Beginner’s Guide to Tarot: The Suit of Cups

If tarot is a story, the Suit of Cups is the chapter on feelings, love, relationships, and intuition. It's where the heart lives. 

Whether you're just starting out with tarot or brushing up on your card meanings, this post will break down the Suit of Cups in simple, beginner-friendly language—so you can start reading with confidence and ease.

 

What Does the Suit of Cups Represent?

The Cups are tied to the element of water, which means they’re all about:

  • Emotions – joy, sadness, love, heartbreak
  • Relationships – romantic, platonic, family, and self-love
  • Creativity & Intuition – your inner voice and emotional intelligence
  • Spirituality – your connection to the unseen world

If your reading is heavy on Cups, it’s probably tapping into your emotional life or your heart’s desires. 

 

The Cups Cards (Ace to King) & Their Meanings

 

 

Ace of Cups

Keywords: New love, emotional awakening, spiritual connection
Vibe: Your heart is opening—whether it's a new relationship, friendship, or just deeper self-love.

Two of Cups

Keywords: Connection, mutual love, unity
Vibe: A soul-level bond. Partnerships that feel aligned and supportive.

Three of Cups

Keywords: Celebration, friendship, community
Vibe: Good vibes, group hugs, and reasons to raise a glass. Supportive friendships or joyful reunions.

Four of Cups

Keywords: Apathy, boredom, introspection
Vibe: You’re emotionally checked out. Pause and ask: what are you ignoring or taking for granted?

Five of Cups

Keywords: Grief, loss, regret
Vibe: Something didn’t go as planned—and it hurts. But not all is lost. Look for what remains.

Six of Cups

Keywords: Nostalgia, childhood, sweetness
Vibe: Memories from the past resurface—sometimes to heal, sometimes to remind you of what joy looks like.

Seven of Cups

Keywords: Illusions, too many options, fantasy
Vibe: You're daydreaming or facing too many choices. Not all that glitters is gold—time to get real.

Eight of Cups

Keywords: Walking away, emotional growth, letting go
Vibe: You’re leaving behind what no longer serves you—even if it’s hard. This is soul evolution.

Nine of Cups

Keywords: Satisfaction, wish fulfilment, contentment
Vibe: A card of emotional success. You’ve earned this joy—celebrate it.

Ten of Cups

Keywords: Emotional harmony, family, long-term happiness
Vibe: This is the fairy tale ending—deep love, lasting joy, and connection on every level.

 

Court Cards of Cups: People & Personalities

The court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King) often represent real people, aspects of yourself, or energies you’re being called to embody.

 

Page of Cups

Keywords: Creative ideas, messages, emotional curiosity
Vibe: A sweet soul, maybe a little naive, but full of heart and imagination.

Knight of Cups

Keywords: Romance, emotional action, following your heart
Vibe: The classic romantic. Big feelings, bold moves, sometimes a little dramatic.

Queen of Cups

Keywords: Compassion, nurturing, intuitive wisdom
Vibe: The emotional caretaker. Deeply empathetic and spiritually tuned in.

King of Cups

Keywords: Emotional balance, maturity, calm under pressure
Vibe: Master of emotions. Think therapist energy—steady, wise, and emotionally grounded.

 

How to Work With Cups Cards in a Reading

Here are some questions you can ask when Cups show up in your readings:

  • What am I really feeling right now?
  • Am I giving or receiving love in a healthy way?
  • Where in my life do I need more emotional balance?
  • Am I listening to my intuition—or ignoring it?

Remember: Cups aren't just about love and romance. They cover the whole emotional spectrum—from joy to sadness to spiritual bliss.


Final Thoughts

The Suit of Cups is an emotional mirror—it reflects your heart back to you. Whether you're navigating love, healing old wounds, or dreaming big dreams, the Cups help you connect deeply with yourself and others.

So next time you pull a Cups card, take a deep breath and ask your heart what it’s trying to say. Chances are, it already knows the answer. 

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