Eight of Cups -

Tarot Card Meaning

Part of a full-series guide of all 78 Tarot Cards. See the full guide here.

Written by Made Musings

EIGHT OF CUPS

At a glance:

Recognize when it’s time to move on from unfulfilling situations, even if the path ahead seems uncertain and challenging.

Upright Keywords:
Walking away, leaving bad situation

Reversed Keywords:
indecision, stuck, holding on

Numerology:
8 - abundance, success, and progress

Eight of Cups: Upright Meaning

In the Eight of Cups tarot card, we see a figure walking away from a stack of eight cups under the serene glow of the moonlight. His path leads towards distant mountains, symbolizing his search for higher purpose. The eight cups he leaves behind represent his past endeavors and emotional investments, which, despite his efforts, have not brought him the satisfaction he seeks. When the Eight of Cups appears in a reading, it indicates a sense of dissatisfaction and the need to embark on a new journey for deeper meaning. This card emphasizes the importance of recognizing when it’s time to move on from unfulfilling situations, even if the path ahead seems uncertain and challenging.

Numerology and Suit Meaning:

  • In numerology, the number 8 is associated with abundance, success, perseverance and progress. It signifies achievement and the realization of goals, often linked to financial prosperity and business acumen.

  • The suit of Cups is associated with intuition, emotions, relationships, and love. Oftentimes, it also deals with spirituality and the subconscious.

  • Elementally, cups are connected to water. An easy way to remember is that cups hold water. Like emotions, water can be calm when it’s flowing in a gentle brook. However, it can also be destructive when it becomes a raging tidal wave.

Love/Relationships

The Eight of Cups love meaning suggests that you may feel unfulfilled or disconnected in a current relationship, whether it is platonic, familial, or romantic. This card can signify that you have outgrown the relationship or that a significant issue needs to be addressed. Reflect on your relationship’s dynamics and determine if the current situation aligns with your emotional needs and long-term goals. If these issues cannot be resolved, it may be time to consider walking away in search of a healthier and more fulfilling connection. Consider seeking counseling or support if needed, otherwise you may need to face the inevitability of pursuing a new path that brings you greater happiness.

Money/Career

In terms of career and finances, the Eight of Cups indicates a profound sense of dissatisfaction with your current career. Despite your efforts and achievements, you may feel unfulfilled and crave a change. It’s a call to reassess your professional priorities and consider new opportunities that align better with your passions and values. Explore new career paths, educational opportunities, or entrepreneurial ventures that excite and inspire you. Be prepared to make bold decisions to find true professional fulfillment.

Spiritual/Self

On a spiritual level, the Eight of Cups represents a deep yearning for inner growth and self-discovery. This card suggests that you may feel disconnected from your values or belief system and are seeking ways to bridge that gap. This is the time to leave behind outdated or superficial practices and embark on an era of personal development. That often means walking away from friendships, giving up a lifestyle, or letting go of a passion project that you’ve outgrown. By surrendering to the natural process of growth, you allow for greater transformation.

“You may need to face the inevitability of pursuing a new path that brings you greater happiness.”

Astrology

The Suit of Cups is associated with the element of Water, which governs Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. These Zodiac signs are the masters of emotions, intuition, creativity, and transformation. Known for their empathetic and nurturing behaviors, these water signs promote the free flow of feelings as a means to reaching our highest forms of evolution.

Note: It's important to recognize that not everyone incorporates astrology into their Tarot readings. The extent to which astrological references are used can vary greatly among readers. Each reader has a unique approach; some may draw heavily on astrological archetypes, while others might not use them at all. This information is meant to offer an additional perspective that could be helpful in your interpretations by highlighting parallels between Tarot and Astrology.

Although some argue that astrology wasn't originally part of Tarot, more modern interpretations like the Rider Waite Smith and Thoth decks may have integrated astrological concepts to align with their modern time mystical beliefs. Many contemporary decks made in this current decade also feature astrological references. Ultimately, every individual develops their own unique relationship with both Tarot and Astrology.

Reversed Meaning

When reversed, the Eight of Cups indicates a struggle between the decision to stay or leave a particular situation. You may feel torn between the comfort of familiarity and the desire for something more fulfilling. This card urges you to have faith in your intuition and the courage to pursue what truly aligns with your inner values, even if it means leaving behind what you know. If you feel a persistent urge to move on, take small steps towards change and have confidence in your ability to navigate the unknown. Seek support from trusted friends or mentors to help you through this transition.

Meet the Made Musings Tarot Deck: The ultimate deck for beginners.

  • Our 78-card deck and comprehensive guidebook offer you the perfect tools for your daily readings.

    Every set also comes with a velvet gift bag that serves dual functions. Use it as a stylish carrying pouch for your deck or a cleansing cloth in between readings.

    Plus, this keeps your tarot cards in tip-top shape and means you can easily take them on-the-go.

  • Our compact 188-page guidebook, aptly named the Little Black Book, offers the meanings behind each Tarot allowing both beginners and experts to interpret effectively.

    From the Author: “When I was learning Tarot, I always fumbled with the bigger books, so my readings didn’t feel quite as seamless. I felt inspired to write a small book that was easy to flip through in a pinch, yet full of information. I truly hope this book helps people wherever they are in their Tarot reading journey.”

    HARDCOVER VERSION (newly updated for 2024!) - features 190 pages, color printed CMYK

    PAPERBACK VERSION - features 188 pages, black and white pages

  • The Cards:

    -2 5/8" x 4 3/4"

    -gloss finish, gold edges

    -card weight: 400g - a heavier card for those that prefer to shuffle slowly and methodically

    -78 tarot cards PLUS a bonus lunar card.

    Note: Illustrations are from the classic 1909 - 1910 deck that was hand-illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith.

    -Deck comes packaged in a sturdy, slider box.

    -Back of the cards features gold accents (true gold foil)

    Deck Box

    -3 1/8" x 1 3/4" x 5" h

    -hardcover (best way to protect your cards!), features gold accents, slider closure

    Velvet Bag:

    -KNOT BAG fabric: smooth ribbed velvet, self-lined (option 1)

    -DRAWSTRING BAG fabric: velvet, unlined (option 2)

    -color: black

    -You can count on either the luxurious velvet or the rib texture to stand up to the wear-and-tear of everyday travel.

CARD SUMMARY

It’s time to leave behind outdated beliefs, relationships, or situations and embark on a new era of personal development.

Learn More about Tarot.

  • Your Guide to the Celtic Cross Tarot Spread.

    Learn More

  • Access our Tarot Guide to all 78 card meanings.

    Learn More

  • How to cleanse and prep your cards.

    Learn More

  • Tarot Spreads for Guidance: A List of our Favorite Spreads for Newbies and Experts.

    Learn More

  • Get a FREE digital Tarot cheatsheet.

    Learn More