The Suit of Cups
The Cups Series (Emotional Energy) – Minor Arcana
(Tarot Course - Lesson 7)
The second series of the Minor Arcana, the Cups series, is associated with the element of water and represents the signs of Cancer, Pisces, and Scorpio. This group of cards points to the most emotional aspect of the Tarot. It's also connected to creativity, romance, fantasy, and imagination. They reveal themselves when we think with our hearts rather than our minds. The information they offer can sometimes pertain to matters of love or emotional content. They also represent the subconscious. They are peaceful rather than combative. They are a rather slow-moving group and compared to the other series, more passive.
The Cups series primarily sheds light on what is happening in our inner world, but this doesn't mean they won't provide insights into material matters or our professional lives. Sometimes, they can offer emotional perspectives on material issues. The changes and transitions presented by Cups cards are never as abrupt and harsh as those of the Swords or Air series. They represent gentler and more moderate changes. When this series appears in a reading in a reversed position, it may underline suppressed emotions, an inability to express oneself, or even a lack of creativity.
Cups cards deal with the emotional aspect of consciousness and are therefore generally associated with love, feelings, relationships, or connections. The element of the Cups series is water, which is fluid, agile, and constantly moving. When it becomes intense and overly abundant, it can be just as damaging and shaping as powerful waves. This element also symbolizes fluidity and purity. It is a feminine element and can sometimes represent tears. In the body, it governs the heart, signifying processes where we think with our hearts.
Just as an excess of fire can be harmful and destructive, an excess of water can have the same effect. Water is a fluid and free element. It does not favor conflict or pressure, and it cannot be contained. Water governs our emotions and the subconscious. It is a flowing element that must be allowed to flow freely. If water, or Cups, wants to flow in a certain direction, it must be allowed to do so; otherwise, it can lead to emotional outbursts. When there is an abundance of Cups cards in a reading, it may indicate intense emotions, even exaggeration of feelings, and potential harm due to excessive emotionalism. A significant presence of water, or Cups cards, can sometimes signify tears. Emotions have built up, and the likelihood of shedding tears is high.
The Cups series is also related to intuition, psychic realms, and the subconscious. The water element of the Cups series is essentially the element of the subconscious realm. When this series dominates a reading, the situation is often felt on a subconscious level rather than a conscious one. The Cups series is also the part of the Minor Arcana that deals with dreams, fantasies, and intuitions.
Compared to the other series, the Cups series is softer, more moderate, and romantic. Chocolates, romantic moments, love, and sexuality are under the control of this group. Moreover, this series' cards are often associated with aesthetics, politeness, and art. They can represent artistic creativity, talents, pottery, romantic writings, poetry, and novels. It is also the series of socializing, parties, and deep friendships.
Personality Traits of the Cups Series:
Individuals represented by Cups cards are gentle, moderate, and emotional. The Cups series also deals with the romantic and loving aspects of life. Chocolates, romantic love letters, flirtations, sexuality, and everything related to emotional life are under the control of these cards. Additionally, the cards of this series can represent aesthetics, politeness, and art. They can also represent individuals with significant artistic creativity and talents. The people represented by the Cups series may be shy, timid, or passive, but they can produce works of art such as paintings, pottery, and sculptures and write deep romantic novels. These individuals can delve deep into their emotions but can also be easily hurt. Additionally, they enjoy socializing and parties. They value friendship and physical closeness and adore beautiful and fancy meals.
Reversed Cups Series:
When the cards in this series appear upright, they express the intensity of emotions, but when reversed, they indicate suppressed emotions. Reversed Cups can suggest situations where things aren't going well in our emotional world, or where we are forced to suppress our feelings, or even a lack of emotional expression and creativity. It can signify unrequited love, an inability to express emotions, a lack of romance, or emotional blockages. When Cups are upright, it means that emotions flow freely, bringing joy and peace to individuals when they allow their emotions to flow. However, when Cups appear reversed, it means that water is restricted, and its flow is hindered, which can lead to inner turmoil.
Reversed Cups can also relate to all forms of emotional abuse, including sexual abuse or anything extremely distressing related to sexuality. While upright Cups represent emotional intensity and emotional harmony, reversed Cups indicate emotional instability and paranoia. They can be overly jealous, insecure in relationships, experience unhealthy relationships, suffer from bad sexual experiences, develop addictions, and have psychological issues. Reversed Cups also represent a lack of love.