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 & 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

  • Page of Cups

    Keywords: Creative ideas, messages, emotional curiosity

    Vibe: A sweet soul, maybe a little naïve, 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 the Cup 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.

Want to Go Deeper?

Explore the other suits in this series:

🌿Suit of Pentacles

🗡️Suit of Swords

🔥Suit of Wands

🃏Major Arcana


Looking for a place to start? A simple beginner spread is a great first step.