Knight of Cups

Knight (aka King) of Cups

Here we have the open-hearted Divine Masculine energy, the new paradigm warrior.  This card represents an emotionally mature man, at ease with his heart energy, dedicated to healing and service.  He is peaceful and gentle in his exchanges with others, dedicated to the bringing his best self to hearth and home (Cancer's crab in the Holy Grail).  As Fire of Water, he has experienced the intensity of the range of human emotion, has taken his share of wounds, and has realized his own growth and healing is where he must center in order to be of service.  From this place of self-acceptance and self-love, he can give freely, without expectation, and prove the trustworthiness that is his innate character.  The shadow side of this energy is one who has stayed stuck in a wound, who continues to probe an experience obsessively and waits for others to do the work to heal him, or drowns his sorrows in drink (in his cups, so to speak).  However, even in the shadow energy, he has his wings, and they can take him through the emotional travail to the place of compassion, for both self and others, that he desires.

from the original website: 

Knight of Cups.
"The Knight Of Cups represents a powerful masculine figure who is romantic and sensitive, yet in charge and on top of things. He is subtle, polite and caring. He is full of chivalry and a complete gentleman where women are concerned. He is family orientated, friendly and social. He appears to be a knight in light armor. As a love interest his love seems timeless, as if you have loved forever. The Knight Of Cups works with nature and overlooks his vast land and throne.He is refined and usually delegates his dirty work to others. At times he can be hot and cold with his affections to the extreme. He portrays a childlike demeaner yet remains truly respected.He is a great story teller and overall a trusted lover,friend, or associate.The Knight of Cups is associated with the white rose which symbolizes purity and spiritual love. Also pansy flowers and palms.This card is connected to the lotus flower which symbolizes purity of heart."
rebeka soluri

"The peacock thru a show of vanity of tail display chooses to remain earthbound. The "Knight" (Fire of Water) uses his energy to rise above the mundane, and lift his chalice to a higher purpose. The Cancer Crab is elevated to spiritual pure love and nurturing. He moves quickly with purpose."
Stephen Tundi

"He is THE example of Unguarded. He knows that he is true to himself and others emotionally, and has the most open heart of any of the male court cards in the deck. He looks as though he is surfing in the picture, surfing the wave of life,(his horse is the surfboard.) He is not afraid of being seen, or of what others will say about him, because he knows himself through letting down his guard. He has found his True Self. He is honest and loyal. He is powerfully nurturing. He shows the true power in vulnerability."
Lisa Lovejoy

"Trustworthy platonic friend.
Healer. Sensative. Intuitive.
Moves forward when urged to.
Trust this person."
Alison

Queen of Cups

Queen of Cups.
This card embraces the energy of the Divine Femine, a counterpart to the both the High Priestess (Atu II) and the Empress (Atu III).  In her higher aspects, she embraces and exudes all of the emotional realm, and has found her place of contentment.  Like the Priestess, she remains behind the veil, allowing others to learn their own truths while, like the Empress, she is supportive and compassionate in that allowing.  She can seem mysterious, but this is more of her magic; by allowing others to contemplate her mysteries, she brings them to a higher understanding of their own emotional truths.  The shadow side of the Water Queen is a tendency to lean on illusion rather than being at ease in one's own truth, and in the lowest aspects, she hides in order to protect herself, using shadow games and emotional manipulation to conceal her true motives.  Her passivity can be a strength, if she is coming from strength, but from the weaker aspects, it becomes passive agressiveness, the game of pretending you feel one way in order to disguise that you really feel another.  She has truth to share, but first must acknowledge it within herself.

from the original website:


Queen of Cups.

"Most people see only what they want to see with this lady...she can be so empathhic, so passive....she is really just dreams & reflections & people get angry & dissapointed in her when she reveals herself to be an ordinary woman. Most people prefer her to remain a fantasy. This is not all the truth of the Queen of Cups, just one of them that seems prevalent to me at this time."
corrina elliott

"The Queen of Cups represents the watery part of water. She rules the 21st degree of Gemini to the 20th degree of Cancer. She is an image of extreme purity and beauty. Her throne is seated upon the still waters, making her very in touch with her feelings. She holds a shell-like Cup from which issues a crayfish (similar to The Moon in the Major Arcana), which represents fears coming to the surface of the concious mind, yet the stork is a symbol of emotional balance. She holds in her other hand a lotus blossom, symbol of purity. She is robed in an endless veil of light, which makes her image appear shrouded. The Queen is so radiant, you can hardly see her. Her reflection is as clear as her physical body. What is felt and experienced internally is also mirrored externally. "As within, so without". This card as a person would represent a fair haired and fair skinned caring and sensual woman. She is full of generosity and kindness. A mother type. She is also very sensitive and can seem to be in a world of her own at times. She may be a little hard to reach, because she is so drowned in her own emotions. She is a mysterious person who has healing ability and psychic powers. This card has links to the water sings of Scorpio, Cancer and Pisces. Water is the most healing element, so this card can represent taking a good look at yourself (the reflection), and once you can see yourself clearly in life's mirror, you can change anything. This is the drowned world."
Andy Houghton

"Overwhelmingly sensitive.
Drowning in emotion.
Has trouble expressing herself.
Slow to speak. Psychic. Intuitive.
Needs to get emotions out. Should or does keep journal or diaries.
Could represent a woman in the backround.
Question another woman or meddling mom-in-law."
Alison

Prince of Cups

 There is a lot of commentary below describing this card's shadow side, and I suspect many have fallen prey to the Water Prince's emotional scheming and manipulation.  Those aspects of the Scorpio energy depicted here are real and true, but not the totality of this person/card/energy.  This card's shadow also refers to the Neptune Path, the realm of emotional avoidance through drugs, dreams and denial.  Another aspect of that energy is the person who feels things so deeply that he cannot contain or control the effects of those intense emotions, and thus looks to suppress or numb them.  He also projects them, in his immaturity,  and often does not even see that, so focused is he on the Cup.  In the image, he skims the surface waters of life, with a great cloud of mist covering his tracks, suggesting that he may appear shallow or choose that appearance for personal concealment.  The light side of this card is an emotionally sensitive individual, who feels passionately and deeply the full spectrum of emotions, not the least of which are sexual.  He is a creative and inventive lover, one who is capable of bringing deep emotion to all encounters.  He is the creator and pursuer of dreams, a passionate and open expressor of heart's desires.  He is in tune with his own creativity, and while still self-absorbed emotionally, can ride through and beyond those feelings to give birth to his visions, swiftly skimming beyond perceived obstacles.  The energy of Air over Water, this card also indicates flying from continent to continent, taking that big silver bird across the ocean, usually on a journey geared toward the pursuit of happiness, or to passionately follow a dream.


from the original website: 

Prince of Cups.
"When this card is not representing a particular person, it stands for all the illusion that this prince is capable of or falls prey to. It can serve as a warning against falling into dreamlike, romantic illusions, or can serve to show that such illusions exist in the present situation, for better or worse. Knowing they're there is the first step to knowing whether they should remain. Just as this Prince is the young, unevolved form of the Knight, so too, the illusions in the situation can serve to increase our individual awareness, and lead to greater growth."
Annie Kane

"The Prince is garbed in an exoskeleton that represents the emotional barrier he places between himself and even his closest associates; he is further armoured with an eagle-mounted helm, which emphasises his intellectual and leadership characteristics. His attention is focused on his left hand where he holds a cup (the Graal), from which a coiled serpent issues. This is an allegory to his vast (pro)creative energies. The lotus flower in his right hand signifies the water sign and his sensual nature.

The Princes represented by this card are extremely complicated, contradictory persons possessed of an intense love of knowledge and power. They are ambitious and prepared to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. They form opinions very quickly (because of their keen insight) and change opinions very slowly (because of their great arrogance). They are loyal and honourable but only to their own ideas of what is right and wrong; they would give their lives for a friend but beware abusing that trust! In love, they are as in all other occupations: intense. These persons are frequently possessed of remarkable intuitive faculties, and are commonly drawn to a study of the occult.

In it's negative aspect the card signifies the corruption of these qualities. A person thus represented may be given to cruelty and abuse of those in their power; excessively jealous and vindictive."
Anthony

"This prince can be ruled by his emotions. He may have some maturing to do, (depending on the spread.) He does indeed follow his passions to the extreme, somewhat like an teenager. However, his heart is full of inspiration and deep, deep feeling. He feels so deeply at times that his emotions overide everything else is his life! He can see through things though, like compliments that are only said for manipulitive purposes, as well as, bull-*#%& politics, and politicians. The mastery that this Prince stands for is: facing his desires, and knowing when it's time to let go of them."
Lisa Lovejoy

"Male that uses words/mental abilities that cloud the emotional issues. Deeply sensitive yet emotionally immature. Scared of revealing his vulnerabilities to some,as they may use/manipulate it against him. This stems from knowing he could manipulate others with their revealed vulnerabilities. Projects his shadow/emotionally undeveloped. Trust issues".
Alison

"This card has come forth for me as my personal card 5 times out of 5. I therefore use my personal interpretation of myself as the basis for the interpretation of the card. (Note: I found the other interpretations of this card interesting, in that they were very similar to derogatory comments aimed at me by my detractors.)
Prince of Cups:
High intellegence, arrogance and intuitional powers. Great personal power. Higher than average psychic abilities. Objective to a fault. Sensitive to critisism. Teacher, benefactor. Blunt, superior, cover puller. Critical of those closest to him. Great friend, terrible enemy. Superior rationalizer, creative in theorizing, masterful in denial. Accountable for his own nature, though unrepentant of same. Extremely self-aware, yet unable to change. Water person. Earthy. Old soul. Slides easily into darkness to know his enemy. Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of his law. See other interpretations for the flip side of this coin".
Abraxas

"Be careful of this prince is right. This is a person whose thirst for knowledge is equaled only by his lust for power. Only after years of knowing this person will you know whether they are generally interested in your company or if you serve a purpose in some design of theirs. Be careful of mind games, since some of these will make you a guinea pig in their search for what makes people tick. Great friend--bad enemy, might seem to accomplish goals simply by raw power of their will. Don't ask them a question if you are insecure about the answer...they do not mince words."
Donovan

"Man learning to take control of emotions.
Emotional transformation. Blames everyone.
Emotional button pusher.
Discoverer of his own blame. (Phoenix)
Takes responsibility of his life. (Eagle)
Sensual, loving, very intuitive. Reads aura's.
Can be possesive & vindictive.
Can be controlling and manipulative.
Be careful of this Prince."
Alison

Princess of Cups

This card represents a youthful, flowing emotional energy.  She has not yet attained the mastery of the Queen, and therefore needs assistance and balance to remain securely on her path.  While the energies surrounding her can be supportive (fish, swan, lotus, etc), she has her hands full and may be trying to do too much.  The tortoise in her cup represents longevity, and may symbolize past relationships, past lives or any other "baggage" she may be carrying, which she feels necessary, but she might balance better without it.  However the other energies around her can be liberating if she allows them to, finding her support in mutually dependent relationships, rather than co-dependent, needy parings. She is infused with all she needs to grow emotionally, the jewels on her dress represent gifts yet unclaimed.  As she grows into emotional calmness and a secure self-image, she will be able to express these gifts without fear they will not be well received.  The shadow side of this card is a sense of emotional manipulation, stemming from a lack of self-belief, from not understanding the nature of her good (and her goodness).  By releasing herself from the need to please others, she finds her own emotional fullness, balance and strength.

Note: see Andy's post below for a very comprehensive understanding of this card.  I don't know where he draws his inspiration from (i.e., the image references) but it rings true and it is point of view I've not seen before.  

from the original website: 


Princess of Cups
"A young one prone to deception (ill dignified)A young one willing to recieve and use good counsel (dignified)"
icarus

"This is a lovely card.I know that it has the association of snow, & indeed I've found that it often predicts a literal snowfall...but I also have the association of snowflakes, & how each is unique. For me, this card reminds us to celebtrate & love our own uniqueness, & draw it out. Another asssociation is tha ask the question, what, or perhaps who, was the the first thing I ever loved? This question is often extremly relevant at the time of the reading, & can point the querant in the right direction."
corrina elliott

"The Princess of Cups represents the earthy part of water. She is a dancing figure, robed in a flowing pink garment. This is a truly spititual card. Above her head is a swan with open wings. The symbolism of this swan is connected to the swan in oriental philosophy, which is a representation of the mystical mantra 'AUM', which is the sound of creation and the universe. She holds up a shell-like Cup, from which issues a tortoise. Again, this is the tortoise which in Hindu philosophy supports the elephant on whose back is the universe. The Princess is stood in the foaming sea, and behind her swims a dolphin, which symbolises the power of creation. She allows her lotus blossom to go free into the waves, a symbol of the trusting and open heart. Basically, this is a card of new beginings and letting go.
As a person, this princess would have fair to medium brown hair and pale eyes (blue/green). This could be a person of either sex, who is at peace within themselves. She is loving and spiritually aware. This person has strong artistic and creative talents. Crowley states that she is "All sweetness, all voluptuousness, gentleness and kindness".
As a situation, the Princess of Cups is telling you to become more spiritually aware. You may have psychic or healing gifts that need expression. This is a card of creation, and can signify the birth of a child, or perhaps just the birth of new talents and ideas. It is also a time to open up emotionally, and let love into your life. Past hurts can now heal. You may find yourself drawn to the sea in some way, perhaps through travel. The sea is a very healing element.
The Princess of Cups represents all the water signs (Scorpio, Pisces, Cancer). People born under these signs can help you open up emotionally, or these time frames could be of significance for the above interpertations."
Andy

"Gentle woman discovering self confidence.
Loving. Sensitive. Learning to put down boundries.
Compromise. Shell is open to the world.
Nieve-growing & learning. Young at heart."
Alison

"You dance the dance of the spiral. Your emotions are in harmony. Your spiritual awareness is the reason for the balance you feel. All around you is related. The creatures of the air, land, and water, whether plant or animal. Your realization of this helps you keep thing in perspective. Fire is represented by the gold emblems on the dancers robe. The folds of the robe envelope all which are related. You use your intelligence to maintain the balance of your emotional harmony."
Connie MacAlpin

10 of Cups

10 of Cups - Satiety

 The name of this card is a word not used much these days, and I confess, I did not even know how to pronounce it when I first came to these cards. So I will start with the definition of SATIETY (suh-TY-eh-tee):  1 -  the quality or state of being fed or gratified to or beyond capacity : surfeit, fullness; 2 -  the revulsion or disgust caused by overindulgence or excess.

These definitions from Merriam-Webster online dictionary contain both the light and shadow aspects of this card.  In the ten, we reach the pinnacle of the emotional experience. Here we find joy in giving, in sharing, in experiencing, love for self, our family, our friends, the world.  In expressing that joy, we are full to overflowing and the Mars energy projects our feelings forward through the Piscesan emotional maturity.  Our cups really do runneth over with joy, so full we cannot contain it all.   Yet, there's that shadow side, and often in acheiving one stage of emotional satisfaction, we crave the experience of wanting more, more, more.  Or we feel we haven't had enough, that we have been shortchanged emotionally and so look outside ourselves and our source connection for something to fill us.  Then our experience becomes a gaping maw, consuming and subsuming everything to fill that emotional void. Then there's  the experience of having gotten it all, then resting on our laurels, so to speak, moving from the Mars energy's dynamic expression, to the Piscean indolence, and letting contentment turn to complacency. The ten is always the first step on the next level, so take this blessing and move upward and outward with it!

from the original website:


10 of Cups, Satiety.
"In spite of all good aspects of fullfillment I see this card as a final stage of our wishes. We have what we want, now it became boring. Because of the stagnation we want something new. The name of the card - "satiety" tells us that we have had it. It is enough."
Aigiarn

"Sharing love and joy with spouse and children. Seeing the rainbow. Recognizing the glory. This is a card of having it all."
Lisa Lovejoy

"Togetherness. Happiness. Fullfillment."
Barbara Buchanan

"Love surrounds and fills you. The situation requires no grand display. Be sure in the love you are recieving and the love that fills you. When you are sure, the love will flow out from you to be seen by all."
Chariot

"Mars in Pisces.
Filled. Full. Comfort zone.
So content you will not move forward.
Other side of card is obsession.
Opportunity to balance and focus.
Use obsession--don't let it use you.
Realization is remedy for this card."
Alison

9 of Cups

 9 of Cups - Happiness

Ah, finally!  Here is the card of happiness in all forms, on all levels.  This magnificent card is the balanced, flowing expression of all that golden white light which pours forth happiness to all it connects with.  This card was known by the gypsies as the "Wish Card" (9 of hearts in regular playing cards) and it is the authentic expression of the heart's desire, and thus generates the fulfillment of that heart expression (wish).  Jupiter calls us to expand our hearts and Pisces calls us to express that universally and unconditionally.  Another way to look at this energy is through the lens of the Law of Attraction: that which is like unto itself is drawn.  As we express our happiness to the outer world, it can't help but reflect back to us more and more of the same.  Here is the hope we have been waiting for, and like Dorothy in Oz, we had it all along.  This is a manifesting card, bringing happiness on all levels. Enjoy it, bask in it, but above all, share it.

from the original website: 


9 of Cups, Happiness.
"Accursed harbinger of sensual delight with the power to blind the reckless lover. If a poetess sends you a poem, now lost, on each of these nine hearts, Beware!"
disappointed artist

"Being still, but aware of the movement of energy around and through the client. Giving out and overflow of the fullness of ones own power. Still implies that the client is still relying on externals and constructed thought pattern to bring about the much needed emotional response of happiness. the alignment of the constuct with the universal flow of things. Going with it. Manifestation into this incarnation from thought form and astral influences. Much giving in happiness. the joy of just doing it. Healing."
Markus Rowbotham

"Jupiter in Pisces.
Wishes come true.
Good, good things coming in 9 months.
Dreamer giving dreams."
Alison

8 of Cups

 8 of Cups, Indolence.

Here we have the dark before the dawn.  Not quite the "Dark night of the soul" of Atu XVIII - The  Moon, but more of the weariness of having been in a dark place for a long time and not seeing the sun breaking on the horizon. This is a card of emotional restriction, usually self-created, a fear of faith, if you will.  This energy is afraid to hope, afraid to feel.  The emotional stagnancy of depression is indicated here as well.  The indolence of not having hope or faith in anything beyond the current situation, and therefore not moving in any direction.  However, this card is the harbinger of hope, as the sun is starting to peek on the far horizon.  The cure for this state is knowing that "this too, will pass" . . . and that is always true, no matter whether what we are experiencing is something we judge as "good" or not.   By sailing on through the night, the new world of Happiness (9 Cups) awaits.


from the original website: 


"the card of the psychic vampire: a situation of emotional drain. the emotions are trapped in the lower cups/self and never make it to the Higher. also extreme denial of emotions."
nienor

"Sadness. Depression. Tears. Problems with fertility."
nicole

"From the labour of the sun."
Alan E O'Brien

"To me the eight of cups (hod in yetzirah for you qabalists) represents the time in life when it becomes a necessity to experiece an emotional death. I see the cups (which represent emotion) as being a linear journey from 1 to 10 and thus the eight represents the realization that the fantasies of the seven of cups were false... However this must suck, it also pays to remember that the eight also leads to the nine of cups, the TRUE realization of love and happiness..."
Luke Bradley

"Saturn in Pisces.
Dream restrictor.
Doing something to excess.
Addiction.
What are you doing to excess?
Being excessive to avoid something.
Card of the Alcholic/Drug Addict/Gambler/Overeater 8 of disks is remedy for this card."
Alison

Storm clouds are hovering. There is a storm in the distance. It looks like some of it passed fairly recently. Some of the emotions were guarded against the storm, while some were not. There are puddles of different size and depth on the pathway to contentment. Be careful. The emotions which were caught in the storm are spilling over and affecting other emotional aspects of life. The center of the emotion is well guarded but in the middle of the chaotic emotional roller coaster and therefore the emotional stability is precarious at best.
Connie MacAlpin (khasmyr@pacbell.net)

7 of Cups

This card shows an emotional swamp, a lethargic, stagnant emotional state.  The name, "Debauch" refers to hedonistic abandonment, excessive pleasure taken to extremes.  It also refers alchol and drugs used excessively for escape.  The Scorpio energies go deep into the bowels of our experience and while Venus appears to offer solace, she is a beguiling seductress here, leading us to an unproductive dream state, much like an opiate haze where nothing is clear, honest or real.  This card also reveals toxic emotions, patterns of self-avoidance, patterns of accepting or embracing toxic relationships, patterns of escaping the pain of those things through whatever means "feels good".  It represents, as noted below, the turning inward of the experience of the 6 of Cups, pleasure hoarded rather than shared.  In the Sample Reading posted in March, this card came up in reference to health issues, and as such refers to sluggishness of the fluid systems of the body.  It can be a call to purify diet, change habits, release addictions, (physical or emotional) which may subsume you like quicksand.  Don't stay stuck here!

from the original website: 

7 of Cups, Debauch.

"Often, this card will represent getting swallowed up in a swamp of emotions, either one's own or that of another(s). Of course, it is we ourselves who permit that to happen.
There is often a reminder in the Seven of Cups to remember to discern fantasy from reality so that we don't drown in the illusory muck."
James Wells

"This card represents (in my opinion) the overdoing of Pleasure (the previous card) Enjoyment in too many things makes you lose sight of your moral standards. It's just like partying: It's great till you have too much of it. Thus, too much pleasure brings corruption and debauchery."
Darla

"This card seems to be thematic of our particular stage of social evolution as Americans. Could be renamed "American Excess". Is a very postitive card for us, sort of a prelude to the black earth phase. Delicious debauchery indeed!"
Rian Fike

"This is the card of addiction. The 7 of Cups speaks to the hollowness of self from which we flee. It reminds us that denial increases denial. This is the dead end road, the empty cup, stagnation, deprivation and ultimate loss. This card represents the "lead role in a cage," the attempt to find fulfillment in something which is essentially narrow and restricted. This card signifies lies and betrayal as an attempt to thwart one's deepest convictions. It is a fear card, not a rage card. It is reversal and stuckness, truly one of the ugliest cards in the Thoth deck."
SixOfCups

"Venus in Scorpio.
Emotional attachment to something that cannot be.
Sorrow. Pity for oneself.
Lack of emotional fulfillment.
Time element divisable by 7."
Alison

6 of Cups

 6 of Cups, Pleasure.

Ah, the sweet bliss of ecstasy; pleasure in all forms.  This card is an appreciation of all that is good in life.  No matter how stormy the sea behind it, finding pleasurable things and appreciating them is the key to keeping those cups of happiness full.  The shadow side of this card is using pleasure as a means of escape, but in the act of celebrating life and all its pleasures, we get a taste of "heaven on earth". From that place of emotional appreciation, we become creators of all that is pleasuarable.  This is the card connected to sexual pleasures, the Sun (giver of life) in Scorpio (the sign of death, regeneration and rebirth) encourages us to engage in all acts of love, to ourselves, to another, in the physical expression of emotional bliss.  Feelings and emotions are in the driver's seat here, follow them to your bliss.


from the original website: 

'"Releasing childhood patterns or memories which tie you down. Appriciating. Joyous for no reason. Children."
Lisa Lovejoy

"Emotional instinct sets ground to the feeling drawn to look back...lost in pictures of memories perhaps may be better if consciously were better unthought of. The pomegranet is a strange fruit. Delicious but messy and I could never get those stains out."
Brigitte

"6=the number of man 31 = nuit which is the outer part of the circle in the center is nuit the key to hadat is love. the beginning of the desercration of anilation has begun, only love can release the father from the sea of darkness , the time has come for love and joy to again rule the universe. as it did before our father was betrayed. it the beginning there was pease and love all creatures enjoyed the freedoms of the gods then it came to pass that Jellousy entered the house of thoth and cast our lord from his rightful place in heaven , they were all placed into the Black whole of darkness which there is no escape, enen in darkness our lord ruled and Jahova which was inlove with the God of Light couldn't stand to be placed second for our father loved us with all his heart and all his soul and all his might. so he cursed each one of us placeing restrictions, causing desease famon and floods, claming to be God, and even tryed to destroy man by flood, but the key to the pits of hell is Love. " to Love me is better than all things", and any one that is not of the body , may they die a slow and painfull death, they shall be the slaves do with them as you will. I see the destruction of the christian church by love, take unto you that of the christian faith and have them say unto you they love you heart body and soul when they do this there soul now belongs to you . destroy, destroy, the family structure take there husbands and there wives unto you take them of there own will. for a husband or wife is good but a man of the cloth I say is better. have them fallin love enough to give up all things for you. then leave them with no hope. but do this in love for the Beast.
The rages of sin is restriction "the only sin is to restrict ones will, the key is nu and the lock is love, pleasure, sex, drugs do all but do it for him that is to come"
Moon Willow

"This card represents emotional centeredness, the place from which one can radiate passion and intensity out into the world. It is the card of tantric sexuality, and represents an unfolding that is challenging but oh so richly rewarding in spite of sexual guilt. As a crossing card or reversed, this card can represent a judgement upon ones sexual inclinations, a need to come out of the closet and to transform our frustration into passionate self expression, a need to do what we want, to live with desire."
SixOfCups

"Sun in Scorpio.
Successful handling of emotions.
Wedding event.
Deeper love of self.
Transformation card. Friends can become lovers or lovers can become friends.
More emotional pleasure in your life.
Successful choices in love."
Alison

"These beautiful cups with it's flowing water represent the pleasure it is being emotional connected to others. Enjoy and appreciate this pleasure!
The card also holds a warning: Don't forget to share your pleasure with others involved. Right now the water is fresh and the well is full, but if you don't give back the well will dry out and the water in the cups will be rotten."
Hans

5 of Cups

5 of Cups, Disappointment

We have allowed the well run to dry.  Our expectations for love weren't met, and it's turned our hearts downard, made our cups fragile, breakable.  The energy of Mars is the energy of the ego, of fighting, of aggression, of selfishness.  In Scorpio, this energy comes to the surface, as "what about ME?  What about MY feelings? What did I do to deserve this?" All of our underlying fears about love are brought to the surface, including our partner mirroring the parts of ourselves we find unloveable.  The elements of victim consciousness come to the fore here, also having been victimized. Of course we have expectations of our lovers and love relationships, to treat us kindly, to put us in a place of importance, to value and respect us.  But here we see the outcome of having not learned the lessons of the 4, where Love must flow through ourselves first before we have what we need to share with others. Likewise in order to receive love from another, we must first carve that space in our hearts by loving ourselves.

from the original website:

5 of Cups. Disappointment.
"You can't always get what you want.
You can't always get what you want.
You can't always get what you want.
But if try sometimes, you'll find
You get what you need!
(with credit to Jagger/Richards!)"
Gary Oppenhuis

"This is NOT the card to be insensitive about with querent. If they seem lighthearted about it, then we can be, but usually this card is a deep sorrow, not one that can just be brushed off. Often, the sorrow needs to be felt in order for querent to move beyond it. We must be careful to be in tune with the pain that surrounds this card."
Lisa Lovejoy

"The sadness associated with with "loss of pleasure." The material universe (represented by the pentagram) surmounting the aspiration of the soul, represented by the 5th point or apex of the pentagram which, in this case, is pointing downward. The astrological correspondence of the card gives the reader mental associations of intense energy and combustability (Mars) applied to a fixed quality of water (Scorpio). In mundane interpretations, the question could be related to excess energy or force toward a particular emotional want or perceived need. It is time to let go of material attachments or 'fixations' (Scorpio) and go with the flow of life more (nature of water)."
Violet

"Agony is born of desire, that's what you get for wanting"
-Moev-
Troy Salazar

"Mars in Scorpio.
Disappointment because expectations were not met.
Putting attention on empty instead of full.
Not getting what or all you expected.
If your attention is moved to the positive, then disappointment will be overcome.
No pain without attachment."
Alison

4 of Cups

4 of Cups, Luxury

Here we have the luxury of emotional self-containment. The source flows equally into each set of cups, and downward to the rest. The sign of Cancer resonates to heart and home, and this card is an image of family, the fully-connected parents feeding the emotional centers of the children.  The Moon's intution shows us that we are responsible for our own happiness, and inwardly we know our own connection to the source is what gives us the emotional wherewithal to share with others.  Intuitively we know this, yet we in our humanness often wallow in the luxury of the false belief that happiness and fulfillment can come from another.  This card prompts questions about your own emotional connection, independent of those around you.  Are you giving enough to yourself?

from the original website: 

4 of Cups, Luxury.
"The sky is blackened and sea is ruffled. You are being given something but you don't see it or don't care to see it. Emotions are muddied.
Taken altogether, material discontent due to your ignornace or muddied emotional state."
Azoth

"The emotions are in a very boring place.
There is not pasion.
A relationship based in a formal statement.
Where is the truth of your feelings?."
Frater Olam

"I find myself becomming too attached to a man who is still married, they live apart because of the problems they have. Then i read my own interpretation of this card hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm."
joani parker

"What is being offered to you that you are not seeing?
Have you given up on finding comfort?
Do you feel you deserve comfort?
Could you let go of feeling sorry for yourself?
Can you find the luxury that already surrounds you internally and externally?
Are you ignoring your own needs?
Are you denying yourself your own space?
Are you taking time for just yourself?"
Lisa Lovejoy

"Wanting pleasure at any cost, love, seen only as physical gratification. Superficial emotional life, no reality, the pleasure proves to be fleeting and causes, eventually more loss of one's moral fiber. Unable to value the true, the external matters most. You need to strive for something of real substance."
Joani Parker

"Moon in Cancer.
Taking control of your life by having freedom.
Giving your partner the emotional luxury of freedom of self expression. Saying what one needs to say without fear.
People who are whole unto themselves.
Could involve family or property."
Alison

3 of Cups

 3 of Cups, Abundance.


Here we have an evolution of the energy of the two, enhanced by their connection to Spirit.  The energy of the Ace flows down into the two, giving them such abundant joy that it must go forth into the world.  This card speaks to communion with and communication with Source, and expressing that connection with the beloved, and with loved ones all around.  This is a drawing down of love for its expression in all good things, overflowing in good measure.  It is a reminder to keep the connection to Spirit paramount in relationships, to express the highest love one is capable. The triangle is the most stable geometric form, and the trinity is expressed here as well.  By communicating (Mercury) the fullest expression of love to those around you (Cancer) all manner of abundance is attracted to you.  The manifestation of material abundance starts in the emotional center.  You must feel it to believe it, believe it to see it.

from the original website: 

"3 cups made of vibrant and succulent fruit. Each cup overflows with nectar which returns to the source. Each cup is a part of that which feeds and supports it. One whole eternally viable cycle, self-sustaining if you only take what is offered. You reap the harvest of that which you sow. Note: Strength of 4 to support, Strength of 4 to feed, Yet you are rewarded by three. Do not take more than you are offered/rewarded or the balance of the cycle will cease to exist. To cut the stems upsets the balance, to drain the pool upsets the flow. Only plucking the cups from their place will allow the fruit to grow again. This card represents, (to me), the reward, the pleasure of the harvest. It is the time to sample the fruits of your labour, but care must be taken to see that it continues. The greedy, and careless could destroy any future yields."
Solitaire

"This is a wonderful card of a flowing and outpouring of emotion, acceptence and communication. Especially in domestic or family affairs.
If poorly placed or ill-dignified, may warn against reading too much into or becoming too involved in a situation or circumstances that have not fully matured."
Cindy

"Mercury in Cancer.
Communication with people you love.
Communication that comes back to you in a nurturing way.
Talk you give to others and it comes back to you via letter or telephone."
Alison

"This is a very rare, valuable and highly spiritual kind of love.
The 3 cups can symbolize 3 people that are very special to you."
Hans

2 of Cups

2 of cups - Love

Ah, the love card, who's appearance in any reading brings a smile to the heart.  This is the love between two people, generally referencing a partner/relationship, but can apply to any bonded pair, including parent-child, siblings, friends.  This is a harmonious card, full of freely flowing emotion, represented by beautiful, clear water.  This card's influence is to keep those energies balanced and clear, to confirm the love of another, to indicate success in matters of the heart.  The caution is not to become so "other-absorbed," that one demands all their emotion for themselves, creating jealousy and envy, or at worst, obsession.  Two is the most difficult number in many ways, because a relationship between two is intense, no buffer, no barrier, nothing to add stability.  However, this is also the love that charges the heart, emboldens the spirit, and fills one with joy overflowing.  Let this sunny day of the heart shine forth to all around you.


from the original website:  

 2 of Cups, Love.

"lovers"
sallie cole

"Physical attraction, not necessarily serious relationship, (like Lovers card). Can be though. Cooperation, Agreement, Doing something out of love for the other person. Tied into someone. Falling in love. Renewing love. Appreciating the other. Being the other,being the love (tantra)."
Lisa Lovejoy

"Meeting the Inner" H61, Inner Truth, "I will share my wine (truth) with you." At some point you must move from the Subject Truths you possess to the Universal or Outer or Objective Truths. You have to come to terms with Human Nature in all its aspects. This is the path of Love (affection, benevolence, goodwill). When you can look and see what you look at, and each distinction is part of the whole, you have this truth."
Susan

"Venus in Cancer.
Emotional fulfillment with love of self.
Love of something.
Women & children. Public, property.
Beauty.
Love of expression. Self love."
Alison

Ace of Cups

Here is the seed of the energy of Divine Love.  Our cup runneth over with fullness from Source. As above, so below, and the mirrored image here shows the structure of the dynamic of Love flowing through our vessel into a reflecting pool of joy.  On the other side, we understand all the aspects of love, there is no confusion, no hesitation, just an outreaching web of connectedness that radiates Love from Source.  Here, on the earthly plane, it's a puddle, flowing, spilling, bubbling, and brings to us all those aspects of love in an uncontrolled, unrestrained manner.  While it's true that love can leave us vulnerable, activating wounds of separation and reinforcing that illusion, Love is a healing balm, whether through joy or tears.  The waters flowing unrestrained allow us to be purged of all our old hurts, to be filled to the brim and beyond with Love's fullness in all aspects.  YOU ARE LOVED. YOU ARE LOVE.



from the original website:

 Ace of Cups.
"The strands of conscience are spun and woven in symetrical clarifying web of insight reaching the depths of the sea to the hieghts above. Just as the vibration of the fluttering of a caught insect inside the spiders web so is the string direct between heart and universe. Bringing through this direct connection cool refreshing water and a clear reflection."
Olivia

"This card represents the activation of the chakra that exsists above the crown chakra in one of the many energetic auric bodies. This chakra is the connection of that auric body to the universe in a personal manner. Many of the energetic chakras allow us to experience the impersonal power of the universe but this one embraces or cradles,(like the ocean is cradled in its bed) our essense to the greater oneness to empower us in a gentle carressing nurturing manner. The experience is subtile , like the water lapping on a shoreline, but far reaching, dynamic, and very powerful. A very personal experience of a nurturing pure love between the Greater Oneness and mankind. The begining of the establishment of the true self within an individual and the far reaching consequences on a universal level."
Markus Rowbotham

"This card, when drawn symbolizes the perfect day."
Amelia Mameenook

"The beginning of the water element and of emotions... especially of love and happy-giddy stuff."
trinitychannel13

"Pure force of Water. I invoked water at Allegany State Park last night at Red House Lake under a clear, moonless sky. It led to the meditation of my body as a continually changing center of waterpower, just as the lake is. The card shows the Grail as a solid vessel, but the base is continuous, i.e. its foundation is out of sight(unknowable).

If the experience of Life is One Organic Event, Water is the key to understanding how we partake of the existence of all things, since we, like all things, are whirlpools of existence."
Rich Gardner

"Receiving divine blessings in abundance, flowing from the source, _through_ the chalice. Be open to receive these blessings, and pass them to others. That unconditional love that comes to you should go out to others from you. What is above is reflected in what's below, so reflect what you've been given. This is the image of the Holy Grail."
Annie Kane

"The Trusting Heart. Allowing things to unfold naturally. My cup runeth over with love and emotions. You will be blessed with love and happiness within the year. Falling deeply in love. Pregnancy, fertile. Unconditional love."
Lisa Lovejoy

"The beginning of a new time of open-hearted connection, with others, and within the self. Blossoming of creative and emotional aspects of personality. Love will win out, and the querant will be open to the healing, nourishing influences of love. "Give peace a chance!" Fertility -- physical (and creative), emotional, and spiritual."
Susan

"Good positive energy.
Number one.
An ace.
Success."
terri lynn krul

"Clarity of heart.
No money worries.
Concerns emotional fulfillment."
Alison