Understanding the Basics of Tarot Cards—Cups

The Cups suit is one of the four suits within the Minor Arcana, consisting of fourteen cards. These cards revolve around your overall well-being and true feelings, often impacting the soul. They are the epitome of your love, loss, feelings, and heart, whether surrounding yourself or those around you. While they all share the same overarching themes, each card has its own purpose and meaning.

Ace of Cups

The Ace of Cups represents the healing of past wounds and wrapping yourself in the support of others. You may be in a position where your heart is aching, whether from new or past emotions, and is in desperate need of some love and bandages, but instead is being treated with fear and caution tape. This card is urging you to open up your heart again to allow these wounds to heal over, and to seek affection and support in those around you.

Two of Cups

The Two of Cups is known as the soul mates card. While it often refers to romantic relationships, it can also reflect an extremely deep and mutual partnership. This card symbolizes a connection between two people that is healthy, close, and a cosmic bond. When this card is pulled it either means that a new relationship is coming your way, or that you should focus on and nurture the connections you currently have in your life.

Three of Cups

The Three of Cups is a card of celebration—specifically the celebration of the support, love, and endless encouragement that you have in your life. It's a reminder to give thanks to those who benefit your life and continue to impact your being, thoughts, and actions for the better. When this card arises, it's asking you to open your eyes to the support system you have, and to reach out and connect to them—appreciate all that they supply you.

Four of Cups

The Four of Cups is a card of restlessness, you may be at a point in your life where you feel dissatisfied, disconnected, or disappointed in your life and the path that you’re on. You are seeking change and adventure, searching through different options that can help you get back on the path that you truly desire. When this card comes up, it's telling you that change may not be the answer, but that having a more open outlook on life may be. When you’re in a state of constant bitterness, you are closing off the opportunities for joy and success—the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Five of Cups

The Five of Cups represents your state of emotional upheaval. You are in a place of grieving, sorrow, facing failed expectations, or mourning broken promises. You may be facing emotions of great regret or guilt when this card is pulled, whether over a certain situation or a reflection on a larger theme in life. When you see this card, it symbolizes your need to forgive yourself and others, and allow yourself to find hope, lick your wounds, and move on.

Six of Cups

The Six of Cups is the manifestation of your childhood and younger self, a mark of naivety and hope for the future. It's asking you to seek back to a child-like innocence, optimism, and willingness to learn and grow. When you pull this card, it's a reminder that your inner-child is present and that they are seeking new adventures and possibilities. Even if your childhood wasn’t the most joyful, it’s never too late to embrace the moment and childish dreams.

Seven of Cups

The Seven of Cups is the card of imagination and your vision of a dream future that differs from your current state of life. You are most likely a dreamer and live heavily in the future rather than the present. This is a card of duality, as it encourages raising expectations and chasing your fantasies, yet also warning you not to become too diluted and blinded to reality. When this card appears, analyze your dreams, goals, and fears, and how to realistically realistically thrive within them.

Eight of Cups

The Eight of Cards is one of betrayal, heartache, or emotional setbacks and wounds. While not necessarily a card that someone wants to see in a reading, it's one that also brings understanding and reassurance. You’re in a place where you feel as though you’ve done everything in your power to succeed within a situation, yet continue to be faced with disappointment and what feels like failure. This card is a sign that it’s time to let go and walk away. You are putting all of your energy into people, situations, and actions that are taking you nowhere and leaving you feeling drained. Stop falling back into old patterns if it's harming you.

Nine of Cups

The Nine of Cups, known as the wish card, is one of the most fulfilling cards within the tarot deck. It represents an abundance of love, happiness, and gratitude within your life. When this card is pulled, it's telling you that things are looking up and will continue to flourish. It’s a reminder to also focus on all the good aspects of life and to seek out positivity and love.

Ten of Cups

The Ten of Cups is another card that revolves around joy and fulfillment. This card represents family, whether of relation or of personal creation, and the celebration of togetherness and connection. You are surrounded by love, and are hopefully feeling the abundance of positivity and affection. When this card is pulled. Its reassurance that the people in your life support you and your actions, that you are on the right path and people are happy to hold your hand as you keep moving forward.

Page of Cups

The Page of Cups is a person that is emotionally open and has prioritized their imagination and need for connection. They are sensitive, but have continued to make strides towards balancing their emotions and growing strong in their will-power. You are most likely entering a new relationship (whether romantic or platonic), emotional phase, or creative project. This card is telling you to be open to love and compassion, and that the universe will reward you within these new endeavors.

Knight of Cups

The Knight of Cups is known for his heart of gold and charming aura. He is constantly chasing his dreams and ultimate goals, doing everything in his power to make them a reality. He is reminding you to chase after what you want, but to do so in a way that is realistic and practical. When this card is pulled, you are seeking emotional fulfillment and it is coming your way, but only if you truly fight for it.

Queen of Cups

The Queen of cups is the epitome of deep emotions and awareness. She is a figure of unconditional love and understanding, feeling empathy and compassion for everyone that crosses her path. She feels everything, and makes it her life goal to heal with affection. When this card is pulled, it's reminding you to not only treat yourself with love and compassion, but also those who surround you.

King of Cups

The King of Cups is deep and intuitive, a figure of strength, intensity, and commitment. He is a master of his own emotions and has learned to balance his heart and his mind in a way that is healthy and awe-inspiring. When this card is pulled, it’s asking you to deeply reflect on yourself and your emotions—what is going on within your mind and heart? It's urging you not to repress your emotions, but rather work through and embrace them.