Are you ready to learn tarot? Whether you’re learning tarot by breaking it down suit by suit or using a beginner’s guide to the major and minor arcana, there’s no right or wrong way to start. Regardless of where or how you start, it’s important to understand what each card’s imagery conveys beyond its keywords to accurately read a tarot spread.

Most tarot readers typically recommend learning the major arcana first, since these cards have the most impactful energy and presence in any tarot reading. Afterward, you may want to dedicate time to learn the differences between the minor arcana suits. 

Read on to learn what tarot is, what the Cups suit signifies, and each card within the Cups suit.

🎴  What’s Tarot?

Tarot is a set of playing cards that originally started as a game in the 15th century. Since then, tarot has evolved into a form of divination. Witches, psychics, and more believe that tarot cards can be used to discern spiritual messages. If read correctly, tarot can convey messages regarding the future, one’s spiritual journey, and so much more. 

There are many different tarot decks to choose from—Rider-Waite, Thoth, Tarot of Marseille, and so much more. For this blog post, we will focus on the Rider-Waite’s minor arcana, specifically the Cups suit. The Cups suit is sometimes referred to as other things depending on the tarot deck’s style and aesthetic. Cups may be denoted as hearts, chalices, goblets, etc. Regardless of how it’s referred to, the keywords for the Rider-Waite’s Cups suit may resonate with other depictions of the Cups in different tarot decks.

🔮  Cups Suit: Meanings and Symbolism

The Cups suit is usually a positive omen in any reading. Both tarot readers and clients look forward to seeing the Cups suit, because it typically refers to love, creativity, and emotional energy. For the most part, the Cups suit can confirm relationships, intuition, and creative ventures. However, like any other minor arcana suit, there are still a few cards to keep your eye on.

The Cups suit represents the element water. Water is evocative, deep, and psychic, so the Cups suit can speak to having profound feelings and intuition. The Cups suit may allude to relationships beginning, changing, or ending, depending on the tarot spread. It could also represent the querent’s or someone else’s feelings that may pertain to the tarot reading. The Cups suit will reveal the emotions underlying someone’s actions and decisions. The querent may have a better perspective of the emotional energy fueling a situation in their life. However, the Cups suit doesn’t just refer to feelings and connections. The Cups suit could even represent creativity, inspiration, and imagination in a tarot spread. A new project might be on the horizon, especially if the Cups cards are paired with Wands or Pentacles cards.

Usually, the upright positions of most of the Cups cards are preferred over the reverse positions. Either way, the Cups suit can still suggest the vibration, energy, and intuition a querent may want to pay attention to. Regardless of the Cups suit position, the Cups cards tend to carry a strong emotional energy in a spread. 

Aside from this, the Cups suit is semi-slow thanks to its element. The Cups suit typically represents a month to a few months.

What do the Cups suit cards represent? Read on to discover their overarching meaning, upright keywords, and reverse keywords:

Ace of Cups

The Ace of Cups #1 shows a hand coming out of a cloud and holding a cup overflowing with water, symbolizing a divinely emotional and intuitive new beginning. The cup represents one’s self and subconsciousness, so its five streams of water flowing from it represent the five senses. It can also imply that there's an ever-flowing feeling and intuition. Regardless, the five streams flow from the cup to the ocean below it. The ocean suggests universal consciousness, depth, and connectedness. Lotus flowers float on the surface to reiterate connectedness and love. The hand holding the cup represents self-awareness, showing one has more influence than they think. Aside from this, a dove is seemingly diving into the cup to show peace, harmony, and love.

The Ace of Cups may appear in a tarot reading for a few reasons. A new beginning aligned with love, connection, and creativity might be around the corner. The Ace of Cups is an especially positive sign for romance and connectedness, regardless of relationship status. Singles could take this as a sign that love is coming; Couples can see the Ace of Cups as a symbol of renewed and everlasting connection. The Ace of Cups could herald more emotional fulfillment and satisfaction to signal happiness. Aside from this, the querent could view the Ace of Cups as a sign to dive into their creativity. However, the Ace of Cups reversed may suggest that there won’t be a new beginning in love, creativity, or connection—at least, not right away. The Ace of Cups reversed might be a sign for the querent to focus on self-love instead of romantic love at this time. It could also imply that the querent is denying their feelings or abandoning their creativity if they’re overwhelmed with other things in their life.

Upright Keywords: New beginnings, love, creativity

Reversal Keywords: Self-love, absence of romantic love, repressed feelings

2 of Cups

The 2 of Cups shows a man and a woman coming together. They appear to be either cheering or exchanging cups, along with pledges of love, connection, and commitment. Both individuals may look timid, but pay attention to the symbol between them floating about their cups. At the top of the symbol is a lion to represent the passion and romance between these lovers. The lion sits on top of a staff with an intertwining snake known as the Caduceus of Hermes. The Caduceus of Hermes is a symbol of Hermes (Mercury in Roman mythology) to signify communication, travel, and exchange. These symbols allude to a more meaningful connection despite the man and woman appearing bashful in their meeting. The 2 of Cups shows rolling green hills in the background. The vibrancy suggests fertility and new beginnings, whereas the small hill between the man and woman could allude to potential obstacles. Regardless, the sky is a clear blue, so this card boasts an optimistic new beginning in partnership.

The 2 of Cups is a positive card to receive in any tarot reading. Regardless of the querent’s question or position of the card, the 2 of Cups almost always refers to connection and partnership. It might be a positive omen that love is coming in, so this may confirm that a new relationship will work out or a friendship will blossom. The 2 of Cups could also imply that support is on the way, and it may come from a one-on-one partnership. The other person coming in is the querent’s equal, so the querent can rest assured in this connection. Occasionally, this might be the querent’s cue to reach out to their loved ones if they’re seeking support. Although the 2 of Cups upright is always positive, the reversal isn’t. The 2 of Cups reversed implies disharmony, distrust, and disconnect. A break-up might be on the horizon, or a budding relationship might be souring before it has time to mature. The querent may not understand why, so they should look toward the Caduceus of Hermes when this card comes out reversed. There’s likely miscommunication or an unequal exchange at the core of the relationship problems. The Caduceus of Hermes is the querent’s cue to talk it out to undo the 2 of Cups reversed.

Upright Keywords: Partnership, new love, mutual attraction

Reversal Keywords: Break-ups, unrequited feelings, mistrust

3 of Cups

The 3 of Cups shows three women dancing and raising their cups in cheer. They look happy and excited as they celebrate. What they’re celebrating isn’t determined, but raising their cups to one another indicates mutual happiness, love, and connection. They celebrate each other and their friendship. The camaraderie is palpable, which is even expressed in the background of the card. Lush, green grass dotted with flowers, fruit, and a pumpkin implies abundance. Whatever they have reaped, they’ve sown, and they celebrate together. When one of them wins, they all win.

The 3 of Cups is an exciting card to receive in a tarot reading. It may signal that the querent is about to come into a welcoming, friendly community if the querent is searching for friends. The 3 of Cups could also encourage the querent to spend more time with their friends and to focus on having fun together. The querent may feel more uplifted, supported, and seen when they connect with mutuals. Aside from friendship, the 3 of Cups represents socializing. There might be a party to go to, or some other celebratory event. If the querent is socializing or seeing friends, then the 3 of Cups is a sign that there will be something worth celebrating in the near future. If it’s not the querent’s own success, it might be one of their loved ones who wants to share their good news and accomplishments. While the upright position is positive, the reversal isn’t. The 3 of Cups reversed could suggest that the querent feels alone or is debating on separating from a crowd. It might be time to walk away from friendships that aren’t mutual, reciprocal, and positive. It could also imply that “three’s a crowd”, so it might be time to focus on one-on-one connections instead of a group. Aside from this, the 3 of Cups reversed could be the querent’s cue to have some alone time, especially if the querent is coming off a very social period where they have been go, go, go. In some cases, the 3 of Cups reversed might be a caution against partying or drinking too much—pro-tarot readers must use their discernment with this interpretation. Finally, the 3 of Cups reversed may signify missing out on social times and community if the querent is feeling lonely. It could be a call to get more involved. 

Upright Keywords: Celebration, friendship, sociability

Reversal Keywords: Party’s over, three’s a crowd, introversion

4 of Cups

The 4 of Cups depicts a young man sitting under a tree. His arms and legs are crossed to show discontent and immovability, as if he won’t stray from his position. His face shows deep thought and contemplation, or perhaps apathy and unhappiness—the interpretation is up to the tarot reader. He appears to be staring at the three cups sitting on the ground in front of him. For whatever reason, he’s completely immersed in these cups. So much so, that he doesn’t notice the fourth cup hovering in the sky next to him. The fourth cup is held by an outstretched hand that’s settled in a cloud—a call back to the Ace of Cups. Despite there being another cup that represents a new offer or opportunity, the man seems unaware. He’s so focused on what’s right in front of him that he cannot see what else there might be. Aside from this, the background of the card shows lush greenery, an alive tree, and clear blue skies to indicate that things aren’t as bad as the man may think.

The 4 of Cups is a curious card to receive in a tarot reading, as it often shows the querent’s current mental and emotional state. It may imply that the querent isn’t open to seeing what else there is. The querent might be seriously contemplating whatever’s right in front of them, be it obligations or current opportunities. The 4 of Cups says to meditate and evaluate, but don’t forget that something else could always come in. The 4 of Cups might even be the nudge the querent needs to refocus their attention to consider other possibilities, avenues, and decisions. It might be initially hard if the querent is emotionally immovable, but shifting gears could help the querent redirect their energy and trajectory. Overall, the 4 of Cups says don’t be apathetic. Being an active participant is how one can change one's life. Although the 4 of Cups upright has a more neutral and occasionally negative tone, the reversal is a bit more positive. The 4 of Cups reversed might be a sign that the querent is about to make a change after being disengaged, apathetic, or contemplative for so long. Instead of staying disconnected and discontent, the querent might do something about their situation. Perhaps long-awaited clarity or discernment has sparked this newfound self-awareness and motivation. Regardless, the 4 of Cups reversed implies that it’s time to get active. However, the querent may have to withdraw their time, energy, and resources from other ventures or contemplations to move forward. 

Upright Keywords: Apathy, contemplation, discontent

Reversal Keywords: Withdrawal, awareness, engagement

5 of Cups

The 5 of Cups shows a young man looking down at three toppled cups. He wears a long, black robe to signify his grief and despair. The three cups are strewn about in front of him to represent his disturbed emotional state. It could also represent the 3 of Cups, suggesting that he may have lost his community, friendships, or that he has grief to deal with once the party ended. Either way, he is at a loss. Since the man is so focused on the spilt cups, he doesn’t see the two upright, full cups behind him. These remaining cups represent that all is not lost, and might be a reference to the 2 of Cups, which alludes to a relationship or opportunity for connection. However, it’s challenging to see what’s still available or positive when the man is focused on the negative. The scenery shows a flowing river with a bridge over it, leading to a castle in the background. This indicates that something will be “water under the bridge”, or that there’s opportunity for stability and comfort on the other side of loss. Either way, the background and the upright two cups suggest that all is not lost. It’s a matter of perspective.

The 5 of Cups is an unideal card to receive in tarot, as it suggests that the querent is dealing with a period of loss, sadness, and despair. The querent might have gone through a breakup of some kind or may feel alone in their sadness. Regardless, the 5 of Cups typically represents a state of emotions, but it also indicates that this too shall pass. Although the 5 of Cups carries a sadder message and energy, it does suggest that the querent will eventually move forward from this period. Unlike its upright position, the 5 of Cups reversed has a more positive message. The 5 of Cups reversed indicates that the querent is finally coming out of a funk, so they may feel more emotionally stable. The querent might not feel as hung up on someone or something, since they’re finally moving forward. As they proceed, the 5 of cups reversed may suggest a new positive opportunity for connection, emotional fulfillment, and happiness.

Upright Keywords: Grief, loss, regret

Reversal Keywords: Acceptance, healing, moving on

6 of Cups

The 6 of Cups depicted a little boy giving a cup of flowers to a little girl. The little boy is a tad bigger, suggesting a slight age gap with the girl. The little girl looks up at the little boy with love and awe to show that they have a compassionate, respectful relationship. They’re in the middle of a courtyard—home, safe and sound. There are five surrounding cups filled with flowers to reiterate mutual love, respect, and connection between the children. An older man walks away in the background of the card, as if to show that he’s just passing through or taking a stroll down memory lane. The older man may also imply to focus more on the forefront of the card—the children and the sweetness between them—instead of the older man, who represents adult issues, thoughts, and feelings. Aside from this, the card has light and bright imagery to indicate feeling uplifted. 

The 6 of Cups is a sweet card to receive in a reading, but it can mean a couple of different things depending on the surrounding cards and the querent’s intention for the reading. The 6 of Cups could refer to children and domestic matters, so this might be a sign of adding to the family or calmer days ahead for the home. It may also mean feeling nostalgic for childhood, simpler days, or a previous home life. The querent might be reflecting on the past, especially if they’re recalling old memories or thinking about the “good ol’ days.” The 6 of Cups may imply reconnecting with someone with whom the querent has a history. The querent may have known this person since childhood, or they could have had a past relationship. Either way, the 6 of Cups implies having a history with someone. Look to the surrounding cards to gauge the history and previous connection. Aside from these interpretations, the 6 of Cups might be a sign to reconnect with one’s inner child. It could refer to returning to a past project, hobby, or outlook. The 6 of Cups could even simply refer to something or someone in the past that is coming up again for some reason. Again, look to the surrounding cards for details as to why the past is coming up. If the 6 of Cups comes out reversed, it can indicate over-indulging in past events, feeling lost in nostalgia, or romanticizing something or someone from one’s past. The 6 of Cups reversed may even show a loss of fun, whimsy, and playfulness that the querent is currently dealing with.

Upright Keywords: Nostalgia, childhood, homesickness

Reversal Keywords: Romanticizing the past, sadness, longing

7 of Cups

The 7 of Cups shows a man facing seven cups filled with various trinkets, gifts, and symbols. Although the man isn’t facing the querent, his body language shows that he’s surprised and excited by what he’s seeing. The seven cups are filled, but not every cup carries a gift. Some cups depict jewels for abundance, castles for stability, and wreaths for success, while others feature snakes and dragons to symbolize misfortune, deception, and trickery. Since the cups aren’t all positive, it implies that the choices the man faces won’t necessarily lead to a sure-fire success or downfall. The 7 of Cups indicates that the man ought to be cautious when making a decision. Luckily, the seven cups are nestled in a cloud, which alludes to wishful thinking and dreams. The man is simply envisioning all that could or couldn’t be, so the 7 of Cups isn’t a hard-pressed decision or action. This card illustrates the various outcomes one may encounter. However, it warns of illusion, delusion, and confusion. Despite thinking and visualizing what may happen, the man will only know once he takes real action. Until then, the 7 of Cups implies that it’s all up in the air.

The 7 of Cups is a tricky card to get in a tarot reading, as its upright position is not inherently positive or negative. On its own, the 7 of Cups has a rather neutral energy. It merely represents the querent’s many possibilities, opportunities, and chances. However, the 7 of Cups alludes to nothing being “real” or “grounded” just yet. So, the querent might be at a crossroads and the 7 of Cups represents what could happen depending on the querent’s judgment. The surrounding cards in the tarot spread may give more context to what options are available, which would be the best outcome, and what may happen depending on the querent’s next move in real life. Although the upright position is more neutral, the reversed position is a little more negative. The 7 of Cups reversed may imply that the querent is overwhelmed, so they might feel unable to make a clear decision. The querent may not trust their discernment, inner wisdom, or belief, so they may feel stuck with all the possibilities of what could be. The 7 of Cups reversed could also indicate that the querent is too in their head, so they may need to work on getting grounded instead of living in la-la land. However, if the remainder of the spread is positive and sound, then the 7 of Cups reversed could potentially imply finally making an aligned decision. Regardless of position, the 7 of Cups is an impressionable card. Surrounding cards or clarifying cards can allude to the reality behind the daydreams of the 7 of Cups.

Upright Keywords: Choices, confusion, daydreams

Reversal Keywords: Clarity, overwhelm, wishfulness

8 of Cups

The 8 of Cups shows eight empty cups stacked on one another in the foreground of the card. These cups are empty to show there’s a lack of emotional fulfillment, creativity, or love. It may also indicate that something—be it a relationship or endeavor—has been fulfilled as much as it could have allowed. Overall, these cups symbolize a lack of wholeness, completion, or feeling like one’s cup is running over. The background of the card shows a man walking away from these empty cups. His back is to the querent, because he’s no longer interested in the empty cups or sticking around. He carries a staff—perhaps a callback to The Hermit. Given the man’s hunched figure and trudging stance, it’s apparent that he’s carrying some disappointment as he walks away to symbolize that it’s not always easy to let go even when one must. He walks uphill toward the mountain, since the man may face upcoming obstacles in his quest for happiness. A river flows between him and the cups he’s leaving behind, as if to signify that his emotions are carrying him into this new journey. The background features a night sky with a moon looking down on him, perhaps to show his intuition leading the way as he maneuvers a “dark” period. The moon may also symbolize The Moon, which alludes to avoidance, illusion, and escapism. Either way, the man walks away in search of something better even if he doesn’t know what that is or how long it may take.

The 8 of Cups usually refers to actions and feelings when it arrives in a tarot reading. It may encourage the querent to walk away from an unfulfilling chapter, relationship, or situation. However, the 8 of Cups also affirms that this won’t be an easy decision to make. The querent can view the 8 of Cups as giving something or someone their best shot, but also knowing when to walk away. It may also suggest that the querent cannot meander or half-heartedly depart if they’re searching for greater happiness. The 8 of Cups suggests that there will be greener pastures even if the querent doesn’t know it yet. Although this appears sad and disheartening, the 8 of Cups is a positive card to receive, as it indicates knowing when to throw the towel in. The reversal is a bit more negative, as it may reply to stalling a necessary decision to end things or prolonging an unfulfilling situation. The 8 of Cups reversed will likely call the querent out for perpetuating aimlessness, emotional weakness, unfulfillment, and indecision. However, if the 8 of Cups reversed occasionally indicates trying again, but it comes with the warning of acknowledging when one has done all that they can do.

Upright Keywords: Walking away, greener pastures, acceptance

Reversal Keywords: Stagnation, inability to walk away, indecision

9 of Cups

The 9 of Cups shows a seated man. His arms are crossed over his chest and his legs are spread wide apart, as if to convey authority or satisfaction. He’s sitting on a wooden bench, which may allude to some security or stability. However, a wooden bench won’t be too comfortable for too long, so there’s a slight nudge to know when to stand up and keep going. Despite having intimidating body language, the man is smiling to show he’s happy. He’s well-dressed to indicate status and abundance. Behind him is a blue curtain, as if to show privacy. Blue is also associated with calmness, peace, and the throat chakra. Overall, the blue curtains may indicate his emotional state and ability to speak something into existence, but also a need to keep some things private. There are nine cups on top of the curtain surrounding his head to indicate that he’s aligned with his wishes and desires, which have materialized. A bright yellow background signifies happiness, self-assurance, and confidence. Overall, the 9 of Cups indicates joyfulness for what’s materialized, but a slight nudge to keep going since there’s more to obtain.

The 9 of Cups is a positive card to receive in a tarot reading, since this is the “wish fulfilled” card. It may indicate that the querent is about to receive their wish. Surrounding and clarifying cards can allude to what the wish is, how it will manifest, and when it will happen. The 9 of Cups may also represent that the querent is feeling very satisfied with what they have manifested. It can show success, wealth, abundance, love, and happiness thanks to the querent’s efforts. Overall, it carries a positive omen that good things are coming assuming they’re not already here. The 9 of Cups reversed isn’t as positive, since it may reflect a “be careful for what you wish for” attitude. The querent might get what they wanted, but the cost of their wish or how it comes true could be different than expected. The 9 of Cups reversed can also suggest being overly selfish, indulgent, or materialistic. This might be the querent’s cue to focus on being genuine instead of superficial and shallow. No matter what, the 9 of Cups reversed is a cue to focus on genuine happiness and alignment.

Upright Keywords: Wish fulfilled, happiness, satisfaction

Reversal Keywords: Selfishness, dissatisfied, discontent

10 of Cups

The 10 of Cups shows a small family—parents and two kids—playing and rejoicing in a lush, green field. The parents hold hands to symbolize their love and connection, and their free hands are lifted in happiness. The two kids dance together to show playfulness, excitement, and happiness. Although their backs are to the querent, the happy family is facing their stable, secure home. A beautiful rainbow is over their heads carrying ten full cups to show emotional fulfillment. Aside from these attributes, the lush greenery symbolizes fertility and abundance; the flowing river suggests flowing feelings; the rainbow signals an end to sadness and unfulfillment. Overall, the 10 of Cups carries an idyllic, hopeful energy that symbolizes love and happiness is here to stay.

The 10 of Cups is a positive card with a few meanings. It may pop out in a tarot reading with a positive message about the home and family. The querent could see this as a sign that they’ll have a beautiful life with a partner, children, a positive move-in, and more depending on the context behind their reading. For some, the 10 of Cups may affirm that the querent's romantic relationship will lead to sharing a home and family. Aside from domesticity and love, the 10 of Cups could be a positive sign that the querent will find happiness after moving, purchasing property or land, or settling into a new abode. Generally speaking, the 10 of Cups symbolizes a happy, beautiful life. Although the upright is undoubtedly positive, the 10 of Cups reversed may indicate troubles to come. The 10 of Cups reversed suggests domestic issues, family problems, or issues with moving into a home. It may also tip off the querent to hold back on making a big move or purchasing property. In some instances, the 10 of Cups reversed could be a warning that the querent is not with the right person who can provide a happy life. This might be the querent’s sign to reconsider joining families or sharing a home with a partner. Aside from this, the 10 of Cups reversed speaks to general unhappiness and discontent.

Upright Keywords: Happiness, love, family

Reversal Keywords: Lacking connection, unhappiness, familial troubles

Page of Cups

The Page of Cups shows a little boy; however, this card carries inherently feminine energy, so it’s understandable if some believe this is a little girl. Regardless, the child wears a blue, floral-print tunic, beret, and flowing scarf. The child’s attire shows flow, movement, and emotional awareness blooming from a place of intuition. The child stands on the shore with one hand on their hip. They extend their other hand, holding the cup with a fish in it. Their stance is sweet, if a little hesitant, but they have enough confidence to extend an offer. Behind the child is a flowing sea. Altogether, the imagery depicts how emotion and intuition move into insight, opportunities, and inspiration. The fish popping out of the cup may even symbolize how things can come up unexpectedly. Despite the emotional movement and inspiration, the child’s posture implies a slight hesitancy as if to convey a lack of maturity, confidence, and experience. Luckily, there’s still time to grow.

The Page of Cups represents a few things in a tarot reading. Pages represent children, so the Page of Cups would typically align with feminine energy or a little girl. However, the childlike energy can imply freshness, youthfulness, and something new taking form. The Page of Cups implies a feeling or intuitive cue that has yet to flesh out. Aside from this, pages can represent new ideas and conversations. The Page of Cups symbolizes different interactions, from flirty encounters to a cautiously vulnerable moment. In some instances, the Page of Cups represents a temperature check, feeling the situation out, or even an apology. But since it’s a page, one should remember that there might be a lack of maturity or growth in these more evocative interactions. Regardless, the Page of Cups usually heralds good news that may even spark connection and creativity. Usually, the Page of Cups reversed has a more emotionally immature and turbulent position in a tarot reading. It may indicate someone taking a step back from owning their feelings, being vulnerable, or even apologizing. The Page of Cups reversed could also suggest a lack of inspiration and creative blockages. Some may even view the Page of Cups reversed as a lack of depth, discernment, or desire for growth.

Upright Keywords: Intuition, creativity, baby

Reversal Keywords: Idealism, overly sensitive, naivete

Knight of Cups

The Knight of Cups shows a young knight mounted on a white horse, presenting a golden cup. The white horse symbolizes clarity, purity, and even innocence in this movement toward something. However, the horse only has one leg picked up in step to convey a sense of ease and grace. The knight and his horse are walking to something with  refinement, poise, and patience—there’s no need to rush. Aside from the horse, the knight wears a tunic covered in fish to show maturity in creativity, romance, and inspiration. His helmet and boots have white wings attached to them, signifying the knight’s activity. The Knight of Cups doesn’t have a lush background, but there is a flowing river to represent a flow of emotions, creativity, and insight. While there are several aspects signifying movement, the overall energy is languid.

The Knight of Cups has a few meanings depending on the context of a reading. It may represent a “teenager” or a person who’s becoming more mature but still has ways to go. The Knight of Cups could also represent a suitor who wants to pursue love, connection, and romance. Likewise, it might be the querent’s cue to go after their crush or romantic desires. Aside from being a person, the Knight of Cups can be an opportunity coming in aligned with love, connection, or creativity. Look to the surrounding cards to determine what it might be, and know that whatever the Knight of Cups is will likely lead to emotional fulfillment. However, the opportunity coming in may not be as fast as hoped for. The Knight of Cups represents a more leisurely pace or timing. Although the upright position speaks of positive omens and opportunities, the Knight of Cups reversed carries a more unfulfilling energy. The Knight of Cups reversed may allude to a potential lover who isn’t ready for love. It might indicate that the love interest has commitment issues, or a romantic possibility might not be as deep and lasting as desired. Either way, the Knight of Cups reversed suggests someone who’s confident and charismatic, but ultimately superficial and shallow in their pursuits. The querent should take caution not to get too caught up with a lackluster, unfulfilling crush or romantic situation. Aside from this, the Knight of Cups can indicate delays with opportunities related to love, creativity, and connection. Delays may come from a lack of growth, insight, confidence, or vulnerability. There could also be issues the querent cannot control, such as jealousy or moodiness from someone else. Regardless, the Knight of Cups reversed carries a temperamental, overreactive energy that the querent could be mindful of.

Upright Keywords: Opportunities, romance, creativity

Reversal Keywords: Jealousy, moodiness, conflict aversion

Queen of Cups

The Queen of Cups shows a beautiful woman seated on her throne, which is set on a shoreline. She’s looking down at a golden cup in her hands, as if deep in self-reflection and introspection. The Queen of Cups appears to be contemplating her fulfillment, love life, creativity, or inspiration. Her cup has angelic features to suggest divinity; however, it’s closed, unlike the open cups or full cups seen throughout the suit. Her closed cup could represent a level of mystery, closure, or privacy that her subconscious requires to feel connected with her soulfulness. The fish, sea-nymphs, and seashells on her throne reflect her depth. These images convey the groundedness behind her spiritual perception and insight. The card’s background shows a cliff, sand, and the sea. The Queen of Cups sits near the sea, but she’s not necessarily in or touching the water. Being on land indicates feeling emotionally grounded—the Queen of Cups isn’t easily overwhelmed.

The Queen of Cups has various meanings depending on the tarot spread. The Queen of Cups can be a signifier for the querent or someone the querent is asking the tarot cards about. Usually, the Queen of Cups aligns with a mature, feminine figure or woman. However, the Queen of Cups can also represent a mature individual who embodies divine feminine energy, intuition, and compassion. The querent may see themselves or someone else in the Queen of Cups if they’re intuitive, self-reflective, and emotionally attuned. Aside from representing a person, the Queen of Cups may show up in a tarot reading as a sign to get into a flow. The Queen of Cups says to find emotional balance by being aligned and attuned with one’s life by listening to one’s intuition. Usually, the Queen of Cups is a positive omen, but its reversal may herald some upheaval. The Queen of Cups reversed can represent an introverted individual who struggles to come out of their shell, or someone who needs to work on self-love if they struggle with codependency. More often than not, the Queen of Cups reversed is a sign to work on emotional balance, discernment, and self-compassion.

Upright Keywords: Mature feminine energy, emotional stability, intuition

Reversal Keywords: Introverted, self-love, going within

King of Cups

The King of Cups sits on a throne in the middle of the sea. He wears a blue tunic with a gold cape to show his intuitive authority and maturity. A small fish pendant hangs around his neck, indicating that he has grown with this creativity, emotionality, and inspiration. It sits close to his heart, as if to activate the heart chakra. The King of Cups holds a scepter in his right hand to symbolize his power and a golden cup in his left hand to show his sensitivity. Unlike the other court cards, the King of Cups stares ahead instead of at his cup. It may indicate that he’s already reflected or that he may not need to reflect as heavily. Either way, the King of Cups carries an undeniable, emotionally charged command. The background of this card shows fish jumping through waves and a few ships sailing in spite of the chaotic seas. This imagery represents how calm and level the King of Cups is, no matter the surrounding feelings or energy.

The King of Cups has a few interpretations in a tarot spread. The querent may see themselves or someone else as the King of Cups, so this can be a signifier card. Usually, the King of Cups represents a mature, masculine figure or man, since the King of Cups represents divine masculine energy. However, the King of Cups can also represent someone who takes charge of their feelings, moves forward with intention, and maintains emotional authority. It may even represent someone who’s not afraid to share their insights, inspiration, and feelings. Aside from being a person, the King of Cups could show up as a sign to be emotionally accountable. Being self-aware of one’s feelings and how they may affect a situation is key with the King of Cups. This card could also be a sign to buckle up and practice emotional resiliency. While the King of Cups upright is positive, the reversal has more negative connotations. The King of Cups reversed might allude to an emotionally disturbed and impulsive character. Someone with this signifier could struggle owning their feelings, being mature in turbulent situations, and acting with grace. The King of Cups reversed alludes to a potentially manipulative, shallow, and insecure individual. Aside from being a person, the King of Cups reversed might be a sign of troubles to come and the struggles one may face with turbulent times. Instead of manipulating a situation or letting it sway one’s state, the King of Cups reversed could be seen as a sign to work on grounding techniques, finding inner stability, and fostering resiliency. 

Upright Keywords: Mature masculine energy, resiliency, diplomatic

Reversal Keywords: Insecure, shallow, emotional turbulence 

💫  Align with Cups Suit Energy

🕯️  Love Is In The Air Intention Candle

Are you searching for love in your Cups tarot spread? Call in romantic love and self-love during your tarot reading by lighting ASCEND’s Love Is In The Air Intention Candle to manifest your soulmate. 

🍉  Watermelon Tourmaline

Inspire creativity when you pull the Cups suit cards by wearing Watermelon Tourmaline jewelry. Watermelon Tourmaline encourages love and healing, helping you feel connected with your inner artist.

🧿  Evil Eye Jewelry & Accessories

Protect your emotional peace and energy when assessing your Cups spread by wearing the Evil Eye. This symbol of protection can be worn as a ring, bracelet, necklace, and more.

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⭐  Download ASCEND’s *Free* Cups Suit Guidebook

 

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✍️  Meet ASCEND’s In-House Astrologer & Writer

Liz Simmons is a writer, astrologer, and tarot reader based in Salem, MA. Liz is the resident astrologer at ASCEND Get Lifted. Aside from providing astrological readings and tarot readings, Liz writes for ASCEND’s blog. Her expert commentary is featured in over twenty publications, including Cosmopolitan, Shape, Women’s Health, & more. Check out her work on Instagram, @the_ _crone & book a reading with her at ASCEND.