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Learn to Read Tarot Cards _ The Suit of Cups

The Suit of Cups: An Overview/Brief intro

Each of the suits consists of 14 cards. Ace - ten and then four court cards. Just like we did with the Suit of Wands I’m going to do a brief overview here and eventually we’ll get into every card in more detail.

Cups represent the realms of emotion and spirit. When cups cards show up in abundance it indicates a period of life that is highly emotionally charged, sometimes it indicates a lot of growth or sudden illumination as well. If the cups cards are abundant and mostly reversed it can indicate depression or anxiety or feeling a bit lost on ones path.

Below is a chart with brief descriptions of each of the Cups cards.

• Card: Ace of Cups
• Simple Interpretation: Ace’s symbolize new beginnings & fresh starts. Cups are the suit of emotion/spirituality. In this card the dove of peace decends down upon an overflowing chalice. It can indicate a peaceful new turn of events, or making peace with the past as you move forward. It can also symbolize spiritual awakening.

• Card: Two of Cups
• Simple Interpretation: Cooperation, mutual understanding, a positive partnership, harmony. This cup features a couple sharing the contents of their cups with one another - it speaks of mutual give & take, beneficial partnerships/mergers, conflict resolution/compromise.

• Card: Three of Cups
• Simple Interpretation: Indicates a situation involving more than one person - group situations. Sometimes it can indicate “three’s a crowd” or extramarital type affairs, usually however it speaks of a cause for celebration or a joyous event that brings people together. It can also tell you to take time to stop and celebrate life and what truly matters more.

• Card: Four of Cups
• Simple Interpretation: a period of melancholy or depression, not seeing all one’s options. Too caught up in what you think you want or need to see all the options available. In this card the man sits beneath the tree so focused on the three spilled cups before him he fails to see the divine hand reaching out to him with an overflowing chalice.

• Card: Five of Cups
• Simple Interpretation: spiritual crisis, emotionally drained. A difficult journey about to be embarked upon, sacrifice that leads to a better way of life down the road. Feeling stuck in the past or tied to a situation that has become obsolete. In this card the man is so focused on his sorrows that he doesn’t turn to see the two full cups just behind him. Now knowing how to move forward.

• Card: Six of Cups
• Simple Interpretation: Teacher and the student, the inner child & parent, balancing the creative with the analytical, a harmonious and beneficial blending of opposites. In this card the adult and child share cups of flowers it speaks of blossoming by being both the student and the teacher in life. Everyone you meet is your teacher. Can indicate someone coming into your circle with the knowledge you need to help you proceed.

• Card: Seven of Cups
• Simple Interpretation: Up in the air, a lot of “pie in the sky” hopes, a lot of daydreaming and not much action to bring those dreams “to earth”. Too many options to consider, a need to narrow things down or get better focus.

• Card: Eight of Cups
• Simple Interpretation: Walking away from the past, overcoming depression/sadness as you work to make a fresh start. Spiritual sustenance as you move through a challenging period. In this card the mans staff he leans on speaks of support/faith that carry one through.

• Card: Nine of Cups
• Simple Interpretation: Abundance, enjoying the good life, simple pleasures. Considered a card of “good luck” or a “yes” to whatever your wish is. Can also indicate periods of overindulgence to compensate for feelings of sadness/lack etc. It can also indicate that you may get more than you bargained for.

• Card: Ten of Cups
• Simple Interpretation: pleasure, satisfaction, getting back to what matters, hope/promise, new horizons. In this card the family stand looking joyfully up at a rainbow, it speaks of brighter days ahead.

• Card: Page of Cups
• Simple Interpretation: Intuitive, philosophical, pondering the deeper meanings behind one’s experience, looking at the “big picture” before making a choice. Personality Traits: emotional, complex, deep thinker, sometimes moody or aloof, sensitive

• Card: Knight of Cups
• Simple Interpretation: Romance, excitement, whirlwind of emotions, anxiety, sudden changes that are very emotional or exciting. Personality Traits: obsessive, romantic, driven, compulsive, daring, sometimes overreactive or too emotional.

• Card: Queen of Cups
• Simple Interpretation: Intuition heightened, trusting one’s instincts to guide you into a better way of life. Personal growth or concentrating on areas that will help you grow personally/spiritually. Personality traits: psychic, intense, deeply emotional, complex

• Card: King of Cups
• Simple Interpretation: Compassionate leadership or being a living example to others. Creativity or finding creative solutions to challenges. Initiative and trusting ones instincts. Personality traits: Moody, serious, compassionate, broad minded, creative.