Eight of Cups Tarot Card Meanings
Eight of Cups’ Upright & Reversed Meanings
Ideas: Familiarity, retention, stay
Traits: Conciliatory, considerate, cooperative, forgiving, patient, tolerant, uncomplaining
Emotions: Contentment, gladness, homesickness, relief, satisfaction
- Actions:
- Accepting a counteroffer
- Living a stable and orderly life
- Planning your next move
- Retaining a person
- Returning to somewhere that you are familiar with
- Staying to put food on the table
Ideas: Departure, dissatisfaction, expedition, withdrawal
Traits: Courageous, decisive, principled, purposeful, reflective, solitary, venturesome
Emotions: Disappointment, eagerness, hope, longing, unhappiness
- Actions:
- Blazing your own trail
- Going on a retreat
- Leaving an unhealthy situation behind
- Looking for something more meaningful
- Realizing there must be more to life
- Seeking the still, small voice
- Starting your own business
Ideas: Fault-finding, rootlessness, runaway
Traits: Egocentric, inconsiderate, intolerant, irresponsible, opinionated, selfish, uncaring, uncooperative
Emotions: Annoyance, frustration, grouchiness, grumpiness, irritation, pride
- Actions:
- Being implacable
- Burning your bridges
- Harping on past mistakes and disappointments
- Implying that it is your way or the highway
- Nitpicking
- Refusing to settle down
- Running away from problems or confrontations
- Threatening to quit as a strategy to get your way
Eight of Cups’ Advice
Personal Growth
As children, we ridicule “quitters.” As adults, we need to realize the time does come to throw in the towel. In your own life, what habits or attitudes need to be abandoned, cold turkey? Don’t think of it as quitting; see quitting as a step towards a new beginning.
Relationship
If a relationship fails to supply what you need, consider looking elsewhere. Occasionally, a little time apart can restore perspective and reveal true character. Don’t be afraid to be alone; it’s okay to be your own person.
Career
Threatening to quit is never productive. Dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to a task … or move on without fanfare. A persistent feeling that “something’s missing” should tell you something. Know when to say “No!” to overbearing bosses.
Spirituality
Consider the value a retreat might offer. Spend time alone in nature. By stepping outside of your daily routine, you automatically heighten your awareness. When you return to your every day world, you’ll see it with fresh eyes.
Eight of Cups’ Symbols & Insights
Stacked Chalices
The Rider–Waite–Smith-inspired versions of this card frequently depict eight stacked Cups, arranging to emphasize the ninth cup’s absence. What do you lack emotionally or spiritually? How willing are you to pursue it?
The Retreating Figure
On many versions of this card, a weary figure walks away, heading towards the horizon. In your own life, what do you need to walk away from? What new experiences or insights might you gain from doing so?
Starting Again
What risks are inherent in starting over? What would be lost? What benefits might you gain from a fresh start?
The Marseilles Image
What a labor (eight) of love (Cups) this arrangement must have been: such careful balance, such deliberate symmetry! Still, there’s room for growth. What labor of love should you undertake today?
More About Eight of Cups Tarot Card
- Prediction
- Someone’s “stepping out” on you, now or in the near future.
- Maybe it’s time to quit talking about the problem and just move on.
- Timing
- Between February 19 and February 28
- Affirmation
- “I am always open to opportunities for growth.”
- Numerology Number
- 8
(the action: movement, outer work, swiftness) - Classical Element
- Water
- Astrological Planet in Sign
- Saturn in Pisces
- Story Character
- The main character finds his or her everyday life suddenly unrewarding. The main character sets off to find his or her destiny.
- Questions to Ask
- What do I need to leave behind once and for all?
- If I left in search of “more,” what would I be looking for, exactly?
- How might a retreat enhance my perspective?
