Suit: Minor Arcana, Pip card, Cups
Astrology: Capricorn, Pisces, Cancer
Planets: Neptune, Jupiter
Numerology: 8
Relates to people born: 2nd -7th October
Timing: 17th - 27th February
Divinatory Message: Change is necessary.
Upright Keywords (U): Earthly progress, judgment, regeneration, power and ability, the emotional traveler and looking for what you have yet to find.
A few upright interpretations:
The Eight of Cups when upright implies that something of importance is missing from one’s life and tells of a quest to find inner-contentment and purpose. A drastic, sweeping change may be called for in order to satisfy this longing.
Appearing upright in a reading, the 8 of Cups suggest that it is time to accept and move on in your life. There is a need to venture into unexplored territories to find deeper fulfillment.
The Eight of Cups indicates that the “old ways” are no longer working for you and it is time to make some sweeping changes. Once you have made the decision to move on, your attention will turn to seeking happiness and fulfillment.
Upright 8 of Cups in reading is an indication that a new interest is on its way into your life. This could be by way of personal relationships or the experience of new knowledge gained.
Reversed Keywords (R): Great joy, happiness, material success, feasting.
A few reversed interpretations:
The Eight of Cups reversed can indicate uncertainty about the future and indecision about which direction to head in. Serious thought should be given about considerations you may have.
It is not a good time to move home or travel when the 8 of Cups appears reversed in a spread.
Appearing reversed, the 8 of Cups may be indicating that changes need to be made in regards to your attitude and lifestyle. Be sure of your choices and decisions before undertaking these changes.
When the 8 of Cups appears reversed it can be an indication that situations may take a negative turn. Changes in your life need to be made and once this is done, postive energies will usher into your life, lightening your attitude.
NOTE: For as long as I have been reading cards - and that’s been a long time - I have NEVER, NEVER seen this card signal, happiness, feasting or great joy. The meaning of the card reversed is antithetical to many interpretations, in fact I find the upright interpretations to be very much like the reverse interpretations. In this case, I say use your best intuition and judgment when reading a spread.
If you are attempting to read cards for yourself or others, these are just a few interpretations of the card. As you become more secure and proficient at reading cards, you should be able to come up with your own intuitive meanings of this card.
Until next time.
Be Good to Yourselves.
Tara, xx
It IS a sad card. I have never known it to mean a happy thing either. Someone is deeply disappointed, and the best that can be said is now they are resigned to it, though philosophical, and ready to disengage and reclaim their power.
My favorite interpretation is: “If something is not working in your life, do not waste anymore time or effort on it For to so so, will only hinder your progress.”