CUPS

When interpreting the Suit of Cups, it helps to imagine the cup motif as a stand-in for the human heart. Our hearts store our emotions, as symbolized by water, along with the deep desires we hide from others or ourselves. In this way, the Cups are the most vulnerable of the Minor Arcana, and therefore, show that we are faced with two choices when overcome with emotion: either we seal up and protect ourselves from spilling out our heart’s longings, or share ourselves with others, pouring into their cups from our own. Either may pose a risk to our well-being or help us on our journey, and there is great difficulty in discerning the best course of action.

If our cup runs dry, we may feel empty and depressed (Five of Cups), unable to exert ourselves or even see the goals we once strived to reach. If we bottle up, the pressure may build and explode without warning, or the water inside may stagnate and become unhealthy, manifesting as cynicism and apathy (Four of Cups). Still, at other times, we may need to protect the water in our cups from those who would take advantage. The key is to balance our flow, pouring equally into others as they pour into us (Two of Cups, Three of Cups, Six of Cups). The cups of the Minor Arcana can hint at ways to move toward this inner and outer equilibrium.

The heart is also the center of intuitive feeling; thus, the Suit of Cups tells us that we must draw inward and tune in to our intuition before making a decision (Four of Cups). Cups can also warn us that we are ignoring logic and leaning too heavily, perhaps dramatically, into an emotionally driven state of instability (Knight of Cups, reversed). All is a reminder that the wisdom of our emotions can only shine through if we remain grounded, open, and balanced (Queen and King of Cups).