Love in potential: the Ace of Cups is truly a spectacle to behold.
The Rider-Waite image shows a hand emerging out of a cloud and holding a golden cup with the letter W, or perhaps a reversed M. It could stand for Arthur Waite’s last name or the word wisdom, while some theories suggest it stands for mystery, mercy or, strangely enough, for Mary Magdalene.
Five streams pour out of the cup and into the sea below; water-lilies float on the ocean’s calm surface. A white dove, a timeless symbol of freedom and the Christian Holy Spirit, descends from the heavens to place a communion wafer into the cup.
The religious connotations of this Ace are obvious even to the untrained eye, yet its symbolism holds many secrets and dynamics that require thorough examination.
Let’s inspect the card’s potential meaning in various readings after we have clarified the picture’s details and the multitude of its associations with popular motifs and symbols.
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Ace of Cups Symbolism
First things first: The Ace of Cups is none other than the Holy Grail itself, the fabled vessel used by Jesus Christ to serve wine to his disciples at the Last Supper. Also referred to as the Holy Chalice, it is supposed to be a miraculous artifact and ‘a witness to Christ’s passage on Earth’.
To recount the entire legend of the Grail here and argue about its existence would miss the point; let us at least examine the artifact’s origins, occult significance, and mystical purpose so that we may understand its use and context in the Tarot cycle.
According to a 12th-century legend, St. Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus and the man responsible for his burial after the crucifixion, was entrusted with the Grail for safekeeping.
When he was imprisoned in a dungeon on account of his faith, a dove would appear every day to drop a wafer into the Grail, and thus Joseph survived.
In medieval times, the Holy Chalice was believed to be the source of God’s power on earth, an object of supernatural qualities that could bless the worthy human who possessed it with eternal youth and abundance of sustenance, a treasury of wisdom and secret knowledge.
Sometimes associated with the philosopher’s stone, which could allegedly turn any metal into gold and produce the elixir of life, the Grail is central to the Arthurian legend: King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table were charged with the quest of finding and protecting the Holy Grail.
Hence, these words are often used to describe any ‘goal of great significance’ or elusive semi-legendary object.
An interesting observation is how the initial Old French words san-gréal (Holy Grail) were altered to sang-réal, meaning “royal blood,” the blood of the saints.
Some theories regard the Holy Chalice as the secret to Jesus’ bloodline, with the Knights Templar being the guardians of the secret; but let’s not stray from our subject and into Dan Brown’s questionable historical fiction!
The Grail is shrouded in mystery, yet an objective interpretation would simply have it as the central ceremonial object in the Christian sacrament of Eucharist, the Holy Communion.
For the aspiring magician and Tarot reader, let this golden cup be a symbol of their purity of will and intuitive understanding, their compassion, unwavering devotion, and love for the Great Work; the five streams pouring out of it are the five senses but also all future paths that begin from this present moment.
Finally, as the waters of life are perpetually and eternally renewed in the holy vessel, may their consciousness be likewise purified and reborn through the most spiritual experience of total love.
‘Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.’ With these words, Paul the Apostle in his letters to the Corinthians offers a glimpse into the nature of the Holy Spirit, symbolized by the white dove.
A manifestation of the Christian Trinity, the Holy Ghost is God but also an agent sent from Heaven to do the Almighty’s will on earth.
By its power, Jesus was conceived and born by Virgin Mary, and, following his crucifixion, the apostles traveled the lands to spread his word and testament.
Also called the Comforter, Paraclete, the Helper, the Breath of God, the Spirit of Truth, ‘the wind that blows where it will,’ and so on, the Holy Spirit is of the same divine essence as God; it first appeared to Jesus upon his baptism by John and stayed with him until his Ascension to Heaven.
In the scriptures, it speaks through the faithful, granting them immaculate expression and the power of prophecy, and is said to bring seven gifts: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of God.
Long story short, the Ace of Cups symbolizes the grace and mercy of divine love, and the lofty principles of faith; the desire for union and companionship; the subject’s emotional and social life, and the beginning of a relationship; receptive spiritual energy, the unconscious, and the element of water, the most crucial prerequisite for all life; also, the maker’s love for his creation.
The Kabbalah, it is connected with the Binah sefirot, the Great Sea or Great Mother, the archetypal womb from which all life springs forth into existence.
Even as the card will often address simple everyday matters, it nonetheless represents a mystery unfathomable to the uninitiated and those who still have impure thoughts.
In the Tarot de Marseille, the Ace of Cups takes on the form of a miniature cathedral, a house of secrets not unlike the church of its humble origin.
Leaving religion aside, it stands for the pure, the unspoiled, and the virginal, an overflowing heart forever full and unsullied, pouring its unlimited love into the world which created it.
A pious quote for the Tarot’s Grail, by the poet Khalil Gibran: ‘Drink your cup alone though it taste of your own blood and tears, and praise life for the gift of thirst.’
What does the Ace of Cups Tarot Card mean?
The Ace of Cups means the seeker feels comfortable with who they are.
They are ready to open their heart to the world with an overflowing sentiment of love for life. The card also represents the desire for a relationship, an invitation to a new beginning, giving and receiving love, and becoming one with the Other.
The card by itself will most likely denote emotional stability and fulfillment along with the desire to form a new relationship, and doesn’t always foretell a budding romance; it is, after all, an Ace and quite lonesome by its very nature.
Besides, the sea in the image is very calm and quiet, symbolizing the quiescence of eternal, limitless, and immutable divine love, the love of creation for life and for itself, while as any old lovebird would certainly admit, love as we human beings experience it is full of excitement, with its ups and downs and waves of powerful emotions.
In this sense, the card is the ideal of pure unconditional love; realistically, it is a promise and an invitation at best, before courtship has even started.
The Ace of Cups will always amplify the reading and the surrounding cards with positive energy.
Unless some kind of disruption or “pollution” presents itself, it is safe to assume that all is well; the seeker is satisfied with their life at this present moment and they are full of hope, willing to share their gifts with the world.
However, the Cup’s wine is not always so sweet; the aforementioned desire for union may conceal the quiet melancholy of a lonely individual who, searching for love, has not found it yet.
Originally clear and pure, the liberated heart’s love is enough to fill an ocean and perpetually renew itself with each passing day.
Without the slightest concern and free from the impurity of vile thoughts, one learns how to love and appreciate life but also how to help others by showing loving kindness whenever possible; isn’t that the all-encompassing teaching at the heart of the Christian doctrine?
‘Love shall be the whole of the Law, Love under Will,’ wrote the notorious occultist Aleister Crowley, setting the stage for the frantic new age of humanity where love is the only value that still makes some sense and makes life worth living; indeed, a miracle cure for any ailment of the soul!
Ace of Cups Keywords
- True love
- New relationship
- Fulfillment
- Positive energy
- Beauty
- Trust
- Faith
- Emotional life
- Joy
- Hope
- Understanding
- Intuition
- Compassion
- Object of desire
- A gift
- Conception
What does the Ace of Cups Reversed mean?
When reversed, the Ace of Cups’ meaning is subtle but not faint. It could refer to the need for self-love, the necessity to appreciate oneself and the gifts of life; it may otherwise suggest emptiness, intoxication that leads to impurity, excessive sentimentality, lack of sympathy, and feelings without real depth.
In the shadow of the Grail, we fail to find all those beautiful qualities that the Ace of Cups embodies. It is a sign of a troubled and unstable emotional life:
Instead of true love, we settle for shallow, fleeting feelings; instead of joy and fullness, we find bitterness and a void that nothing can fill, a thirst that nothing can satisfy; and in the place of a missing companion there is now an object that, comforting as it may be, it is only a substitute.
As we shall discover later, when we examine the rest of the suit’s cards, the Cups have their fair share of negative interpretations.
The Ace in reverse denotes not only a lack of love and positive energy but also all those things someone consumes or gets attached to in order to cope with loneliness, boredom, and the inability to feel content.
For example, this may refer to an object left behind by an ex-lover:
Though they are gone, their shadow lingers on, as even that feels better than total absence. For others, the card (and most of the Cup cards, really) may suggest alcoholism and over-consumption as an escape route from a bland, emotionless, or stressful life.
Be wary, for if you are looking for a permanent solution to an emotional problem in sense objects, or if you think that another person can magically “fix” your life, then you will be searching and searching without finding, scratching a hat while it is the head that hurts.
Independence, restraint, and faith in oneself can make the difference between a meaningful journey and a life squandered.
In any case, the seeker could benefit from shifting their attention to their own true self and appreciating who they are and what they’ve been given, instead of searching for ways to further harm their well-being with no other purpose than to feel some excitement.
As an Ace, the card shows potential; no serious harm has been done yet, but it is the dose that makes the poison. If left unchecked, the feelings of emptiness could spiral out of control and develop into toxic habits.
But this sense of emptiness can also be of value; it clears the way for the mind to think, sober and free from any obstruction, without subjective interpretations, attachments, and sentimental views. Sometimes, it is best to neither hate nor love and just see things as they are.
Ace of Cups Reversed Keywords
- Self-love
- Loneliness
- Bitterness
- Sentimentality
- Impurity
- Emptiness
- Secrets
- Holding back
- Intoxication
- Over-consumption
- Ungratefulness
- Shallow or repressed feelings
- Attachment to objects
- Trophy
Is the Ace of Cups Tarot Card a Yes or No?
For the majority of questions, the Ace of Cups will mean “Yes” even when reversed. Its profound positive energy outweighs the minor problems it may occasionally imply. Rejoice and be thankful; you have been given a great chance.
The card will provide a positive answer to most questions, especially those regarding romance and relationships in general. There is no doubt you are on the right path and doing the right thing; e.g., if you are wondering whether your new crush is interested, rest assured that the feelings are mutual.
If the card is reversed there may be some unexpected development, some kind of alteration, or a hiccup in your plans; even so, the Ace of Cups will seldom constitute a serious obstacle in your way.
What does the Ace of Cups Tarot Card Mean in Love?
For matters of the heart, the Ace of Cups is unquestionably a good omen. It represents unconditional true love, tenderness, affection, new beginnings, beauty, and trust. It’s a sign that an ongoing relationship will thrive or, if you are single, that you might just meet a special someone fairly soon.
If you’re wondering when a new romance will sweep you off your feet or whether your relationship is going in the right direction, the Ace of Cups is the sign you are looking for. Not only are you ready for love, but you and your sweetheart have only the best intentions at heart.
The card embodies all those qualities that make a relationship successful. Tenderness, honesty, understanding, joy, and devotion; all the necessary conditions have been met to ensure the perfect union of two beautiful souls.
For single people, the card will often precede a charming new acquaintance. Put on your best smile, and don’t hesitate to make the first move; this is only the beginning!
Still, the Ace shows potential, a possibility that must be actively cultivated and pursued if you want a relationship to evolve into something more than a fling. The first move has been made, and you have “clicked” and are excited about each other, but the art of love goes far beyond this initial excitement.
For an ongoing long-term relationship, the Ace of Cups is perhaps the best card to see in your reading. The feelings are strong and mutual, there is trust, harmony, and pure happiness; this is true love that transcends all barriers.
Perhaps it’s time to show how much you care with a well-thought-out gift or start the conversation about moving in together!
What does the Ace of Cups Reversed Mean in Love?
In a love reading, the reversed Ace of Cups means either of two things: You desire a relationship, but you are not ready yet, and your approach puts people off; or, in case you are already involved with someone, it is not at all what you expected, and something feels wrong.
There is nothing more disheartening than placing all your hope and faith in a relationship only to realize “they are not the One” and that “it’s just not meant to be.”
The Ace of Cups in reverse may frequently coincide with such a realization; the person you fell for is not who you imagined them to be or things are just not working out between you.
And it is not a matter of expectations because anyone who falls in love hopes for the best; it is rather an issue of shallow feelings, unfortunate circumstances, and incompatible chemistry.
Listen to your intuition: If it feels wrong from the start, what chance is there for you to hit it off later? If you have opened your heart but they are holding back, if you are making plans while they are making up excuses, that’s a major red flag right there.
Spare yourself the heartbreak and set things straight. When true love comes into your life, you’ll know for sure, and all the clouds of doubt will disappear.
In the event you are single and eager to meet someone new, the card suggests that you should first learn to love and appreciate yourself; also think deeply about what has prevented you from finding a good match so far and what you are looking for in a person.
Getting into a relationship with a charming stranger just because you dislike being alone will sooner or later manifest other problems.
Finally, maybe you’re going about it the wrong way or looking for love in all the wrong places. Draw a few more cards for insight. Are you shy and never making the first move, or are your blunt manners scaring people away?
While the reasons to approach an attractive person are obvious to all, one still must use some tact and play by the rules of the game, lest they come across as a ravenous seducer…
What does the Ace of Cups Tarot Card mean in Friendship?
In reading about friendship, the Ace of Cups denotes trust, devotion, and mutual understanding, a true friend and a relationship that will surely stand the test of time; it may also suggest a reunion with an old friend or bonding with a new acquaintance.
The card is a very positive sign for all kinds of relationships. Your friends and family are there for you no matter what; you are loved, and your company is much appreciated. Even if you feel somewhat alone, your best friend is just a phone call away.
Do not take this for granted. It’s only until we’ve lost something that we learn its true value.
To better understand what the Ace of Cups means in terms of intimacy and devotion to one’s friends, think of the relationship of Jesus with his disciples; it is not just about closeness, kindness, love, and sharing a common vision but also about supporting and believing in each other no matter what til the very end and even beyond that.
They say that friends are the family we choose for ourselves, and with good reason.
What does the Ace of Cups Reverse mean in Friendship?
A reversed Ace of Cups will show up when a good friendship starts going sour. Bitterness and distrust are slowly poisoning and eroding the relationship’s foundation, and you might be in for a surprise; there is no enemy more dangerous than a former friend because they know you all too well.
Perhaps they made a move on the person you liked or took advantage of your kindness; maybe a trivial misunderstanding brought out the worst in both of you and then you saw their true colors; or, in a moment of weakness, they dismissed your feelings as unimportant and left you out in the cold alone instead of being there for you.
Not to sound too serious, but the Ace of Cups in reverse implies there is poison in the cup. It may be a hidden grudge, selfishness, jealousy, unclean motives, or simply human stupidity and ungratefulness biting the hand that feeds; it makes no difference when the die is cast.
The card means that someone you considered a very good friend is not so or that the friendship is shallow and circumstantial at best.
Kings and generals knew this; a once loyal friend can do more harm than a thousand enemies. The more you give to an unreliable person, the more leverage they gain over you, and the more stunned and disappointed you will be when, one day, they betray your trust and turn against you.
The moral of an old African folk tale is a perfect fit for this case: ‘When you see water flowing uphill, it means that someone is repaying a kindness.’
The Ace of Cups Tarot Card as Feelings
The Ace of Cups is all about powerful positive emotions and good vibes. It denotes love without limits, satisfaction, sympathy, hope, and delight. It is the pleasure and joy of feeling alive, a pleasure best enjoyed when shared with others.
Simply put, the card means that the seeker is feeling wonderful right now. They are satisfied with their life and won’t let anything ruin their good mood. There isn’t much else to say here, for joy, bliss, and pleasure go beyond words; even the wild beast knows them well!
If you are wondering about a person’s feelings for you, it is a sign they are genuine; they trust you and believe in what you do.
We should note, however, that the Ace of Cups describes a state far from mastery of emotions; that would be the King or Queen of Cups.
The Ace denotes purity and innocence, and one who is completely innocent is naturally somewhat naive and could get easily swayed and overwhelmed by their own feelings or by those who know how to manipulate them.
Ace of Cups Reversed as Feelings
Regarding feelings, the reversed Ace of Cups denotes emotional instability, unhappiness, and a sense of frustration and dissatisfaction with life. It could otherwise refer to shallow, superficial, and repressed feelings or emptiness, the total absence of any emotion.
If the Ace of Cups symbolizes joy, love, and fulfillment, then it can only imply emptiness and melancholy when reversed. That may sound and feel worse than it actually is. It’s OK to let one bad day ruin your mood; the world will still be there tomorrow, and you’ll have another shot at happiness.
It’s important to let it all out and express your feelings to someone who cares, someone who will listen, or you will soon have to face either the gloom and regret of the Five of Cups or the apathy and dissociation of the Four.
Don’t hold back, and don’t let the bitter taste of sadness fool you; it paints a dark picture, but it’s not permanent, even if it feels that way.
Feeling nothing at all is also a symptom that many people can relate to. Again, it’s not the end of the world. The solution could be as simple as taking vitamins or having a glass of wine at the end of a stressful day (just the one though!)
Take a deep breath and a moment to appreciate what a wonder it is to be alive, and you’ll feel better soon.
For relationships, it means the feelings of the people involved are shallow and ephemeral, or that they are holding back, afraid to give in and open their hearts; they may like you now but don’t count on them to be there for you in the long term.
The Ace of Cups Tarot Card is How Someone (He/She) Thinks of You
The Ace of Cups means that the person you’re interested in likes you very much! They hold you in the highest regard and literally think you are the best. Whether it is a new friend or a romantic partner, the card is a guarantee they love you with all their heart.
The card is an unmistakable sign of intimacy, trust, true love, and compassion. The person you asked the question about is quite fond of you! Only good feelings here. They believe in you and think you are a wonderful character that makes them feel comfortable and brings joy into their life.
Ace of Cups Reversed as How Someone (He/She) Thinks of You
When reversed, the Ace of Cups may still suggest that a specific person thinks of you fondly, but maybe their feelings are not coming from a good place. On the other hand, they might think you are too sentimental, superficial, or ungrateful towards them.
The card in reverse could imply that this person likes you but in a very superficial way. In the case of a romantic partner, for example, they might see in you nothing more than a trophy, an object they desire, and nothing more.
They will use flattery to get close to you, only to disappear once they have gotten what they wanted.
It could otherwise suggest that they see you as ungrateful, distasteful, overly emotional, or just bitter; well, we can’t please everyone!
The Ace of Cups Tarot Card as Intentions / What Someone Wants
The Ace of Cups simply means that the seeker wants to be happy. They wish to live their life to the fullest, fall in love, experience new things, and have powerful emotions. Regarding what they want for and from you, they have only the best intentions.
With the Ace of Cups, there is not the slightest trace of ill will or ulterior motives. The person you’re thinking about just wants to be happy and wishes the same for you, too.
For relationships, it is, of course, a very good sign, if not the best. They are ready to give it all and have the best intentions at heart.
There is one exception here: When a desire is too strong, it becomes uncontrollable, creating obstacles and blinding the seeker, who is overwhelmed by a self-sabotaging lust for results.
Ace of Cups Reversed as Intentions / What Someone Wants
Concerning someone’s intentions and desires, the reversed Ace of Cups muddies the waters a bit. Perhaps this person doesn’t know what they really want, or they are searching for a quick fix for loneliness and emptiness. Best be careful; such a person cannot be trusted.
When reversed, the Ace of Cups makes a reading muddy, bitter, and uncertain; still, the case might be fairly simple to solve.
The negative side of the card implies a thirst that cannot be quenched. No matter what this person seems to desire, it won’t be enough, and as soon as they get it, they will start looking for something different.
On the other hand, maybe they don’t know what they want or have lost their ambition and their appetite, so to speak. Either way, a person who appears to desire nothing at all is unpredictable and very difficult to read, for their real motives might be carefully concealed.
What does the Ace of Cups Tarot Card mean in Conflict?
The Ace of Cups brings an end to conflicts; no matter what has happened, differences are set aside in the light of compassion and mutual understanding. It’s the moment when someone realizes that anger is almost never the answer.
True strength and the power to solve any argument come from the ability to let it all go.
There is no place for anger in the Ace of Cups. Indeed, anger is poison and a terrible weakness; it invites discord, agitation, and clumsiness, while the source of the Cups’ power lies in unity, compassion, grace, and equanimity.
Also, if you have to win an argument at all costs, don’t use words to do it; let your bold and generous actions speak for themselves and prove your point.
The card might show up when it’s high time to clear up a misunderstanding, forgive a transgression, or let go of a grudge. Most importantly, it suggests never to take anything personally; people say and do all kinds of nonsense in the heat of the moment.
If you learn to see beyond this momentary folly, you’ll be able to stay calm no matter what they throw at you.
As many masters of war and diplomacy have proclaimed, the best way to defeat your enemy is to convert them to a friend, avoiding conflict altogether.
What does the Ace of Cups Reverse mean in Conflict?
Regarding conflicts, the reversed Ace of Cups is sometimes a boiling cauldron; it’s only a matter of time until all the negative emotions rise up to the surface. It may refer to someone whose toxic behavior conjures up trouble wherever they go or an adversary who will try to fool you with gifts and flattery.
This will likely refer to a period of latency, the calm before the storm; tension and distrust are slowly building up, and while there might be no signs of hostility yet, the situation is bound to end in conflict. It’s a warning to set things straight and settle any arguments before they poison the relationship.
Certain kinds of people, some alcoholics, for example, cannot control their emotions. Their dramatic fits of aggression and the pointlessness of their very existence seem to not bother them at all, while they make everyone around them uncomfortable and tense.
Even if they appear in need of help, nothing and no one can really help them; it’s best to stay away, at least until they realize they are the problem. Don’t hold your breath, though…
Finally, the reversed Ace of Cups might, on rare occasions, point to a kind of “Trojan Horse,” an inconspicuous gift offered by an enemy to distract and tempt you to let your guard down. ‘Beware of Greeks bearing gifts,’ wrote the Roman poet Virgil, reminding us that we can never be too careful.
The Ace of Cups Tarot Card as Action
The Ace of Cups is about sharing your gifts with the world, looking at the bright side of life, and trusting those close to you with all your heart. As an action card, it suggests looking for what makes you whole and happy, be it love, the company of friends, a fulfilling career, or spiritual excellence.
The Ace of Cups was designed with the Holy Grail in mind, and there is no Grail without a noble quest! If you are looking for meaning in your life, this is only the beginning.
The answer here might be as simple as appreciating the universal gifts of life, sharing them with your loved ones, and embracing a positive mindset; but the card might also highlight the importance of finding out what you love to do and practicing it to perfection.
Smile, be kind and generous, and give yourself a present. Happiness is contagious; find out what makes you happy and everyone around you will instantly notice the difference and like you better.
Be open to new experiences and possibilities; align your desires with reality, forget about results, pacify your mind, and gladly do the work. Then, a hundred excuses to give up won’t match one reason to keep going.
Ace of Cups Reversed as Action
When reversed, the Ace of Cups tells you to sink or swim. Don’t count on others for help; be independent and you’ll always have a place to stand. Have some sympathy but do not let their problems affect you. Also, eliminate those habits and thoughts that distract, stress, and hinder you; don’t waste time.
As an action card, a reversed Ace of Cups suggests checking your emotional responses. Do you let people mess with your feelings? And if so, have you actually done something about it, or do you just react, altering your plans and personality according to someone else’s whims?
The card will sometimes prescribe a bit of healthy selfishness; not to become egocentric, but to take care of yourself first and foremost because nobody will do that for you. You are the Grail, and only you can find yourself.
Observe how your actions affect others; a strong independent character is magnetic, inspiring, and mysterious, and their actions are hardly impulsive. Know when it’s time to act and when you should keep quiet and stay in the backline.
Finally, be mindful of how you spend your time. There are people who always seem to be in a rush. Bent on success, they are caught in the rat race of life, afraid that time is not enough; they do not have any patience.
Others stay idle, grasping at one thing or another and never getting anywhere, like fish in a tank who have forgotten the vastness of the ocean. The answer is somewhere in the middle…
The Ace of Cups Tarot Card as Advice
The Ace of Cups’ advice is simple: Believe in yourself. Do not be concerned whether the glass is half-full or half-empty. If thirsty, drink. If not, where is the problem? Open your heart and the rest will follow.
When the heart is at peace, true emptiness and balance have been achieved; nothing arises and nothing can be taken away. Then a million problems cease and a powerful meaning that cannot be defiled connects and merges everything into one; suddenly, it all makes sense.
You are a vessel of the life force, the eyes through which the universe observes itself, and you are unique (just like everybody else!) Your abilities can surpass your wildest dreams, you just have to stay true to yourself and your goals.
Realize this and you’ll be like a mighty river; nothing can stop you. Men in the past have accomplished so many wonders. You too are a man, and if you are one of the good ones, know that time is on your side.
A single drop of water contains the essence of the ocean. Likewise, the spirit of humanity resides within each and every one of us. Have faith in yourself; originally pure and complete, you lack for nothing.
Ace of Cups Reversed as Advice
As an advice card, the reversed Ace of Cups is about clarifying your emotions and understanding your limits. Love yourself, but do not let the ego idea consume you. Give to others, but always keep something to yourself. And, if it feels like a struggle, maybe you’re not ready yet; take it easy and do something else.
Charles Bukowski, in one of his poems addressed to the future generations of writers, said that ‘if it doesn’t come bursting out of you in spite of everything, don’t do it.’ People these days stick to their decisions and their convictions, even when they get them nowhere.
An adept recognizes the opportune moment to change; if you have to try really hard and it doesn’t seem to work out if even thinking about it feels like a chore, then maybe it’s not for you, or you are not ready. Just because you made a choice long ago, that doesn’t mean it’s your destiny.
Another concept attached to the Ace of Cups in reverse is that of self-love. Everything is in moderation, though; there’s a difference between self-care and self-absorption. Obsessing with the self, with this ego idea, is impurity.
A narcissist who glorifies and grasps the self with such zeal and determination can only love their ambitious ego and the microcosm attached to it; what good is this? In the end, they believe they are the good guys, like a villain who can’t tell right from wrong.
Finally, when people want something from you, always give them more than what they asked for. If they love you, they’ll be even happier; if their intentions are selfish and shallow, they’ll think twice before bothering you next time.
But, like the good magician who never reveals all of his tricks, you must guard the most beautiful and unspoiled parts of your soul with everything you got; learn how to keep a secret…
What does the Ace of Cups Tarot Card Mean in a Career?
In a career reading, the Ace of Cups could mean that you have found your dream job! It’s about loving what you do and channeling that love through your work. It may also imply a relationship with a colleague, a pleasant working environment, or that your career will take a turn for the better.
A positive omen in all circumstances, the Ace of Cups can only mean good things for your career. Maybe you found the job of your dreams, a friendly co-worker will turn out to be more than a friend, or you will start working on a creative new project that is just what you were looking for.
Even if the pay isn’t that good (unless you see lots of pentacles in the reading), at least you’ll be doing what you like.
Gibran wrote, ‘Work is love made visible.’ Because if you love what you do, that is a success in and of itself, no matter how trivial or grand the task may be, and you make others happy with your work, too.
Many people work only to survive and serve others, and while there is no shame in that, they trade their time for less than what they deserve, bound to a job they dislike.
The best professionals are those who love their work and give it all; the right person for the right job! From masters of the arts to bakers and hair stylists, dedication, love, and respect for the work make the difference between perfection and sloppiness.
What does the Ace of Cups Reversed Mean in a Career?
The Ace of Cups in reverse means that something’s wrong in the workplace or that your job takes up so much of your time and energy that it leaves you feeling drained and empty. If your work doesn’t satisfy you and makes you feel bad about yourself, then maybe it’s time to look at other options.
Maybe your boss is giving you a hard time, or after a misunderstanding, someone lashed out at you, and you took it personally. Maybe you just don’t like your job; that’s understandable and occurs more often than it should.
If out of necessity, you cannot look for something better right now, bear with it but don’t let anyone walk over you. Make some time to relax and unwind, and if push comes to shove, stand up for yourself.
It’s never too late to make a fresh start. There are many examples of successful people who worked a hundred different jobs until they found their true calling and even more examples of great artists who didn’t have enough to eat despite their talent.
Sometimes it’s just a matter of luck and connections. Even so, you won’t know until you’ve tried.
Don’t settle for a dead-end job that isn’t what you were hoping for. That is your future on the line; work should not feel like a burden. There’s more to life than careers and degrees, and there’s plenty of money to go around if you know where to look.
If your heart’s in the right place and you know what you want, one day you will figure it out.
The Ace of Cups Tarot Card as a Situation
As a situation, the Ace of Cups denotes pure bliss, fulfillment, or a new beginning. It is a dream come true, everything is how it is supposed to be, and the seeker is full of hope and love.
This may refer to a new relationship, a milestone that will open up a lot of opportunities for you, or just the realization that life is good.
The card will show up the moment you become aware of how satisfied you are with your life just the way is, and you start looking at the future with hope and reasonable optimism.
Any existing problems can surely be taken care of; for now, things are looking very good indeed, and nothing is going to bring you down!
Ace of Cups Reversed as a Situation
The reversed Ace of Cups describes a rather sad situation. The seeker feels lonely, empty, and disillusioned; they have lost their sense of purpose and may think that life is meaningless.
Since the Ace of Cups promises joy, fullness, and love, its reversal inevitably indicates emptiness and loss of meaning. But even if existence is meaningless, what of it? Why should you let a philosophical concept bind you?
All the more reason why you should enjoy and appreciate the gift of life. Let the nihilists and the craven brood, scoff, and contemplate; look for inspiration from those who know how to live and let live.
The Ace of Cups Tarot Card as an Obstacle / Challenge
The Ace of Cups becomes an obstacle when you want something too much when the lust for results becomes so overwhelming that you can only focus on the desire itself and not the practical side of the matter, the effort necessary to accomplish your goals.
Here’s an example of how your desires can turn against you:
At the beginning of a relationship, when one partner falls madly in love, they may become so attached to the other and to the idea of love that they lose control. In turn, the other person loses interest when they see how desperate, jealous, and unrestrained their lover is, they start having second thoughts, and slowly the distance between them grows.
Love is absurd; give too much, become too available, and you’ll be taken for granted, you will seem easy, clingy, and co-dependent. Nothing fans the flames of love like temporary absence; it stirs the imagination and creates an aura of mystery and excitement.
Apart from romantic conundrums, the card as an obstacle is a bit of a paradox; it is a desire so strong that it consumes itself. It cares only about results, about obtaining the object of desire at all costs, without stopping to think for a second if that is even possible.
It all starts from wanting something you don’t have, from the wish to possess and control it, and from the belief that this is what you need to be whole. More likely than not, what you really need isn’t what you think you want.
Ace of Cups Reversed as an Obstacle / Challenge
A reversed Ace of Cups in the obstacle position means that after a long time of dissatisfaction and not getting what they want, the seeker has lost their hope and purpose. They feel empty and bitter, lonely and conflicted. Little do they know, it is their mindset that created the problem in the first place.
Misery is intoxicating; the emotional void is not a place to dwell for long. The ego idea, useful as it may be, is only the shadow of beauty.
Without realizing their true nature nor understanding the fundamental principles of life, people go about their business chasing after one thing or another, rejecting what they cannot have, ultimately creating complications and confusion without end.
You may know a thing, a person, or even yourself very well and still not understand it.
The reversed Ace of Cups as an obstacle is an invisible barrier between you and the life you’d like to live, it is imagining problems and discriminations where there are none and then imposing those views on others.
To even talk of pure and impure, of selfishness and altruism, of emptiness and wholeness, is quite far off the mark, mistaking vague ideas for the truth, drowning in a spoonful of water, seeing rainstorms when the sky is clear, and so on…
Someone would say, ‘Just be yourself.’ What a vain and convenient way to wash one’s hands of responsibility! These feelings of emptiness create a vacuum that consumes everything in its proximity, including one’s sense of “self.”
From beginning to end, it’s just this creature, flesh and blood and consciousness; where is this ego, after all? If you cannot find it, it’s because it doesn’t exist.
Want something too much, and you become its servant; want nothing at all, and you step into the realm of ghosts and phantoms. But even ghosts crave the life they lost. So how did you lose your faith?
Not faith in God or a higher meaning, but faith in the spirit of humankind and the individual’s power to chart their own course. Admittedly, faith is also a paradox; it is believing in the impossible. And yet I would rather imagine impossible utopias than sink in a bottomless ocean of sorrow and self-worship.
The Ace of Cups Tarot Card as an Outcome
The Ace of Cups guarantees that everything is going according to plan! Your prize, your goal, or the object of your desire is within your grasp.
With the Ace of Cups, you have the wind in your sails. It means that your plans will be successful, that a relationship will thrive, or that there’s simply nothing to worry about; it’s all going swimmingly!
Ace of Cups Reversed as an Outcome
As an outcome, the Ace of Cups in reverse indicates that you are getting what you want, but there will be a price to pay. There might be some kind of disruption in your plans, it will be only a temporary success, or problems will arise whose gravity far exceeds the value of the prize.
This might be a case of “be careful what you wish for.” A new lover will reveal their false heart; a successful plan will prove costly, or you may realize that what you were hoping for isn’t what you want.
The Ace of Cups Tarot Card in the Future
In the future position, the Ace of Cups promises a time of love, emotional stability, joy, and abundance; you are on the right track, and fortune smiles upon you.
The card is a positive omen, no questions asked. Whether the result of hard work and devotion or pure chance, it’s a well-deserved breath of fresh air. It’s an especially good omen for one’s love life and relationships in general.
Ace of Cups Reversed in the Future
When reversed, the Ace of Cups foretells a bittersweet future. It won’t be terribly bad, though you may feel lonely and frustrated, reminiscing about better times or wondering how it would have turned out if things were different.
In reading about your future, the reversed Ace of Cups is like arriving at spring but not drinking water… You may get what you desire, but it won’t be good enough and will leave you wanting something more.
The Ace of Cups as a Person
The ideal of love and beauty, the Ace of Cups describes a sensitive and trustworthy person who charms and inspires everyone around them with their positive energy. They are hopeful, romantic, delicate, and compassionate, and everything they touch is imbued with joy and adoration.
This person knows that a positive mental attitude is unstoppable! Their beauty is beyond words; wherever they go, an aura of joy follows them, and everything they do, they do with love, devotion, affection, and the utmost respect for life.
They feel emotions deeply, and to them, they are as true as the material world; love is not just a word or a vague idea but a way of life and a tangible essence.
Like water, which assumes the form of the vessel it is poured into, they adapt to their environment remarkably well; they go with the flow!
A truly exceptional individual, pure of will and untouched by the poisons of vanity and greed, they are the most popular among their friends and even admired by their enemies, who are but a few, for who could hate a literal ray of sunshine?
They are open-minded and free in all circumstances, eager to help, motivate, teach, and inspire others, and even on their dark days, you’ll hear them say that life is good with a smile on their lips.
Ace of Cups Reversed as a Person
As a person, the reversed Ace of Cups is someone who once showed a lot of promise, but now they are but a shadow of their former self. Reminiscent of the past, nostalgic and lonely if not bitter and sullen, they could do so much better should they just let go of their burden.
The card will likely refer to a person who used to be happy, active, and charismatic, but their life somehow took a turn for the worse, and since then they just haven’t been themselves.
It might have been a breakup, grief, loneliness, or a general sense of disillusionment; in any case, they were deeply hurt and even though the crisis has passed, the hurt lives on within them. Even a minor unfortunate incident could now trigger an emotional response and upset them.
They may look fine on the outside, but don’t be fooled; they have been carrying a cross for a long time and they just don’t want you to find out, because the pity and concern of others would make them feel even worse. To them, emptiness and silence are far better than letting the stream of emotions run wild.
A reversed Ace of Cups will sometimes suggest alcoholism or other bad habits and coping mechanisms that temporarily treat the symptoms of depression but ultimately create much more serious long-term issues. Approach with caution, and only if you are willing and able to do things on their terms.
What Zodiac Sign is the Ace of Cups?
The Ace of Cups corresponds with the water signs, i.e. Pisces, Scorpio, and Cancer. They are the most intuitive, vulnerable, emotional, and sensitive signs of the Zodiac cycle. The water element’s main function is to feel deeply, protect, love, nurture, and imagine better worlds.
No other sign can feel emotions so deep and powerful as Cancer. Both their strength and weakness lie in this quality:
They can be the ideal lover, the best friend, and the most caring and protective parent, but their tendency to worry too much, internalize their problems, and fight to the end for what they love and believe in often makes them a liability.
Scorpios are sexy, ambitious, and talented; they have an almost superhuman aura as well as the wits to match it, and they are the most physical, intriguing, and cunning of the water signs.
However, they find it hard to control their emotions and thus become obsessive, self-preoccupied, and vengeful. Don’t get on a Scorpio’s bad side; they never forget and take great pleasure in revenge.
And what can we say about Pisces, the gentle and true friend? Even if they get carried away inside their imaginary world, one can hardly say a bad thing about them without thinking twice. And who could blame them? The sea is vast, and there are so many things to explore.
They are so kind, charming, generous, and supportive that sometimes they seem too good to be true. Their weaknesses are anxiety, insecurity, and forgetfulness, but even when they fail to rise to the circumstances, they do so with grace and elegance.
