The Nine of Cups of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the ninth card of the Suit of Cups. It follows the Eight of Cups. It is the embodiment of satisfaction and achievement.
The Symbolism of the Nine of Cups Tarot Card
This card is represented by a middle-aged man who sits upon a wooden bench. He is dressed smartly, and has an expression of true satisfaction on his face. His arms are crossed in what appears to be faint smugness. Behind him are nine cups, fanned out in an arch. The background is fairly simple, but it is obvious that the man is content and satisfied as he sits upon his bench.
The General Interpretation of the Nine of Cups Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies a wish that’s finally fulfilled, and the achievement of desires that did not always seem possible. The Nine of Cups suggests that you can obtain a long-sought-after goal; your dreams may be fulfilled. However, it usually indicates that you have only obtained what you thought you wanted; perhaps there is more to desire than meets the eye.
The Inner Meaning of the Nine of Cups in Tarot
The Nine of Cups is the image of satisfaction, and the figure in this card definitely appears to be satisfied with life at that moment in time. He is also just a little smug, perhaps just a little too full of himself. At the moment, he feels he has the right to be smug, for he has achieved what once seemed impossible.
This card is indicative of enjoying a situation just as it is, and feeling that change is no longer necessary for improvement. All is well with the world, and this brings a sense of contentment. The man is pleased with his position in life and seeks no change.
This card can also indicate the sensual pleasures of life. It’s related to the feeling of being full after a hearty meal; the sense of wonder after an evening spent experiencing more sexual pursuits. The Nine of Cups does not represent gluttony or over-indulgence; it’s simply well-earned pleasure.
On the other hand, this card of the Suit of Cups can bring a warning. The Nine of Cups tells you to avoid becoming complacent or overly satisfied with what might be, for something new may always follow.
The Ten of Cups follows this card.
Reading reversed (upside down) meanings into Tarot cards is not for everyone. Many Tarot readers simply choose to turn reversed cards to their upright position. You can choose to read reversed meanings into your Tarot readings if you like. If you do, then the Eight of Cups in its reversed position might indicate that a rotton situation will come to an end and there will be fun and joy in the future. This card, when reversed, is a positive omen.
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.
Not all Tarot readers choose to read reversed (upside down) cards as any different than upright cards. However, if you do read reversed meanings, you should always read reversed meanings to avoid confusing yourself and your cards. For those Tarot readers who do read reversed meanings into Tarot spreads, the Seven of Cups often indicates that a time of muddle is ending and the future is beginning to look much clearer. It may also mean that the time to engage in the real world and set aside wishes and dreams.
