Artistic Meaning:

Tarot artists have enormous flexibility in their designs based on the meaning of the card they are creating. Some artists provide text to aid the reader (i.e. Passion Flames) and often indicate the suit and number of the card. In this card, the image contains several or symbolic representations to stir the imagination of the Reader. This card contains symbols of the five elements (earth, air, fire, water, spirit) to help guide the reader.

The flame represents activity and energy. Like any fire, it can grow or be extinguished.

The water at the base of the card represents the abundance of the Universe of which we are all a part.

The partly cloudy sky - the air- represents shelter, the umbrella of atmosphere that protects us on Earth. Clouds can shield us from damaging Solar radiation, or bring refreshing rain. In the card they are driven by the winds of emotion.

The cup is made of two precious metals, gold and silver, which are mined from the earth. This earth element represents a sense of grounding and the benefit of gravity.

The Rainbow is a representation of spirit (the fifth element)-- the promise of the spectrum of possibility. This is reflected in the hands of the cup holder who always has choices and possibilities.

The character (and most Tarot cards have a character) is the self-- the Seeker. The Seeker is made up of the Universe, as we all contain a Universe within ourselves. The Seeker is the universal self who reflects the external world while revealing his/her innermost potential.

Symbolic Meaning:

The Aces in the Tarot deck represent the beginning of an experience. The beginning indicated by the Ace value may refer to the beginning of a change in an existing condition, not necessarily the start of a new one. A reader will get a better determination by looking at other cards in the spread and the question posed by the Seeker.

The suit of Cups represents passionate energy and abundance. This can apply to life, activities, romance and love. The key here is the passion-- that energy that gets us really involved in something, excited about it, eager to move forward with it, to immerse ourselves within it, to fully experience it.

Passion is one of our most treasured emotions because it is such strong energy. This is the card of energy in its most formative stage. However, passion can be too intense or misdirected. So a rise or even a change in passionate energy may not be desirable.

Cups represent abundance, nurturing, nourishment, refreshment. We all know the phrase "My cup runneth over." Symbolically, the cup stands for fulfillment and enrichment. But the question one must ask is: Is the cup half empty or half full?

A cup is also a vessel, a boundary, a container-- something that gives shape and form to the shapeless. The cup represents structure and cohesion, making orderly sense of that which would otherwise be formless. However, some things need to be shapeless and formless to maintain their flexibility In this case, the cup would be restrictive and can block growth.

A skilled Tarot reader will know how to interpret these meanings for the Seeker and discuss those that are most appropriate to the reading.

Reading:

Most Tarot cards can be read upright or reversed (upside down). When reversed, the meaning of the card is often an opposite. But it is not necessarily negative. It can be sage advice. Here are general simplified meanings for this card.

Upright:

A beginning of an exciting and immersive experience powered by emotion. Possibility for achievement and success. The Seeker would be advised to examine his/her feelings about the situation and their level of intensity. Possible start of a romance, or a positive change in an existing romance, a new twist that will enhance it. Passion grows but should be viewed with care-- excesses can overwhelm. An unformed or vague idea is receiving structure and cohesion. Feelings are taking recognizable shape.

Reversed (Upside Down):

A possible loss or reduction in passion about a project or experience. Potential feelings of loss or failure and draining of emotions. Romance may be reducing in intensity and steps may be needed to rekindle the energy-- if that is desired. Possible time to let go of an emotion or passion about something that no longer serves the seeker. Lack of enthusiasm, possible feelings of lack or withdrawal. Passion wanes. Possible relief from an experience that has become too intense or emotionally out of control. Possible beginning of more conservative or cautious approach to the situation. A formed idea is becoming vague and shapeless. Possible beginning of confusion in feelings and passion, or a tendency to spread emotional energy too thin.