Tarot Card Symbolism: The Eight of Cups of the Minor Arcana

The Eight of Cups of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the eighth card of the Suit of Cups. It follows the Seven of Cups. It is the embodiment changes in affection, and the gaining of a new perspective.

The Symbolism of the Eight of Cups Tarot Card

This card is represented by an ambiguous figure retreating into the distance; his face cannot be seen, but he carries a walking stick to aid him on his journey. He crosses a landscape of rivers and sharp, jagged rocks. This landscape can indicate trials or hardship along the way.

In the foreground are eight cups, all upright and shining, stacked in two rows. The moon looks down upon the figure with understanding as he walks away from the cups with all speed. He never glances back.

The General Interpretation of the Eight of Cups Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies changing affections and usually the breaking of ties with the past; this break is clean and immediate. Generally speaking, this is indicative of the turning away from old relationships and affections, those which have grown stale and useless, in pursuit of that which is more emotionally fulfilling.

This card, The Eight of Cups, can mean either that you are intentionally fleeing an emotional situation that is uncomfortable, or deliberately moving toward something that is more emotionally fulfilling situation. However, it usually indicates a little of both, for when you move toward something, you are inevitably moving away from something else.

The Inner Meaning of the Eight of Cups in Tarot

The Eight of Cups is the image of both disillusionment and the search for deeper meaning. The figure in this card is changing his perspective on life, having grown tired and disillusioned with the present. He sets off in search of contentment, and a deeper emotional fulfillment.

The journey he must take will be fraught with difficulty, as is indicated by the desolate landscape. He will make the voyage, however, for any end, any true fulfillment, is worth paying a price. He knows, in the end, that he will find not just contentment, but emotional depth and completion. It is this knowledge that gives him the courage to turn his back on the present and seek out the future.

The Nine of Cups follows this card.