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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 

The Nine of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

The balancing act of the tarot and the story that it tells is no more apparent than with the Nine of Cups.

Coming from a place of pain and moving on to new yet unsecured horizons seen in the Eight of Cups makes way for a hopeful and positive time in the Nine of Cups. It truly is one of the most positive cards in the deck and a welcome addition to any reading. When you see this card in your reading you can be glad that good things are coming your way.

The yellow background in the background of the Nine of Cups indicates happiness and emotional security. In the center of the card a man sits, arms crossed with satisfaction and before him nine filled cups. This truly is a wish-fulfillment card and it tells you that whatever you put your mind to that you are bound to get. It’s a very positive card in many rights and can influence many aspects of your life. The card is highly emotional and intellectual, showing satisfaction in both of these areas but it is also one of the few cards that are well rounded and reflects physical pleasure as well. Now is the time to act on what you want and keep a positive attitude, knowing that you can find success. You truly have to be able to believe to achieve!

The Nine of Cups in Love

Moving on from a dormant time in love, the Nine of Cups appears and offers you hope for new reunions and rekindling in relationships. Usually appearing during a recent change in a relationship when you are hoping for the best and it’s an excellent card speaking of building on what is already present. With this card showing up for someone who is currently in a relationship it states that now is a good time to show your desires and start to make plans for the future. It may not be time to talk about them yet, but that time will come soon.

For those of you looking for love, this is still a great card. With the possibilities open for you in this card, you should really be on the lookout for a new interest coming your way. The card also has strong indications that now it is a time to put yourself out there and show the world what you have to offer. You are in a good place emotionally but more importantly, a healthy place to be looking for love. You are aware of your own shortcomings as well as knowing your own worth. Luck is a good helper when it comes to finding love, but knowing how to market yourself is also key.

The Nine of Cups in Health

The Nine of Cups in health has a positive note, as in all other areas but specific to wellness there is also a warning. Because the card is so positive often there is reasons to celebrate and the card can indicate overindulging can be a health concern at this time. Be sure that while your life may be having turns for the better that you do not take your health for granted.

The Nine of Cups in Work and Wealth

The man on the Nine of Wands is a confident character and you should be too! With this card showing up in your reading there is a hint of smugness, like he knows the secret to success. Wishing and hoping for success is good but it isn’t going to get you all you want. Hard work, diligence, and knowing when to act are all part of good business practices. When the Nine of Cups card comes up it is likely that you are in a place where you can make things happen or yourself financially speaking whether it is finding a job that suits you, advancement, or knowing what to do with your money. Pay attention to remarkable opportunities and pounce! Don’t let a good thing slip through your fingers by being unsure. Go off of your instincts and make your dreams happen!

Nine of Cups Advice

When you draw the Nine of Cups in an advice reading you should take time to reflect on what you have and all that you should be grateful for. This card is often linked to materialism, and it may be suggesting you’ve become overly concerned with the things in your life, rather than the people around you. It can also refer to a state of prosperity and happiness, you likely have a lot to be pleased about right now. This message of advice can be read more as a reminder, sometimes we allow ourselves to enter a state of continual unfulfillment. Make sure you appreciate what you have and don’t wish it away too fast. Practise affirmations of gratitude and revel in your own contentment, you’ll likely find you have everything you need to be happy right at your fingertips, the only thing needed is an adjustment in your perspective.

Nine of Cups Yes Or No

When seeking a yes or no answer in a tarot reading, the Nine of Cups is a big and certain yes! This card is linked with feelings of joy, contentment and general happiness. It often highlights a bright future in which your ambitions are achieved. In this sense, the Nine of Cups is one of the most positive cards in the entire deck, and there is no obscurity here; the answer to your question is a definitive yes. Considering the positive prospects that so commonly go along with this card, the outcome of your current situation is likely to be a good one. 

Nine of Cups Past

In the past position, the Nine of Cups usually refers to a previous period of happiness, or more likely a big achievement in your life, one which may still define you to this day. It could be a project which you received great acclaim for, marrying the love of your life or even just a golden chapter of life in which everything seemed to be going right. While we can certainly draw strength and inspiration from past happiness, it is right to be mindful of not becoming stuck in the past. Use your past successes to propel you forward in the present; they should remind you of your strength and capability. Avoid falling into the trap of endless dwelling, remembering the good times is a lovely thing, but letting them overtake your present day entirely only spells disatsafication in your future. 

Nine of Cups Present 

The Nine of Cups is a great card to draw in your present position because it indicates success and happiness coming your way. If you’re currently hard at work on something, or going through a dark period, you can rest easy knowing your endurance will be rewarded. This coming happiness may take many forms, it could be a new lover or friendship, but more likely it will be something you have made happen through hard work and perseverance. The end result will be blissful and worth the wait. If that happiness feels far away right now, don’t give up, you may not be able to see it but this new bright period is just around the corner. If you’re already feeling content and happy, make the most of it! You’ve worked hard to get where you are, now is the time to kick back and enjoy it. 

Nine of Cups Future and Outcome

When the Nine of Cups appears in a reading relating to the future you should feel inspired and relieved; this is a card of hope. No matter how hard, challenging or unsatisfying your life seems right now, good times are on their way. Remember, the only thing that can stop the coming of this happy period is your own self-sabotage. You must preserve in your current situation, and you will reap the rewards in the future. Whether this means remaining kind and helpful, rather than bitter and resentful, in an period of emotional difficulty - or, keeping on with a task or project you are currently failing at, the outcome will be the same: ultimate success. You have lots to look forward to, and many lessons to learn along the way - so keep doing what you’re doing, and enjoy the journey, too.

Nine of Cups Love Reconciliation

In a love and reconciliation reading, the Nine of Cups points to a blossoming relationship that’s going from strength-to-strength. An already stable love will become even more committed and intense. Those in a couple will find their happiness is more blissful and dream-like, as well as passionate and fresh, than ever before. This card sometimes appears after you’ve reconciled with an old flame, you are likely experiencing all the throes of passion you have missed in the time you spent apart. If you’re single, this card doesn’t necessarily mean your soulmate is soon to come round the corner. Instead, it suggests you have reached a place of happiness and self-contentment. You have bettered yourself and so, you will be better prepared to deal with a happy, healthy relationship should one come your way. Your primary focus should be maintaining this best version of yourself, do that and everything else - romantic or otherwise - will fall into place naturally. 

Nine of Cups As Feelings

If you are trying to understand how another person feels about you then the Nine of Cups is generally associated with presence and affection. That means, in this context, the person’s feelings you are trying to understand are very much positive. This person is certainly aware of you and you are likely important to them. In fact, you may make them feel positively about themselves and they enjoy your company. While this card doesn’t explicitly suggest a romantic side to their feelings towards you, it forcefully implies positive emotions and the potential for a prosperous relationship (platonic or otherwise) between you and this other person. 

Nine of Cups As Friendship

In a friendship reading, the Nine of Cups is a very positive omen. You are surrounded by loving, supportive and genuine friends - this card suggests relationships are reciprocal and fulfilling. You should certainly feel grateful for those around you, and know that they are grateful for you, too. Now may also be a good time for you to meet new people and connect with others. Overall, this card is a sign of happiness, the kind that celebrates the beauty of human friendships.

Nine of Cups Reversed - Love and Romance

When the Nine of Cups appears reversed in a love and romance reading it can indicate trouble in paradise. Often this comes after a particular event or rocky patch, you or your partner have been left feeling disappointed. Sometimes this happens after a relationship’s initial flame goes out; it’s easy to feel caught up in the passion at the start, but if nothing remains once that period has fizzled out, it might be time to call it quits. While the upright version of this card indicates prosperity and happiness, reversed it suggests things have gone stale, you might not be outrightly sad, but you’re certainly not happy, either. If you are single or dating, this card reversed indicates an imbalance in your romantic life. Perhaps you have been meeting the wrong kind of people or dating too much. It’s important to remember that fulfillment first and foremost comes from within. You must focus on loving yourself before you try and build a meaningful relationship with anyone else.  

Reversed Nine of Cups in a Reading

With the Nine of Cups in the reversed position, there is even more positive energy around than in the normal position… almost too much. This card in this position can be cautious of being too overconfident or conceited in your endeavors. Be careful about putting yourself on display or taking on too much. You will wind up not being able to complete tasks, falling behind, and ruining your reputation. Consider ways in which you are reaching too far and falling short.

Nine of Cups reversed - Family and Home

In reading about family and home, the reversed Nine of Cups suggests you have become overly concerned with the material world. You are letting money and objects take priority over your family. Oftentimes, people feel they are doing this for the good of their family - for example, working extra hours for a nice holiday or new car. But ultimately, happiness in the home comes from the strength of personal relationships. Now is the time to take stock and figure out what really matters most to you. 

It’s okay to strive for success so long as this reflects your own wishes and those of your loved ones; don’t let yourself fall into the trap of prioritizing things that project the best image to others.

Upright Nine of Cups meanings in keywords

• Happy romance
• Prosperity and bliss
• Well deserved holiday
• Getting what you want
• Wishes coming true
• Satisfaction

Reversed Nine of Cups meanings in keywords

• Superficiality
• Not getting what you want
• Cannot handle problems 
• Stinginess
• Too Materialistic