Meanings Of The Tarot Cards - Suit Of Cups
Welcome to the beautiful world of the Suit of Cups in Tarot! This particular suit is all about emotions, intuition, creativity, and relationships. Whenever Cups cards show up in a Tarot reading, you can expect that matters of the heart and the emotional aspects of a situation will be brought to the forefront.
The Suit of Cups is associated with the element of water, which is known for its fluidity and power. Water can be both soft and gentle like waves lapping against the shore or powerful and forceful like a raging river. Water is symbolic of fluidity, feelings and emotions, intuition, relationships, healing, and cleansing. It is a feminine element that reflects the subtle power that often resides within women. It is receptive, adaptable, purifying and flowing. Overall, the Suit of Cups offers a deeper understanding of our emotional landscape.
The Suit of Cups has a total of 14 cards, which are divided into the numbered cards from Ace to 10, and the four Court Cards – Page, Knight, Queen, and King. Each card has a specific meaning and offers valuable insight into the querent’s emotional state and relationships.
A note on reading reversed cards:
Tarot readers have varying opinions on whether to include reversed cards in a reading or not. Reversed cards are when the card appears upside down or in reverse in a Tarot spread, and can change the meaning of the card, providing a layer of nuance and depth to the reading. Ultimately, the decision to use reversed cards is up to the individual reader, but it’s important to interpret them in the context of the surrounding cards and the querent’s situation, and to note that some Tarot decks have a different interpretation of the reversed meaning.
You can check out our article Understanding The Role Of Reversed Cards In Tarot Readings: A Comprehensive Guide
The Suit of Cups
Ace of Cups

Upright: new beginnings, love, emotional fulfillment, creativity, intuition
Reversed: blocked emotions, emotional upheaval, self-doubt, emotional emptiness, lack of inspiration
The Ace of Cups symbolizes new beginnings, emotional fulfillment, and spiritual awakening. It depicts a cup overflowing with water, which represents the abundance of love and compassion that is available to you. This card encourages you to open your heart to new experiences, relationships, and possibilities, and to trust in the power of your emotions and intuition to guide you on your journey. Whether you are seeking love, creative inspiration, or a deeper connection with your inner self, the Ace of Cups invites you to embrace the beauty and richness of life with open arms.
Two of Cups

Upright: partnership, connection, harmony, love, balance
Reversed: disharmony, conflict, imbalance, disconnection, lack of trust
The Two of Cups symbolizes partnership, connection, and harmony. It depicts two cups overflowing with water, which represents the emotional exchange between two people in a loving and supportive relationship. This card encourages you to seek out deep and meaningful connections with others, whether it be in romantic partnerships, friendships, or business relationships. It also suggests that the coming together of two individuals may bring about a mutual sense of balance, respect, and shared values. Whether you are seeking to form new bonds or deepen existing ones, the Two of Cups invites you to open your heart and connect with others on a soulful level.
Three of Cups

Upright: celebration, friendship, community, happiness, creativity
Reversed: overindulgence, excess, gossip, isolation, competition
The Three of Cups symbolizes celebration, joy, and community. It depicts three cups raised high in the air, as three women dance together in a circle with arms linked. This card represents the coming together of people in a spirit of unity, friendship, and shared experience. It encourages you to celebrate your achievements and successes with others, whether it be a promotion, graduation, or other milestone. This card also suggests that you may be entering a period of social activity and connection, where you will enjoy the company of others and feel a sense of belonging. Whether you are celebrating with loved ones or making new connections, the Three of Cups invites you to let your hair down, have fun, and revel in the joy of the moment.
Four of Cups

Upright: contemplation, meditation, introspection, emotional stability, calmness
Reversed: apathy, discontentment, boredom, emotional detachment, lack of motivation
The Four of Cups symbolizes introspection, contemplation, and emotional detachment. It depicts a figure seated with crossed arms, gazing at three cups before them, while a fourth cup is being offered from above. This card suggests that you may be feeling bored, dissatisfied, or unfulfilled with your current situation, and may be turning inward to search for deeper meaning and purpose. It also warns against becoming too absorbed in your own thoughts and emotions, as this can lead to a sense of apathy or detachment from the world around you. Whether you need to take a step back and reassess your priorities, or to open yourself up to new opportunities and perspectives, the Four of Cups invites you to stay present, aware, and receptive to the messages that life is offering you.
Five of Cups

Upright: loss, grief, disappointment, emotional pain, letting go
Reversed: acceptance, moving on, forgiveness, finding closure, emotional healing
The Five of Cups symbolizes loss, grief, and emotional upheaval. It depicts a figure standing before three spilled cups, while two upright cups stand behind them. This card suggests that you may be experiencing a sense of disappointment, sadness, or regret over something that has been lost or left behind. It also warns against dwelling on negative emotions or focusing only on what has gone wrong, as this can lead to a sense of despair or hopelessness. However, the upright cups in the background remind us that there is still hope and positivity to be found, even in difficult times. Whether you need to process your emotions, seek out support from others, or shift your focus to the possibilities ahead, the Five of Cups invites you to acknowledge your pain while also remaining open to the potential for healing and growth.
Six of Cups

Upright: nostalgia, childhood, memories, innocence, generosity
Reversed: clinging to the past, naivety, unrealistic expectations, immaturity, refusing to grow up
The Six of Cups symbolizes nostalgia, innocence, and childhood memories. It depicts two children exchanging cups, while four other cups sit on a shelf behind them. This card suggests that you may be feeling a sense of longing for the past, or for simpler times when life was less complicated. It also invites you to reconnect with the playful and creative aspects of yourself, and to approach life with a sense of wonder and curiosity. Whether you need to revisit old hobbies, connect with loved ones from your past, or simply take a break from the stresses of adult life, the Six of Cups invites you to find joy and comfort in the simple pleasures of life.
Seven of Cups

Upright: choices, possibilities, imagination, fantasy, creativity
Reversed: confusion, illusions, indecision, lack of focus, lost in daydreams
The Seven of Cups symbolizes choices, illusions, and possibilities. It depicts a figure standing before seven cups, each containing a different object or image. This card suggests that you may be facing a situation where there are many options or opportunities available to you, but it may be difficult to discern which is the best path forward. It also warns against getting lost in fantasies or illusions, and encourages you to stay grounded in reality as you make your decision. The Seven of Cups invites you to explore your options, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the path that aligns with your values and goals. Whether you need to do some research, seek advice from others, or tune in to your own intuition, this card reminds you that the power to make the right choice is within you.
Eight of Cups

Upright: walking away, seeking something better, change, transition, growth
Reversed: fear of change, indecision, staying stuck, feeling trapped, giving up too easily
The Eight of Cups symbolizes change, transition, and letting go. It depicts a figure walking away from eight cups, leaving them behind as they embark on a new journey. This card suggests that you may be feeling a sense of discontent or dissatisfaction with your current situation, and may be ready to move on to something new. It also encourages you to be brave and take the necessary steps to pursue your dreams, even if it means leaving behind what is comfortable or familiar. The Eight of Cups invites you to trust in the journey ahead, and to have faith that the universe is guiding you towards your highest good. Whether you need to let go of old patterns, relationships, or beliefs, this card reminds you that releasing what no longer serves you is a necessary part of growth and transformation.
Nine of Cups

Upright: satisfaction, happiness, emotional fulfillment, wishes coming true, gratitude
Reversed: dissatisfaction, greed, materialism, superficiality, unrealistic expectations
The Nine of Cups symbolizes fulfillment, satisfaction, and happiness. It is often referred to as the “wish card,” as it depicts a figure sitting before nine cups, each filled with a different treasure, and looking content and fulfilled. This card suggests that you may be experiencing a sense of emotional or material abundance, and feeling grateful for the blessings in your life. It also encourages you to celebrate your successes and to take pride in your accomplishments. The Nine of Cups invites you to embrace a sense of joy and contentment, and to share your happiness with others. Whether you need to express gratitude, connect with loved ones, or simply revel in the goodness of life, this card reminds you that you are deserving of all the abundance and joy that the universe has to offer.
Ten of Cups

Upright: harmony, happiness, emotional fulfillment, family, community
Reversed: disharmony, broken relationships, family conflicts, disconnection, lack of emotional support.
The Ten of Cups symbolizes joy, harmony, and emotional fulfillment. It depicts a family standing together under a rainbow, with ten cups arranged in an arc above them. This card suggests that you may be experiencing a sense of deep connection and happiness in your personal relationships, and feeling supported and loved by those around you. It also encourages you to nurture your relationships and to create a sense of harmony and peace in your home and family life. The Ten of Cups invites you to celebrate the abundance of love and joy in your life, and to cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for those who make your heart feel full. Whether you need to express love, deepen connections, or simply bask in the warmth of companionship, this card reminds you that the ultimate fulfillment in life comes from the love and support of those closest to you.
Page of Cups

Upright: creativity, intuition, sensitivity, new beginnings, messages
Reversed: emotional immaturity, lack of creativity, moodiness, unrealistic expectations, bad news
The Page of Cups symbolizes creativity, imagination, and emotional openness. It depicts a young figure holding a cup, which may contain a fish, a symbol of intuition and creativity. This card suggests that you may be feeling a sense of inspiration or creative energy, and may be open to new emotional experiences and connections. It also encourages you to listen to your intuition and to express your emotions authentically and openly. The Page of Cups invites you to approach life with a sense of wonder and curiosity, and to cultivate a childlike sense of playfulness and creativity. Whether you need to explore a new hobby, connect with your inner child, or express your emotions in a creative way, this card reminds you that you have the capacity for deep emotional connection and artistic expression.
Knight of Cups

Upright: romance, charm, creativity, emotional intelligence, pursuit of dreams
Reversed: moodiness, emotional manipulation, insincerity, unfaithfulness, creative block
The Knight of Cups symbolizes romance, charm, and emotional adventure. It depicts a knight on horseback holding a cup, which represents emotional energy and intuition. This card suggests that you may be feeling drawn to new experiences or relationships, and may be willing to take risks in pursuit of your heart’s desires. It also encourages you to trust your intuition and to follow your heart, even if it means leaving behind what is safe or familiar. The Knight of Cups invites you to embrace your emotions and to allow yourself to be vulnerable in matters of the heart. Whether you need to express your feelings, take a chance on love, or pursue your passions, this card reminds you that you have the courage and charisma to pursue your dreams and desires.
Queen of Cups

Upright: emotional stability, intuition, nurturing, empathy, compassion
Reversed: emotional instability, over-sensitivity, moodiness, co-dependency, manipulation
The Queen of Cups symbolizes emotional intelligence, empathy, and nurturing. It depicts a queen seated on a throne, holding a cup that symbolizes her emotional depth and intuition. This card suggests that you may be experiencing a sense of emotional stability and inner wisdom, and may be able to offer comfort and support to those around you. It also encourages you to trust your instincts and to tap into your intuition in matters of the heart. The Queen of Cups invites you to cultivate a sense of compassion and empathy, and to create a safe and nurturing space for those in need. Whether you need to offer support to a loved one, connect with your inner wisdom, or simply honor your emotions, this card reminds you that you have the capacity for deep emotional connection and caring.
King of Cups

Upright: emotional maturity, diplomacy, kindness, leadership, balance
Reversed: emotional volatility, manipulation, emotional detachment, lack of empathy, abuse of power
The King of Cups symbolizes emotional maturity, compassion, and leadership. It depicts a king seated on a throne, holding a cup that represents his emotional depth and intuition. This card suggests that you may be experiencing a sense of emotional balance and wisdom, and may be able to offer guidance and support to those around you. It also encourages you to lead with compassion and to prioritize the well-being of yourself and others. The King of Cups invites you to cultivate a sense of empathy and understanding, and to create a safe and nurturing space for those in need. Whether you need to provide guidance, connect with your emotions, or simply take care of yourself and those around you, this card reminds you that you have the capacity for deep emotional connection and leadership.
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