost your creativity. People who see a lot of cups in their readings are normally talented at many things. They love fantasy, and they enjoy dreaming. Sometimes, with a purpose. Other times, it’s just daydreaming.
In some interpretations, the suit of cups also relates to a natural cleansing process, as well as the healing process. Like water, this suit flows and adapts to all sorts of situations.
Weaknesses of the Suit of Cups
Despite their strengths, the cups aren’t perfect. In fact, they have a negative side as well. At their worst, cups symbolize being absorbed in emotions. It signifies a lack of facts and logic. Observations are shaded by thoughts and emotions.
People get absorbed in their own dreams, meaning they pay little to no attention to the real world. At the same time, reversed cups may also indicate a blockage in emotions. Repressing emotions can also cause a lack of creativity.
Most Popular Correspondences for the Suit of Cups
The suit of cups is associated with water and covers personal aspects of the soul, such as emotions, intuition, feelings and relationships. It has a receptive duality and it has the Jungian function of feeling.
Sometimes known as goblets, chalices or vessels, cups are most commonly related to zodiac signs like Cancer, Pisces or Scorpio.
When it comes to their direction, cups head west. As for the best times for such people, they’re the dusk and the fall season.
Cards in the Suit of Cups Explained
Each card in the suit of cups has its own meaning based on interpretation and position.
Ace of Cups
The Ace of Cups is behind a series of fresh feelings and emotions. When you see it, the card encourages you to relax and just dive in. Your heart and emotions can relax, as you’ll be surrounded by support and love from all directions. When reversed, the card shows an emotional loss, emptiness or no creativity.
Two of Cups
The Two of Cups is about a couple. It represents some sort of union, which can affect your life both romantically and professionally. There’s definitely a tie between two people, regardless of the circumstances. If reversed, it shows a lack of balance, as well as tension and poor communication.
Three of Cups
The Three of Cups is about celebrating interpersonal connections. It’s about using teamwork and support to succeed. It tells you that you’re part of a group that can be there for you. You do need to understand that you have to connect to these people.
The Three of Cups could also be reversed, showing too much indulgence and isolation. It may also refer to gossip.
Four of Cups
The Four of Cups shows that you’re not entirely happy. You’re not satisfied with your position in life. Your heart and brain aren’t aligned, either. You need to ensure you’re grateful for what you have. Otherwise, you’ll be missing some amazing opportunities. In other words, the card tells you to open your mind.
If reversed, the card indicates the necessity to choose happiness over other things, but also acceptance and awareness.
Five of Cups
The Five of Cups is a mess. You’ve been through an emotional trauma, so you’re a mess right now. Your expectations were too much for what happened, so the card is also associated with disappointment. You’ll have to understand what forgiveness means but also learn how to let things go.
In a reversed position, the Five of Cups suggests finding peace. It’s a card about acceptance, as you’ll have to take things as they are in order to move on.
Six of Cups
The Six of Cups carries a message of innocence. You’re willing to learn and you feel good about the future. There aren’t too many worries in your life, pretty much like when you were a kid. Try to look for new possibilities in life, especially in the present time.
When reversed, the Six of Cups shows independence. It’s time to leave home and move forward in life.
Seven of Cups
The Seven of Cups shows the possibility of something different. You live life as it is, but your imagination tells you that it could be different. There’s no outcome or destiny set in stone, so you can still work for different results. Make sure your dreams are realistic, though.
If reversed, the Seven of Cups shows lack of purpose in life. It’s a confusing card that could also symbolize a diversion in life.
Eight of Cups
The Eight of Cups is one of the cups you don’t want to see because it refers to a big disappointment. It’s basically an emotional setback. It’s not the news you want to hear, but this is life. However, putting more energy into this situation won’t take you anywhere, so you’ll have to understand your feelings and let go.
If reversed, the Eight of Cups shows the fear of change, as well as the fear of loss.
Nine of Cups
Often referred to as a wish card, the Nine of Cups shows fulfilment and happiness. It’s a positive card everyone wants to see, as it shows joy and love. No matter how you feel right now, seeing this card means things will improve. When reversed, the card is about dissatisfaction and a lack of joy.
Ten of Cups
The Ten of Cups is also a desirable card because it shows celebration and joy. Love will hit you from every possible direction. No matter what you’re up to, you’ll be supported, so you’ll most likely succeed in this venture. If reversed, the Ten of Cups shows shattered dreams or even a broken or damaged family.
Page of Cups
The Page of Cups defines your imagination, ideals and emotions. You’re a sensitive person, but you need to use your mind too in order to balance your feelings. Open yourself to compassion and love will naturally come your way. If the card is reversed, it shows emotional immaturity and disappointment.
Knight of Cups
The Knight of Cups refers to someone who can attract everyone with their charming nature. You’re working hard to turn dreams into reality. The card asks you to find balance but also to act towards your goals. Emotional fulfilment is just one step away. If reversed, the card is associated with disappointment.
Queen of Cups
The Queen of Cups is about understanding what unconditional love means. When you see this card, keep in mind that your intuition and feelings won’t lie to you. Also, feel free to treat others with support and compassion. If you see the card reversed, it indicates insecurities.
King of Cups
The King of Cups shows commitment and passion. None of these things will come without real work. You’ll have to understand what’s happening within yourself. The reversed position shows moodiness and coldness.