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Tarot Suits: The Cups Cards

Learn the meaning of the Tarot cards in the suit of Cups

This article's content includes contributions from Tarot.com writer Christine Payne-Towler.

Your cup runneth over! This saying refers to an abundance of feelings, luck, and joy, and it's a great way to think about Tarot's suit of Cups.

The suit of Cups is connected to our emotions, our relationships, and matters of the soul. When a Cups card comes up in your Tarot reading, pay attention to your dreams, your heart, and your intuitions. From great joy to immense grief, the Cups cards reveal how we truly feel -- and how others feel about us.

The Cups cards are associated with the summer season and the Water element, encouraging you to flow with your feelings and find happiness wherever you are. Some of the most fortunate of all Tarot cards are in the Cups suit, yet these cards can also turn up when you’re feeling confused about a relationship, disappointed with life, or lacking confidence in yourself.

The suit of Cups in a classic Tarot deck consists of 14 Tarot cards, beginning with the Ace of Cups and progressing upward through the 10 of Cups, then concluding with the four Court cards, the Page, Knight, Queen, and King of Cups.

Keep reading to learn about the meaning of each card in the suit of Cups.

See if the Cups cards have a message for YOU with a Celtic Cross Tarot reading »

Ace of Cups

The Ace of Cups shows a hand holding up an overflowing cup, which fountains forth an endless stream of refreshment and healing. It is an unfailing source of balm for body, heart, and soul, and represents fresh feelings. When the Ace of Cups appears in your Tarot reading, it suggests that you open your heart and relax into a safety net of love, support, and communion. Learn more about the Ace of Cups

Two of Cups

The Two of Cups signifies a union of soul mates. It often refers to romantic relationships, but can indicate any partnership that is based on affinity and deep mutual understanding. This card highlights a karmic tie between individuals -- the point when two become one, and everyone wins. When the Two of Cups appears in your Tarot reading, put your focus on the closest relationship in your life, and nurture it in every way you can. Learn more about the Two of Cups

Three of Cups

The Three of Cups calls on you to celebrate the kindred spirits in your life. It implies a spirit of agreement, mutual support, encouragement, and teamwork. It reminds you that you belong to a group of like-minded people, and that there are great benefits to maintaining harmonious relationships. When the Three of Cups turns up in your Tarot reading, it asks you to realize all the support and understanding that is available to you. Reach out and reconnect with those closest to you. Learn more about the Three of Cups

Four of Cups

The Four of Cups refers to a restless time, when you have become dissatisfied with life and disappointed with where you now sit. Feeling stagnant and longing for change, your heart is questioning its options, and you may find yourself pulling away from the world. When the Four of Cups comes up in your Tarot reading, beware becoming so self-absorbed and ungrateful that you cannot even see the joyful opportunities that are right in front of you. A more open outlook can change everything. Learn more about the Four of Cups

Five of Cups

The Five of Cups traditionally portrays the mess that is left after an emotional upheaval. It is a card of grief and unmet expectations. When the Five of Cups appears in your Tarot reading, you may find yourself wallowing in regret and disappointment over the outcome of a particular situation. To change these feelings, you must let go and practice forgiveness -- toward others, and yourself. Hope is not lost; let your troubles become lessons, and move on. Learn more about the Five of Cups

Six of Cups

The Six of Cups harkens back to childhood, when you were young and enthusiastic and the future was wide open. It carries messages of openness and innocence, a willingness to learn, and an optimism that things will get better. If the Six of Cups shows up in your Tarot reading, try to remember this same freshness and those new possibilities -- they are still with you now. Whether your past was a joy or a disappointment, real magic lies in the present moment; it’s never too late. Learn more about the Six of Cups

Seven of Cups

The Seven of Cups typically refers to your imagination, and the idea of inventing a present or future that is different than the life you are currently living. This card reminds you that your outcome is not set in stone. You can raise your hopes and expectations and upgrade your results. However, you can also become so entranced by your wishes that you lose sight of reality. When the Seven of Cups appears in your Tarot reading, embrace a sense of magic, but consider your dreams, your fears, and your assumptions that could be hiding what’s really happening. Learn more about the Seven of Cups

Eight of Cups

The Eight of Cups often signifies a great disappointment, an emotional setback, betrayal, or heartache. This is a hard card to receive, but a realistic one. When you’ve done all you possibly can and things still aren’t panning out as you wished, it’s time to walk away. This is the message when the Eight of Cups turns up in your Tarot reading. Don’t continue to put all your energy into a situation that will take you nowhere. Instead, focus on understanding your upset feelings and the actions that led you here, so you don’t end up back in the same place. Learn more about the Eight of Cups

Nine of Cups

The Nine of Cups is a card of great happiness and fulfillment. Sometimes called the "Wish Card," the Nine of Cups is one of the most positive cards you can receive in a Tarot reading. It is an indicator of much love, joy, and gratitude. When the Nine of Cups comes up in your reading, know that things are about to get a lot better. Until they do, put all your focus on the good things in your life and do not dwell on the negative -- positivity attracts positivity. Learn more about the Nine of Cups

Ten of Cups

The Ten of Cups is one of the the happiest and most joyful cards in the whole Tarot deck, and represents family and togetherness, celebration, and ultimate joy. Love and support extend in all directions, in a grand emotional safety net. When the Ten of Cups appears in your Tarot reading, your current actions are being supported, and you should be feeling good about the direction you’re taking. Learn more about the Ten of Cups

Page of Cups

The Page of Cups represents a poetic, mystical, emotionally open young person, idealistic and very imaginative. He is a sensitive soul, but must work to achieve a stronger will and more calculating mind to balance his emotional side. When the Page of Cups turns up in your Tarot reading, you may be in the early stages of a new relationship, creative project, or emotional phase. You are encouraged to embrace the innocence of your inner child. Open yourself to love, compassion, and anticipation, and the universe will reward you. Learn more about the Page of Cups

Knight of Cups

The Knight of Cups has a heart of gold. He is knowledgeable and experienced in matters of the heart, and carries a charming and attractive air about him. He is not content letting his dreams remain dreams ... he seeks to turn them into reality. He serves as a reminder to balance your wishes and dreams with practicality and real action. When the Knight of Cups comes up in your Tarot reading, it is a message that something will enter your life that can bring you great emotional fulfillment. Learn more about the Knight of Cups

Queen of Cups

The Queen of Cups is the embodiment of femininity and emotion. She is an intuitive and sensitive soul who is supremely understanding and offers unconditional love. She is the classic "feeler," able to connect with situations and others on a very deep level. When the Queen of Cups shows up in your Tarot reading, you are reminded to trust your inner feelings, and treat others with compassion, love, and support. Learn more about the Queen of Cups

King of Cups

The King of Cups is so deep that he doesn’t even need to speak to communicate his strength, passion, and commitment. Intense and intuitive, he is a force to be reckoned with. Through much work and experience he has mastered his emotions, and is able to balance his aware heart with the power of his mind. When the King of Cups appears in your Tarot reading, dig deep and seek to truly understand what is going on within you. Do not avoid your feelings; lean into them and work through them -- rewards lie on the other side. Learn more about the King of Cups