Today we’ll cover the meaning and interpretation of the Eight of Cups tarot card. This is a part of a deep dive series on the tarot.
Summary
| Category | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Upright | Walking away from something emotionally unfulfilling or unsatisfactory, seeking spiritual or emotional growth, making a difficult decision, leaving the past behind |
| Reversed | Refusing to let go of the past, fear of change, feeling stuck or unable to move forward, avoidance |
| Astrology | Saturn in Pisces |
| Love | Letting go of a relationship that is no longer serving you, searching for deeper emotional connections |
| Career | Leaving behind a job or project that is no longer fulfilling, searching for a career path that aligns with your values |
| Finances | Taking a risk and letting go of financial security to pursue a dream or passion, being mindful of overspending |
| Past | Walking away from something that no longer served you, leaving behind emotional baggage |
| Present | Feeling restless or unsatisfied, seeking greater emotional fulfillment, making a tough decision |
| Future | A time of transition and change, leaving the past behind and moving toward greater emotional fulfillment and spiritual growth |
The Eight of Cups tarot card description
The Eight of Cups tarot card typically depicts a figure standing on a hill or mountainside, with eight cups arranged in a semicircle behind them.
The figure is usually depicted as being in the process of leaving or walking away from the cups, possibly indicating a decision to move on from a current situation or relationship. In some versions, the figure is shown as looking back at the cups, suggesting a sense of longing or regret.
The cups in the image often have different designs or symbols on them and may be depicted as overflowing or spilling out. The number eight is significant in this card as it is associated with the concept of infinity, and may suggest a sense of completion or fulfillment.
In the background, there is usually a river or a path that the figure is following, which may symbolize the journey of life or the path of self-discovery. The landscape may be depicted as being dark or gloomy, emphasizing the sense of leaving behind a comfortable or familiar situation.
In summary, the Eight of Cups tarot card typically depicts a figure leaving behind a group of cups, representing a decision to move on from a current situation or relationship, with a sense of longing or regret, and the background usually includes a path or a river, symbolizing the journey of life.
The Eight of Cups card keywords
The Eight of Cups tarot card is associated with several keywords, including:
- Moving on: The figure in the card is often depicted as leaving or walking away from the cups, indicating a decision to move on from a current situation or relationship.
- Letting go: The act of leaving the cups behind may symbolize the need to let go of something or someone, and to release emotions such as attachment or longing.
- Emotional fulfillment: The number eight is associated with infinity, and may suggest a sense of completion or pride in terms of emotions and feelings.
- Self-discovery: The path or river in the card’s background may symbolize the journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
- Transition: The dark or gloomy landscape may emphasize the idea of leaving behind a comfortable or familiar situation, and entering a new phase or transition in life.
- Regret: The figure is often depicted as looking back at the cups, suggesting a longing or regret for what was left behind.
- Introspection: The card may suggest that a person needs to spend some time alone, looking inward and exploring their own emotions and feelings.
- Abandonment: The act of leaving the cups may indicate a sense of abandonment or betrayal.
Astrology of the Eight of Cups card
The astrological significance of the Eight of Cups tarot card is often associated with the planet Saturn. Saturn is known as the “Lord of Karma” and is associated with the concepts of responsibility, discipline, and structure. The Eight of Cups card can be a reminder that one needs to take responsibility for their actions and decisions and to be aware of the long-term consequences of those actions.
The card can also be associated with the zodiac sign Pisces. Pisces is a sign of emotions, intuition, and spiritual awareness. The figure in the card is often depicted as leaving or walking away from the cups, indicating a decision to move on from a current situation or relationship.
This may represent a Piscean individual who is letting go of their emotional attachments and focusing on their spiritual development.
The Eight of Cups card can also be associated with the astrological house of the 12th house, which is associated with self-undoing, hidden fears, and the subconscious.
The card may suggest that a person needs to look inside and face the hidden fears and subconscious that are holding them back and make a decision to move on.
In summary, the astrological significance of the Eight of Cups tarot card is associated with Saturn, Pisces, and the 12th house. It speaks to the concepts of responsibility, discipline, structure, letting go, emotional fulfillment, self-discovery, transition, introspection, and facing hidden fears.
Upright Eight of Cups tarot card meaning
What is the meaning of the upright Eight of Cups card?
The upright Eight of Cups tarot card represents a decision to move on from a current situation or relationship that is no longer fulfilling. It represents a time of transition, change, and uncertainty about the future, and also emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility, facing hidden fears, and being aware of the long-term consequences of one’s actions.
The traditional interpretation of the upright Eight of Cups tarot card is that the person represented in the card is at a point where they have achieved a sense of emotional fulfillment and completion in a certain area of their life, but they are now ready to move on and leave it behind.
The figure in the card is depicted as walking away from a group of cups, which may represent a situation or relationship that has been a source of emotional nourishment but is now no longer fulfilling.
The decision to walk away may be difficult and may come with a sense of longing or regret, but it is ultimately necessary for the person’s growth and well-being.
The card can also indicate that the person has reached the end of a cycle or phase of their life, and is moving on to something new. This may be a time of transition and change, and the person may be feeling a sense of uncertainty about the future.
In more specific readings, this card can indicate that the person is feeling unfulfilled in their current job or relationship and may be considering a change. It can also indicate a need for the person to spend some time alone, looking inward and exploring their own emotions and feelings.
The card can also suggest that the person should be aware of the long-term consequences of their actions and decisions, and take responsibility for them. They should also be aware of any hidden fears or subconscious that are holding them back from moving on.
Overall, the upright Eight of Cups tarot card suggests that the person is at a point where they need to let go of something or someone that is no longer fulfilling, and move on to something new, even if it’s a difficult decision.
It also emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility, facing hidden fears, and being aware of the long-term consequences of one’s actions.
Example upright Eight of Cups reading
A real-world example reading for the upright Eight of Cups tarot card may be for a person who has been in a long-term relationship but is now feeling unfulfilled and is considering ending it.
The card may indicate that this person has reached a point of emotional fulfillment and completion in this relationship and is now ready to move on to something new.
The figure in the card is depicted as walking away from a group of cups, which may represent the relationship that has been a source of emotional nourishment but is now no longer fulfilling.
The decision to walk away may be difficult and may come with a sense of longing or regret, but it is ultimately necessary for the person’s growth and well-being.
This card can also indicate that the person is at a point where they need to let go of something or someone that is no longer fulfilling, and move on to something new, even if it’s a difficult decision.
Reversed Eight of Cups card tarot meaning
What is the meaning of the reversed Eight of Cups tarot card?
The reversed Eight of Cups tarot card represents a feeling of being stuck in an unfulfilling situation or relationship, and difficulty in facing hidden fears and the subconscious that are holding the person back. It also indicates that the person is avoiding taking responsibility for their actions and decisions, and may be running away from their problems rather than facing them head-on.
The traditional interpretation of the reversed Eight of Cups tarot card is that the person represented in the card is having trouble moving on from a situation or relationship that is no longer fulfilling.
They may be feeling stuck or unable to let go and may be holding onto past emotions or memories. This can lead to feelings of stagnation, disappointment, and dissatisfaction with their current life. They may also be having difficulty in facing their hidden fears and subconscious that are holding them back from moving on.
This card can also indicate that the person is avoiding taking responsibility for their actions and decisions, and may be running away from their problems rather than facing them head-on. They may also be feeling a sense of uncertainty and lack of direction in their life.
In summary, the reversed Eight of Cups tarot card represents a feeling of being stuck in an unfulfilling situation or relationship, and difficulty in facing hidden fears and subconscious that are holding the person back.
It also indicates that the person is avoiding taking responsibility for their actions and decisions, and may be running away from their problems rather than facing them head-on.
Example reversed Eight of Cups reading
A real-world example reading for the reversed Eight of Cups tarot card may be for a person who has been laid off from their job but is having trouble finding a new one.
They may be feeling stuck, unable to let go of the past and move on to new opportunities. The card may indicate that this person is having trouble facing hidden fears and subconscious that are holding them back from taking new chances, such as fear of failure, lack of self-confidence, or self-doubt.
They may also be avoiding taking responsibility for their actions and decisions and may be running away from their problems rather than facing them head-on.
This card may suggest that this person needs to look inside and face those hidden fears and subconscious that are holding them back and take action, such as updating their resume, networking, or training for new skills in order to move forward.
Meanings of the Eight of Cups in tarot positions
Depending on the position of the Eight of Cups card, you will need to interpret it differently.
Love Eight of Cups tarot meaning
In a love context, the Eight of Cups tarot card can indicate that the person represented in the card is at a point where they have achieved a sense of emotional fulfillment and completion in their current relationship, but they are now ready to move on and leave it behind.
The figure in the card is depicted as walking away from a group of cups, which may represent the relationship that has been a source of emotional nourishment but is no longer fulfilling.
This could indicate that the person may have grown apart from their partner and is no longer happy in the relationship.
The decision to walk away may be difficult and may come with a sense of longing or regret, but it is ultimately necessary for the person’s growth and well-being.
This card suggests that the person needs to take responsibility for their own happiness and make the difficult decision to leave the relationship for the sake of emotional fulfillment.
The card also indicates that the person may be entering a new phase in their love life, and may be open to new possibilities and opportunities in the future.
Career Eight of Cups tarot meaning
In a career context, the Eight of Cups tarot card can indicate that the person represented in the card is at a point where they have achieved a sense of professional fulfillment and completion in their current job, but they are now ready to move on and leave it behind.
The figure in the card is depicted as walking away from a group of cups, which may represent the job that has been a source of professional growth and accomplishment, but is no longer fulfilling.
This could indicate that the person may have grown tired of their current job, and may be feeling unfulfilled and uninspired by the work they are doing.
The decision to walk away may be difficult and may come with a sense of longing or regret, but it is ultimately necessary for the person’s professional growth and well-being.
This card suggests that the person needs to take responsibility for their own professional development and make the difficult decision to leave the job for the sake of their professional fulfillment.
The card also indicates that the person may be entering a new phase in their career, and may be open to new possibilities and opportunities in the future.
Finances Eight of Cups tarot meaning
In a financial context, the Eight of Cups tarot card can indicate that the person represented in the card is at a point where they have achieved a sense of financial fulfillment and completion in their current financial situation, but they are now ready to move on and leave it behind.
The figure in the card is depicted as walking away from a group of cups, which may represent the financial situation that has been a source of stability and security, but is no longer fulfilling.
This could indicate that the person may have reached a point where they have achieved their financial goals and have grown tired of their current situation, and may be feeling unfulfilled and uninspired by their current financial situation.
The decision to walk away may be difficult and may come with a sense of longing or regret, but it is ultimately necessary for the person’s financial growth and well-being.
This card suggests that the person needs to take responsibility for their own financial development and make the difficult decision to change their financial situation for the sake of their financial fulfillment.
The card also indicates that the person may be entering a new phase in their financial life, and may be open to new possibilities and opportunities in the future.
Advanced modern tarot interpretations of the Eight of Cups card
I always like to examine other, modern decks to see what can be read into their symbolism.
The reason for this is that every person will have different decks, so it’s good to learn how to go with your gut on what you see. This is the best way to have a good interpretation of the moment.
Too many people stick to a learned reading instead of going with the flow. Remember, each reading, deck, person, position, and question is different. Reading the cards is an art, not a science.
Here is a new interpretation of the Eight of Cups tarot card:
The Eight of Cups tarot card represents a need for the person to “unplug” and disconnect from the constant distractions and stimulation of technology and social media.
The figure in the card is depicted as walking away from a group of cups, which may represent the constant notifications, messages, and updates that consume the person’s attention.
This card may indicate that the person has reached a point of emotional and mental overload and is now ready to take a step back and focus on their own well-being.
The decision to unplug may be difficult and may come with a sense of longing or regret, but it is ultimately necessary for the person’s mental and emotional growth.
This card suggests that the person needs to take responsibility for their own well-being and make the difficult decision to disconnect from the constant distractions and stimulation in order to achieve a sense of balance and inner peace.
The card also indicates that the person may be entering a new phase in their life, where they will be able to reconnect with themselves and find fulfillment in things that are not virtual.
Back to the Minor Arcana list.
The previous card was the Seven of Cups tarot card and the next card is the Nine of Cups card.
References
- Dean, L. (2018). The Tarot Companion: A Portable Guide to Reading the Cards for Yourself and Others. Fair Winds Press.
