The Two of Cups of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the second card of the Suit of Cups. It follows the Ace of Cups. It is the embodiment of partnerships and union, very often of a romantic sort. However, this card can also reveal relationships of a more platonic sort, including business relationships.
The Symbolism of the Two of Cups Tarot Card
This card is represented by a man and a woman facing each other over their respective cups. Through these cups, they are sharing their emotions, connecting on a deeper level. The snakes and wings between them come together to form a caduceus, which, when topped with the lion’s head, represents some element of danger associated with heroism.
The General Interpretation of the Two of Cups Tarot Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies a union of some kind, showing the power of two coming together as one; two forces, which may once have been opposites, are drawn together. Whenever two forces are drawn together, there is the potential for bonding. This union, this bonding, can take several forms. It may be a romantic or sexual union; however, it could also be union of groups, ideals, or thoughts. The union between two entities is the primary theme, and is not limited to only one type of bond.
The Two of Cups is associated with a powerful message that should not be ignored. This is not the time to separate, or drift apart, and it is certainly not the time for anger and strife. This is the time of union, and of partnership. It is a time of forgiveness and reconciliation for both parties.
The Inner Meaning of the Two of Cups Tarot Card
The Two of Cups is the image of partnerships and unions, and of energies coming together to create a mutually powerful bond. Romance and sexual energy are quite often a normal side effect of this bond, but this does not have to necessarily be the case. Remembering that it is also a card of more platonic relationships, so it can also indicate reconciliation, or a strong friendship, and possibly even a business union.
This card hints at an end to struggle and a restoration of a more harmonious state. When this card appears, it brings with it a strong connection between two entities, whether they are two people, two ideas, or two talents. The key here is ‘two.’ This card always, always indicates a pair, not a trio.
The Three of Cups follows this card.
For those who choose to read reversed (upside down) Tarot cards as having a different meaning from upright Tarot cards, the Ace of Cups in its reversed position can indicate that a lover is losing interest of that there is affection to be had, but not the all-embracing love that you seek. Perhaps the love is there, but muddles and confusion abound.
The Ace of Cups of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the first card of the Suit of Cups. It is the embodiment of joy and inner peace that comes from family and friends.
The Symbolism of the Ace of Cups Card
This card is represented by a single cup resting on an outstretched palm. From the cup come five streams of water. These individual streams represent the five senses — touch, taste, sight, smell, and hearing. These senses are united within the cup, which is a deep well of love and emotion.
The General Interpretation of the Ace of Cups Tarot Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies a growing emotional awareness that has perhaps not yet been recognized. When this awareness comes to fruition, it can take many forms. In the real world, this might be an offer, a gift, or an opportunity. It is the symbol of possibility in the areas of emotion, intimacy, compassion, and love.
The Ace of Cups is an indication that you should perhaps examine your own life, determining just how much of the loving energy of the suit of Cups can be put to use. This card usually means that love is the essence of the situation, but this is not necessarily romantic love. It could just as easily be a friendship, and in fact is more likely. This card indicates connection with others, especially friends and family.
The Inner Meaning of the Ace of Cups in Tarot
The Ace of Cups is the image of inner attunement and spirituality. Cups are the suit of the heart, and the Ace stands for direct knowledge. So, this card is representative of direct knowledge that comes from the heart. It is a warning that feelings should be trusted and relied upon. The power of emotion should be used as a guide.
Love, intimacy, and compassion surround the very nature of the Ace of Cups. This card brings knowledge of great possibilities that may exist in the area of love and emotion. It may mark the start of a new relationship, romantic or platonic, or even the deepening of an existing relationship. However, this card also warns that if these feelings are not trusted, much could be lost.
Finally, this card, the Ace of Cups, may also signify a gift or opportunity that might be coming, or might already have arrived. This card is a hint to accept this offer, if it is made.
Following the Ace is the Two of Cups.
The four suits of the Tarot — Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles — are visual descriptions of four different aspects of life; these are the Minor Arcana. The four suits express the entire range human experience. In one sense, they give even greater detail to the Fool’s Journey as expressed in the Major Arcana. Each individual suit focuses on a particular facet of the Fool’s Journey.
The Numbered Tarot Cards in the Minor Arcana
Each suit of the Minor Arcana is divided into two separate yet equally important groups — the numbered cards and the court cards. There are ten numbered cards in each suit. These numbered cards allow you to see the more ordinary experiences related to the particular suit. They detail events and people, as well as fleeting states of mind or feeling.
Each numbered card represents a typical experience, and every person will eventually face these experiences during the course of a lifetime. The numbered cards are most commonly interpreted as related to events in the world at large, often referred to as the outer world.
The Court Tarot Cards
There are four court cards in each suit. These are: Page, Knight, Queen, and King. These cards do not typically describe events that an individual experiences. Instead, they are character types relating to a sphere of life. The particular sphere of life involved is determined by the suit of the court card in question.
The Pages represent the more delicate qualities of each individual suit. The raw essence of that suit, so to speak. The Page represents a more fragile form, the one that needs care and protection before its qualities can develop and reach its full potential.
The Knights represent the energetic and questing spirit of the suit. This is the aspect that wishes to explore and experiment. This card is also the most volatile, like an unpredictable adolescent who still requires guidance.
The Queens represent the stable, receptive, and nurturing qualities of each suit. The energy of these cards is concentrated and directed. This results in an even greater power. It is the embodiment of feminine qualities, which is appropriate, since it is the only female in the court.
The Kings represent the directive, controlling qualities of each suit. The Kings’ energies are very masculine and dynamic. His is the energy of materialization and of action. He is fully mature, and sometimes very dominating and overbearing.
The Suit of Cups in Tarot
Cups represent the element of water. It has been said that all life emerged from water, that water is where all life begins, and so Cups are generally considered to come before the other three suits. Water is changeable, with no real shape, and yet it is as powerful as rock. The sea is both beautiful and dangerous all at once. So too is this suit, the suit of feeling and emotion.
The cards of the Suit of Cups are all about the development of feelings through life. They address the way feelings change and deepen as life continues. Cups are associated with the heart, and often with love; this may be spiritual or romantic love, but this suit is the essence of all relationships.
The Suit of Wands in Tarot
Wands represent the element of fire. It is said that fire can transform everything it touches, but without being transformed itself. Fire is volatile and a catalyst that causes change in the other elements. In this way, it is like the creative center of the mind.
The cards of the Suit of Wands are related to the imagination and the challenges it encounters. These challenges may include the over-use of imagination without restraint. Wands, as a catalyst, are a good thing, but they can be very dangerous when taken to extremes — much like fire itself.
The Suit of Swords in Tarot
Swords represent the element of air. It is said that air is the breath of the spirit, and symbolizes the logical mind. Air gives a subtle structure that must exist before any act of creation can take place. But air, like the sword, is double-edged, and so it is inherently dangerous.
The cards in the Suit of Swords are related to the rational and logical mind. The development of the mind is a contrary thing, including the quarrels and conflicts that thoughts and words can bring, along with the clarity and understanding which follow quiet contemplation. This suit can be perplexing and difficult to interpret. However, with contemplation comes understanding. If you wish to understand the message of the Suit of Swords, you have only to look within yourself.
The Suit of Pentacles in Tarot
Pentacles represent the element of earth. It is said that all life is formed of earth, and earth is both the beginning and the end of all things. Earth can be molded and shaped into whatever is desired, but it can consume as well. Earth symbolizes the practical side of life.
The cards of the Suit of Pentacles are related to reality. They represent having to deal with all that life can bring, such as requirements and challenges, as well as the disappointments that inevitably appear. This is a suit of practicality.
The Minor Arcana has a broader message than the Major Arcana, but not quite so deep. It is only combined in a spread that they can offer a complete message.
