tarot by riri

The story of the Cups begins with an inner abundance expanding outward. The Ace of Cups reveals the abundance of love that already exists within our own hearts. Through the Two and Three of Cups, we begin to find love in others and celebrate our joys together. The Four of Cups, however, is the point at which we realize we also need to direct that love back inward for reflection. The Five of Cups is one of solace and retreating into darkness – in other words, the receding of what is usually a rather expansive tide.

We retreat into the murkier depths of our shadows and come across the Six of Cups, or our memories of home and hearth, childhood, and family. This keeps us grounded and allows us to begin thinking about what temptations we may face in the outside world through the Seven of Cups. Once we’ve done the necessary reflections, we lead into the Eight of Cups, which reminds us to always pursue higher spiritual evolution. That evolution becomes seen when we are rewarded for finding harmony in our emotions through the Nine of Cups, and lastly, with the Ten of Cups, we extend that love outward to the world.

The world of the court cards are somewhat different. The Knight of Cups is our fire in the water. It is sometimes called the Lord of the Waves and the Waters, and it brings a swiftness not otherwise present in the Suit. The Knight brings water into action, but not very well. Think of him as a sudden gushing stream that can potentially erode or dissolve things. He’s here for quick action and has a natural innocence to agency, but he is not as deep as you might think.

The Queen, on the other hand, is the bright image of beauty and purity. She reflects the purity of nature and of the observer in perfection. Her gaze extends to the deepest waters, and she is the perfect mirror. When others look at her, they only see themselves. She can distort reflection and can be dangerous or cruel, but at her best, she can receive and transmit without being affected by the outside world.

The Prince of Cups is known for his great creative abilities. He need not be exuberant to showcase the breadth of his abilities, but he is harder to rein in and harness. There is great potential in this card, but at his worst, he doesn’t care about the mess he makes. The Princess of Cups, or the Page of Cups in other decks, on the other hand, is infinitely gracious and sweet. She represents the crystallization of all that fluidity. She moves smoothly and pulls you toward dreams and tenderness, but be careful not to get too lost in her romantic world. She is proof that water-nourished ideas can flourish.

My favorite card from this suit, however, has always been the Two of Cups. She is a rare appearance in my readings, but not as of late. I’ve seen her energy spurring about. As a fellow water sign, her intuition tends to find me in ways words cannot quite describe, but only emotions can comprehend. She is deeply feeling, and she’s pulled me into her current.

The Two of Cups in the Thoth tarot deck by Aleister Crowley is seen as two single-stem lotuses, and between them, two dolphins cross. Two fountains of water spring from the top lotus and fall over the dolphins and then down into the cups, which overflow. She is represented by Venus in Cancer, and the sign of Cancer from 0 to 10 degrees.

This card showcases the emotional unity of two people, and just as other Twos, it is related to duality. But this duality does not separate; it unites. Here, two separate sources merge in perfect harmony in one cup. This kind of energy is focused and intentionally directed; it is the card of both giving and receiving; the exchange of energy is mutual.

I see it, sometimes, as the true, pure synthesis of an individual's heart. When it comes to self-love, while the Ace of Cups represents unity itself, the Two of Cups showcases how things can come together. You can work to bring parts of yourself together in perfect unity, so that you may feel more whole and more nourished. It is love that allows you to feel good about yourself, but also allows for other energies to potentially be welcomed. This is perhaps why it is the most powerful card to me.

When you embrace the beauty of love within the Two of Cups, you can also open your arms to receiving it from other sources. Do not be afraid; the Two of Cups is extraordinarily balanced and welcoming of mutual respect and communication.

The Two of Cups reminds us, most of all, of how beautiful it is to love and be loved. Taking care of each other and being together are the only things that really matter. This card corresponds with the mercurial sign of Cancer, and it loves communication just as much. This sign is romantic and emotional and ruled by the moon. Together with Venus, the planet of love, the Two of Cups is secure in their emotional attachment and security. I often say that when you see this in a reading, and you are wondering how you feel about another person, it is there to remind you that your feelings are true and real.

As we approach Venus Conjunct Jupiter in Cancer on June 9th, I would like the Two of Cups energy to remind us that there is something beautiful in inner balance and true emotional commitment. Whether that is to ourselves, our friends, our goals, or our desires, it is important to embrace the depth and purity of love. You can be nourished and nourish others without fearing your abundance will dwindle.

May you trust that your heart’s devotion is never wasted and that love, in all its forms, is your true and endless inner wellspring.