Two cards

The Eight of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

The Eight of Cups can be a very hard card to have in a reading.

From the looks of the card itself, you can get the feeling of loss. On the Rider Waite deck, a man walks through stagnated water and is leaving the cups behind him. The card symbolism represents that you are moving on by your own accord. The sand around you right now is stagnant like that which the person in the card walks through. This is not healthy emotions in your life and you need to do what is best for you. Often, especially because this is a cups card, it is exceptionally difficult to go through this card because at one time the pools that were around you were wondrous, creative, and positive energies that have now died down.

It is interesting to note that while the blue representing spirituality or emotional issues is still present, the colors are darker. The issue in your life is not an easy one at this time. The card usually comes up during a time of loss and often this is revolving around a relationship of some kind. There is darkness to the card that in turn will usually represent aspects of your life right now. This card represents less of holding on to the past as it is a fear of moving forward. This is something that you need not fight as really, where else are you going to go? Now is the time to seek the higher road for your own health and sanity. It is obvious when this card comes up that you have tried your best and you have taken the steps to make the right choices for you. In the end you cannot change the past and you must accept what is in the present. Our lives are not stagnant things and while the energy around you may be turning sour, it is up to you to save yourself from that around which is unhealthy or holding you back.

The Eight of Cups vibrates the same goals and lessons of the Hermit card. It is sort of like the beginning of the Hermit’s journey where he heads to solitude to seek out wisdom and understanding. With the Eight of Cups, there is a spiritual sense to the card and the search you could be heading on is one of wisdom, but not wisdom alone. The path you are heading from, even though it did not end well – you will gain knowledge from this strife and grief. Little help is that now while you are still feeling the effects emotionally but with the card coming up now it also appears that you are doing what is best for yourself (or that you will). That can be a lot and later when you look back on this time you will know that you did all that you could.

The Eight of Cups in Love

Since the Eight of Cups is in the cups suit, it is often referring to relationships. In this case, unlike many other cup cards, it isn’t all good. In fact, it’s a pretty negative card for a relationship reading of any kind being that it shows a lack of positive energy in your current relationship if you are with someone. That doesn’t mean that nothing can be saved, but typically it will reflect a very bad place. The stagnation of the card shows that there is no real way to rekindle the fire of the relationship or that the well is poisoned. What has happened in the relationship is something that usually won’t be bounced back from. There are cases when the relationship can be salvaged but it usually indicates a need to start from scratch or that there will be a break up and then time will pass before any hope can be had for the future.

In the case that you are looking for love the card refers to a place for you now that is not one that is truly ready to be in a relationship. You appear to still be moving and healing from a past relationship and you have a bit more work before you are in the right place to start something new. The Eight of Cups in health means it is now is a time to focus on your healing. Not always but usually, the Eight of Cups will come up when there is a known health issue that is especially trying such as a cold that has turned into pneumonia, mental illnesses taking a turn for the worse, or any other health that continues to wane. There can be a sense of increased worry or anxiety over health which will continue to exacerbate the problem. It is important right now to break routines and buck the system. That doesn’t mean to stop following doctor’s orders, but rather… you need to be more compliant and find the desire to get better.

Often with this card there will be a sense of dwelling on the negative which is unhealthy in itself. Work on finding out all you can about what is going on with you as education is the best defense. Take time to focus on the positive in your life and the reasons that you want to be healthy. If you are feeling that you don’t trust those around you, get a second opinion. Do what you can to get in a better place mentally about your health so that you can be in a better place for healing physically.

The Eight of Cups can also refer to negative mental states and increased depression or psychiatric breaks. Since the card comes up often in very trying times in a person’s life, it can also be a difficult time emotionally. The card offers the advice that what you are going through right now is not permanent. Remember that you are not alone in this journey and if you choose to open up there are likely people around that can help and support you at this time.

The Eight of Cups in Work and Wealth

Financial losses and job losses often accompany this card, not because of bad work or poor financial judgment, but because of economy, poor business practices overall, or mismanaging money on a large scale (like in the case that your IRA or 401K made a bad choice with YOUR money). Now is a good time to take a look at your work and finances and get the facts. Know what is going on around you and be prepared for any negative changes that could end up affecting you negatively. Be smart with your finances and keep tabs on what others are doing with your money if they have access. Also, for the person looking for work, be mindful to look at all available career options that you can. Usually job issues – whether losing a job or seeking a job – are most effected by issues of layoffs and economy with this card and it can be a tough time in finding solid footing in work issues.

Reversed Eight of Cups in a reading

The Eight of Cups in reversed is almost a positive card. It does still represent loss, but the loss that is felt is not as deep. While you may find that you are walking away from something in your life, the darkness is not present and the view is bright. It is likely a move for the better on your path and one that you can feel good about. Even if you are feeling sad about moving on, know that the progression you are making now is for the best.

Upright Eight of Cups Meanings in Keywords

• Waking away
• Think about options
• Breaking up with a lover
• Emotional problems
• Abandonment

Reversed Eight of Cups Meanings in Keywords

• Trying once more
• Driving through situations
• Animalification
• Overwhelmed 

In the Rider Waite Tarot, the Pages are known for young people.

Sometimes they are called the Princes or Princesses of the Deck, primarily because they are referring to those people or experiences that are brand new and usually lacking in the sometimes frustrating world experience that can inhibit one’s ability to be creative individuals. The Page of Wands in a reading means that you or the subject of the reading is full of courage as well as a sudden inclination toward either anger or love.

This card is symbolic of the fluctuating energies that flow through all of us, but especially when we are young. The age of this card, doesn’t so much refer to the physical age of a human being. When we have a new experience, we feel that like a neophyte or a beginner would. This means that for you something brand new is coming your way. There is extra enthusiasm involved. You can get excited about the prospect of new events. When the Page is transiting your life, you can expect changes and news in your favor.

The Page is sensitive, funny, uninhibited, hyper intelligent. He indicates a forward thrust for transformation. Transformation is intuitive for you, all you have to do is tap into that energy and you will go far. Pay attention to the signs that the Universe provides for you at all times. Synchronicities are around you at this time, and if you give them their due attention you will find yourself following a road of fulfillment comparable to no other.

The Page of Wands tells you that you must know yourself. Identify the obstacles that stop you from experiencing all of the new adventures and beginnings that you have at your disposal. This young energy is telling you that it is time to gain liberation from the constraints of your every day monotony. Even if you are jumping into the unknown, you must allow yourself to experience this time from the perspective of an innocent. Of someone who is seeing the world for the first time. Life is a joyful thing, and it is time for you to realize that. There is a fiery desire that thrusts itself into you with the energy of the Page of Wands, and you must follow the river all the way to its end. Flow with the new change, flow with the new beginnings. Have faith in your instincts and enjoy yourself. This is a time to study, to reflect, to behave uninhibited in word and deed. You must even experience in being somewhat frank to friends, coworkers and loved ones because you need the experience of letting your breath run free. Say what you need to say. Don’t be hurtful, but if there is a part of you that resists expression, you must express it now so that you can feel the enlightened energy of the Page of Wands.

When the Page of Wands appears in a reading something unexpected will happen to you. This can be the presentation of a new job, or a phone call telling you about a possibility for some kind of future endeavor, or even a chance to travel. Using your good judgment and intuition is going to be your best helper in deciding what opportunity to follow and what to say no to.

Take note of the stressful situations that you find yourself in and then see what you can do to get out of them. Much of the time you will find that either you are not being confident enough or strong enough to vocalize your desires or you are allowing others to make decisions for you. If you are to be free and light and wish to embrace this creative energy, you must have nothing blocking you. You will have much success if you allow yourself to behave in an unhinged manner.

The Page of Wands in Love

The love of young lovers is the image that is evoked when the Page of Wands visits your romantic experience. This means that you are going to be soon blessed by an experience that will make you feel as though you have never experienced love before. This may not be a long lasting love, but it is a new love and one that should be given credit because it is going to pull you out of your overly ‘adult/responsible’ experience. If you are already in a relationship with someone who you love very much, this means that you are going to have a chance to find a new way to love one another where you can see each other in a whole new light, thus allowing you and your partner to connect to that younger energy. If you are in a relationship that is making you unhappy, the Page of Wands tells you that it is time to find your fulfillment elsewhere. There is a world of opportunity out there, and if you have done your best to make the situation better and it is not happening, then cut your losses and get out.

The Page of Wands in Health

Now is the time for you to connect to a whole new you, full of vibrant good health. The Page of Wands is telling you that you have allowed yourself to be too inactive and slothful. In order to push back the aged aches and pains that come with time, you must choose to perceive yourself as younger then you are so that you might find healing. This card will come up in matters relating to the heart and the lungs. So consider what you can do to strengthen your cardiovascular system.

The Page of Wands in Work and Wealth

New ventures are coming your way. This could mean a promotion for your job that is going to feel like an entirely new position or it will mean that a change in work is going to present itself. Either way there is going to be a brand new perspective that you will be able to attach to, that will make you feel young again in your place of work. Abundance and random gifts are on their way to you.

Reversed Meaning - Page of Wands

The Page of Wands coming up reversed for you indicates an energy of an experience with an uncomfortable or unhappy relationship with someone who is controlling and upsetting you. Your ability to want something else for yourself has been interrupted by indecisiveness and you do not feel capable of vocalizing yourself. You must face your fears and get out of this situation as fast as you can so that you can feel the Spring-like energy that the Page has to offer.