TL;DR
Ever wondered about the meaning of the Cups suit in tarot? Or more specifically the meaning of the Knight of Cups and what he represents in a love reading? Or perhaps, you have pulled the Ace of Cups reversed and you would like to know how its meaning differs from its upright version.Learning tarot does not need to be a daunting task! While a tarot deck is seemingly complicated with its 78 cards and two separate Arcanas, breaking the deck down into digestible chunks is an easy and effective way of learning tarot. In this article, learn about the Cups suit specifically and what it represents in the broader context of tarot.
Cups Meaning in Tarot
The Cups suit in tarot rules the emotional, humanitarian and creative side to ourselves. They are symbolic of familial, platonic and romantic relationships and, above all, represent our feelings rather than thoughts and actions. For this reason, the Cups suit is often associated with the famously emotive water signs of Pisces, Scorpio and Cancer. With that in mind, Cups are a wonderful suit as they represent how we feel about the world around us and how we connect to others on a spiritual level. As the four suits in tarot correspond to the earth’s four seasons, Cups represent the season of Summer and all of its joy, warmth and birth. When Cup cards dominate a reading, you can be sure that emotions are running high for the questioner; it is likely to be a reading centered around love, relationships and all sorts of extremes in feelings.
However, the negative aspects of the Cups suit includes excessive emotionality or, on the flip side, disinterest and a lack of compassion. These more negative traits typically crop up when Cups cards are reversed in a reading, and generally speaking represent the moments when we do not regulate our emotions in a suitable way. Reversed Cup cards can also indicate when love is fading or when individuals are living in a fantasy land, detached from reality - these people may have repressed emotions or an inability to communicate properly.
Cups Tarot Deck Order
All number cards in a tarot deck correspond to a certain meaning. For instance, twos in tarot represent balancing ideas and duality and this message is similar throughout all four suits. However, when a card’s suit is factored into the equation, we see a more complete picture associated with the card. Listed below is a description of every card of the Cups suit in a tarot deck, with both their upright and reversed meaning.
Ace of Cups
Budding romances, falling in love and meeting a soulmate are well starred with the Ace of Cups. At the very least, you can expect positive new friendships to emerge. The card also indicates the people we love in general but is often connected to romance. Interestingly though, it sometimes shows the birth of a child. The Ace of Cups is a very positive card symbolizing new beginnings, newness and freshness in general.
Ace of Cups Reversed
Love may be arriving soon, but when the Ace of Cups is reversed, love will not be immediate. Other things may need to happen first that pave the way for a more successful connection with someone. This card teaches us to slow down and avoid self-sabotaging when it comes to romance.
Two of Cups
Representing a pair, the Two of Cups is linked to partnerships, often romantic. The card may symbolize two people falling in love and embarking on a spiritual journey with each other. There may also be an engagement or decision to live together. In general though, romance is destined to flourish when this card is pulled. Even business partnerships can be indicated with the Two of Cups, meaning there will be real friendship and an excellent working relationship ahead.
Two of Cups Reversed
The 2 of Cups reversed shows a possible parting of ways between two people in a relationship. It may be a temporary split, but could also indicate a permanent separation. This card can also indicate a situation in which one partner is far more committed and involved than the other. When the Two of Cups is pulled in reverse, it may represent a reluctance to take a relationship to the next step.
Three of Cups
This card reminds us that it is time to celebrate and enjoy family, friends and loved ones. The Three of Cups shows when a celebration such as a wedding, christening or family party is coming up. Fun and pleasant times are shown to lie ahead and accomplishments are recognised and rewarded.
Three of Cups Reversed
This card can signal the downfalls of our personal connections with others. Desired marriages may not take place, romantic relationships may grow to be superficial and exciting celebrations may be canceled unexpectedly. The Three of Cups in reverse is certainly a card of disappointment when it comes to love, family and friendships.
Four of Cups
The Four of cups shows dissatisfaction with one’s lot, even if it is not justified. It warns of the misery we can cause ourselves by wanting what we can’t have. There is a large advantage that the questioner has not noticed yet, and it is sitting right under their nose.
Four of Cups Reversed
As reversed cards represent a (somewhat) reversal of the upright meaning, the Four of Cups reversed is actually a fairly positive, motivating card to pull. The card represents a person taking decisive action by getting what they want out of life and grabbing opportunities as they arise.
Five of Cup
With this card there is sadness, misery, loss and feelings of regret. Sometimes this card indicates a feeling of foolishness over one's actions and excessive rumination of the past. However, this card still calls you to snap out of this negative mindset and to keep your sights set on moving forwards. All is not lost and our feelings and emotions have a lot to answer for in regards to how things can sometimes play out. Stay positive and expect greater rewards. This negative patch is quick passing.
Five of Cups Reversed
Feelings of sadness, loss and regret have lingered for a while but are soon to fade. These feelings will have certainly left a mark on the questioner, but a newfound positive mindset will see these scars as valuable life lessons moving forwards. The Five of Cups reversed shows us a glimpse of happiness to come or even the chance of reuniting with people from the past.
Six of Cups
The Six of Cups is the card of family, devotion and being dutiful to those that we love. It suggests current relationships with friends and family are likely going well and the questioner is enjoying spending time concentrating on the more meaningful things in life. It also symbolizes reaching into the past in order to pave the way forwards. Old talents and skills will be put to good use once again.
Six of Cups Reversed
In reverse, the Six of Cups can signify problems afflicting the family. Perhaps this means family members are at loggerheads or not communicating effectively. On the other hand, it may mean the loss of a family figurehead which has affected other family members very adversely.
Seven of Cups
This card represents foolish fantasies and failing to see life as it really is. There is a sense that the questioner may be burying their head in the sand to avoid taking responsibility or addressing situations which need to be dealt with. We only make life harder for ourselves by avoiding the inevitable, so this card tells us it’s time to take action now.
Seven of Cups Reversed
This card is suggestive of a person becoming grounded and adopting a more realistic view of life. This person is practical, pragmatic and not afraid to face the truth. They have a mature head on their shoulders and are willing to take things at face value. Depending on the situation at hand, this card may represent a person in the questioner’s life or the questioner themselves.
Eight of Cups
The Eight of Cups shows the need to walk away from a situation which has run its course. There may be an overwhelming desire to escape whatever is consuming the questioner at present. There is also a sense of looking over one’s shoulder and thinking ‘what if’ or ‘maybe it’s worth one last try’, however, the answer is no. Walk toward the light at the end of the tunnel. The situation is coming to an end and the questioner will benefit greatly from starting fresh.
Eight of Cups Reversed
In reverse, I see a sped up version of the upright meaning. There is definitely a much more encouraging situation and future revealing itself now. It represents a person that has already walked away from their problems and is moving away from a horrible situation once and for all.
Nine of Cups
The Nine of Cups is all about success and satisfaction in life. All emotional, material and financial aspects of life will run very smoothly and there is a sense of general comfort surrounding the questioner. This card reminds us that it’s time to look back and reflect on all that we have achieved.
Nine of Cups Reversed
When the Nine of Cups is reversed, it doesn’t show a complete juxtaposition of the upright meaning. Instead, it shows that there is partial success in life, but things may be feeling a bit stagnant at the moment. Things could be better, but they could also be worse.
Ten of Cups
This card can be seen as a ‘wish card’ of sorts. It calls us to start wishing for what we want as we might just get it. It is a tremendously happy card in that it can also indicate marriage, children, work and budding romances. Life is set to be smooth sailing for the time being and there is a general feeling of happiness, joy and contentment. The Ten of Cups is incredibly lucky and exciting.
Ten of Cups Reversed
The same message of the upright meaning applies to the Ten of Cups in reverse, but the feelings of joy will be watered down somewhat. Something is getting in the way of things being exceedingly perfect at the moment, so the questioner is implored to figure out how to shift this niggling blockage.
Cups Court Cards Explained
The court cards (sometimes referred to as ‘character cards’) in the Cups suit are emotional, artistic, humane and creative individuals. They have a fondness for animals and nature and are very negatively affected by the suffering of others. In other words, they are the empaths of all court cards in a tarot deck.
Page of Cups
The Page of Cups (sometimes referred to as the ‘Princess of Cups’) often signifies a charming, blossoming romance between two young individuals. It can also signify a young person with a loving and reflective nature. However, when this card is pulled in the context of an older person, it gives the sense that maturity is lacking and there is a need for this individual to grow up.
Page of Cups Reversed
The Page of Cups in reverse indicates immaturity of emotions and difficulties within this blossoming affair - there may be petty arguments or disagreements that weigh on both of these young individuals. Otherwise, this card can signal general behavioral issues in a person.
Knight of Cups
The Knight of Cups (sometimes called the ‘Prince of Cups’) symbolizes an honorable and reliable young person with an open heart. For older individuals, this card may represent a sense of youthfulness in both appearance and character. On occasion, the Knight of Cups can also suggest a proposal is on its way.
Knight of Cups Reversed
The Knight of Cups in reverse can suggest a romance is starting to fade. The questioner may feel disappointed in love or unfilled by broken promises. When symbolizing a specific person, this card can suggest an unreliable character with erratic emotions.
Queen of Cups
The Queen of Cups represents a loving and caring person who has a gentle nature. The Queen represents maturity and the blossoming of the feminine side of an individual. That being said, she is no fool and can read people when they are being deceptive. She is an excellent judge of character and sensitive to people’s feelings.
Queen of Cups Reversed
In reverse, this card is suggestive of a spoiled, dramatic character. This figure can be selfish at times, and although not inherently a bad person, they have many personal flaws that ought to be worked on. Jealousy and a fear of rejection is also highlighted with this card.
King of Cups
The King of Cups is a loving, paternal figure. He is compassionate, kind and emotionally strong when he needs to be. He exercises authority with charm and care, rather than discipline or cruel words. In the past, he may have let people run rings around him and exploit his good nature, but you can be certain that his heart is always in the right place.
King of Cups Reversed
In reverse, the King of Cups may be self-centered or unable to provide love due to rejection suffered in the past. He can also be a possessive or jealous person, making relationships with him emotionally taxing. This card can also represent the end of a relationship where one partner has displayed particularly toxic traits.
The Cups suit in tarot is linked to all things emotional, romantic and spiritual. Our personal connections and the ways in which we feel in these connections are all highlighted when Cups cards are pulled in a tarot reading. Whether we are overjoyed or grieving, the Cup cards reveal our true feelings - and how others feel about use.
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