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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 

When the King of Wands has visited your reading, you are being reminded to not limit yourself.

It is important to be adaptable and versatile. Now is the time to act spontaneously, give yourself time to be like the Chameleon and change your colors to match your environment. Do not change yourself so much that you lose the connection to your inner self, but allow yourself some change so that you can learn that strength is being flexible and mutable. This card is symbolic of security and strength as well as personal commitment to spiritual growth. The King of Wands is blessing you with a visionary sight, which is energetic and random. Much like taking a course in Improvisational Theater now is the time to act in whatever way brings forth fiery passion from within. No rehearsal necessary. One must develop the sense of intuitive strength and the King of Wands, having mastered this art is here in your reading to help you graduate. Do not hold yourself back. If you have something to say, then say it and if you have been long wondering when you should take that job or take on a creative oriented career, now is an excellent time to do so.

In the Rider-Waite deck, one cannot ignore the presence of this fiery king. Salamanders and Lions surround him, representing the element of fire. Being the Ruler of the Suit of Wands he has the magic of the Magician at his disposal and brings forth the elementals to assist him at any time. The King of Wands is extremely generous and abundant even in his impulsivity; he will help you develop the leadership qualities that you need to move forward in the direction of your desires. This card can at points represent a man, blonde, with blue or hazel eyes usually married. If this is your representative card, then the King of Wands is telling you that you are a courageous, strong, passionate and loyal person who thrives in the traditional ways of life. He exemplifies adventure even in routine. Change while still keeping a level of stability.

He represents healthy, non-destructive growth and he is here to teach you how to honor the change in others, in life and in yourself. Sometimes his character is strong enough that he is capable of dominating others by his willpower so there may be an overbearing person in your life that this card is attempting to represent. If it is representing you then there is a clarity available that speaks to you learning how to believe in your own righteousness. Others will listen because often, you are right. Do not take others for granted; however, make sure to listen in case someone else has an idea better than yours. Life is all about the give and the take and the King of Wands expresses this to you now. You know what is right and what is wrong, and you know how to be naturally honest without being too pressing. The King of Wands is intuitive as well as fiery, introspective as well as funny. He is a vibrant father figure and a helpful spiritual advisor. Perpetuate masterfulness of the creative energy bestowed upon you by this King and you will go far.

The King of Wands reminds you that you have someone in your life that you emulate, someone that taught you what you know or someone that you look up to for having an exceptional sense of inner strength. Seek this person out and ask them for help on how to improve your own sense of self.

The King of Wands in Love

When you are single, the King of Wands is telling you to embrace your own inner strength so that you can be more interesting and vital to the people you are trying to attract. Consider this the time for you to be more forward then you might normally be. The King of Wands says to keep a lookout for someone who is either older or just more experienced with a leadership personality as this would be an excellent match for you. Whatever you have going on in your life right now, he is telling you that you are walking through a transit where you could express more of your more ‘wilder’ qualities if you would allow yourself to. The improvisational, all-knowing and intensely intuitive nature of this card will push you on your way to having dynamic experiences. Drop the fear and let yourself be free to be who you are, and others will appreciate your presence.

The King of Wands in Health

The King of Wands, when represented in a Health reading, expresses that now is the time to appreciate all that is good and vibrant in your body. You have allowed yourself to become too dormant, either because of pain or a fear of hurting yourself after healing from a disease or an injury. But this is the time for you to embrace the forward motion that is churning up within you. There is no need to worry about injuring yourself further, it is important that you build up your strength again so as to avoid future injuries. Physical activity is an excellent way to get through stressful situations. Take advantage of this transit by getting yourself out to breathe some fresh air.

The King of Wands in Work and Wealth

When your reading is about work and wealth, the King of Wands is on your side to make sure that you get as much abundance as is humanly possible in the moment. He tells you to invest, but to look out for ways that you can randomly make money. Keep in mind this Card’s improvisational style. You must be willing to make money at the drop of the hat by participating in random waves of interest and then ride that wave all the way to the end. In work the king of wands represents going for it. He represents that you are not going to sit back and let things fall into place. What is interesting is that this king is the finale of the suit of wands. In work this can mean you are going to achieve everything you desired. This card can also indicate that you may be able to take advice from someone that is experienced. Wands represent ambition, planning, driving and taking responsibility.  In readings, the king of wands also represents a business or self-employment. This card in work, career or business resonates to not give up. If things fail to learn from them and move on. 

Reversed Meaning - Kings of Wands

The King of Wands only ever comes up in the reversed position when you are waiting too passively for life to happen to you. This is the point in your life where you must reconsider your priorities and commitments and if they are not absolutely bringing you what you want with precision then you must cut ties all together and use the creative power of the King to bring more opportunities your way. Remember that there are those that are not always who they appear to be but you must accept that possibility in all forms of life. Do not allow them to blow you off course. Seek internal guidance through utilizing your intuition and you will go far.

King of Wands Reversed Meaning - Love And Romance

The King of Wands reversed makes him arrogant, doctoral, and insists on his authority in life. This is a fire sign for a man and can suggest that his presence is overbearing. Under this all there is an emperor who can show both vanity, ego, and bluster. There might be someone that is making unwise decisions and this is why he has appeared in the love reversed spread. If you push things too much it can mean you will lose your temper with him. He can sometimes be rather aggressive and does not know the limits.

The King of Wands Card Keywords Upright

• Opportunist
• Developing projects
• Implementing ideas
• Boosting creativity
• Boosting current skills
• Learning new things
• Gathering experience
• Natural charmer
• Attractive appearance
• Using self-expression
• Sharing thoughts
• Exploring options
• Setting up goals

The King of Wands Tarot Card Reversed Card Keywords

• Leadership
• Dominance
• Hard decision
• Gaining admiration
• Gaining respect
• Being sympathetic
• Hating ordinary
• Good reputation
• Confronting opponents
• Acting courageous
• Born to stand out
• Loved by many
• Riding solo