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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 Sun Tarot Card Meaning

The Sun is the most positive oracle in the deck.

In the Rider Waite deck the symbolism of the card is easily interpreted as the sun shines over a new baby and aptly named “sun”flowers in the background. The infant, along with the flowers growing, indicates new life and in readings and often represents a new direction. Children being born, questions of prosperity are answered, abundance of wealth, and recovery from illness are all implied by this card. As the infant rides atop the white stallion, he carries a red banner. The deck is famous for using color as symbolism and red often symbolizes power, momentum, and triumph. This card represents the universe coming together and agreeing with your path and aiding forward movement into something greater.

Think of the Sun as a representation of power without dominance. Rather, it is a power that allows you to be free. Essentially there is a win-win situation present in which all parties involved will get what they need. It is also an indication of liberation, freedom, and being at peace with your spirituality. Of course, depending on the position of the card in the reading as well as the type of reading itself, it can indicate success in different avenues. However, overall it is a prosperous card indicative of making the right choice and being able to be satisfied that you're on the path in one way or another.

In a reading, often this card is seen after dark times, when an a hidden opportunity is coming to light, or when clarity is needed. It can also be represented as having a new freedom to choose such as when it is time to take the next step in a relationship or job. It is not an overall “happy card”. It’s much more than that because the sun is rising on a brand new day, new life abounds, and momentum begins. The key here is to see what has been holding you back, standing in your way, or causing difficulties with progression and realizing that there is a way out and hope.

The Sun Card in Love

In relationship readings, the Sun does not guarantee happiness, but liberation. While it can state that the relationship is in a healthy place and headed on a positive path… more often it refers to everything being revealed. If there are aspects hidden on your part or with your partner these things will be come to light. In a situation, for example, where one individual is cheating or holding something significant back it can seem like a devastating card brining anger, loss, or jealousy.

A relationship with aspects hidden is by and large an unhealthy relationship. The presence of the Sun card is usually the universe’s way of telling you that you need to make a choice and provides you with all of the information to do so. Also, when the Sun card pops up in a relationship or love reading it acts as a reminder that you have the power and the strength of the universe backing you in making a choice of what direction to take in the relationship. Rest assured, it is certainly not a card to cause concern in the love department when you look at the grand scheme of things. Because even if you are asking about your current relationship and find that things are hidden or will not be working out - you can rest assured that there is s a beginning to a new relationship or even entering into a new stage of your current relationship on the horizon. The Sun promises new beginnings.

The Sun Card in Health

For those going through illness or preparing for surgery, the Sun is a positive indicator of vitality and recovery. The importance of this card in health and wellness is attributed to the growth factors and shows an emphasis in improvement of health and increased stamina. The energy of the Sun enables a healthy mind and body in healing as well thriving after illness.

The Sun Card in Work and Wealth

If you are seeking answers regarding your career or money, you will find the good omen for you. It will indicate monetary gain and growth. Health and wealth are often represented similarly in the tarot and with the Rider Waite deck it is no different. This card brings with it sound business practices and a boost of luck as well. It can indicate that it is a good time to take small risks with money or jobs such as gambling or seeking a change in your career.

Reversed Meaning - The Sun

In the reversed position this card, like most other major arcana cards, it has a direct opposite meaning. It will represent feeling trapped, unable to see a way out of a situation, or having an unclear path. The key to this card in the reversed position understands that you are often the one that is creating the difficulty and that the oppression you're under is one of your own making. Often accepting responsibility for actions, making clear or final decisions, and allowing yourself to be open to new possibilities is all that is needed to find your way. Essentially, it shows that the Sun card is present in your reading, but you are not recognizing it’s force working in your life at present.