What are Cups in Tarot?
The Cups suit consists of 14 tarot cards that represent emotion, intuition, relationships, and matters of the heart. Also known as Chalices or Hearts in some decks, Cups correspond to the element of Water and govern all aspects of feeling, love, creativity, and spiritual connection. In the traditional Rider-Waite deck, each Cups card features golden chalices, symbolizing the vessel that holds our deepest emotions, dreams, and the flowing nature of feelings that shape our inner world.
When Cups cards appear in readings, they typically address matters of love, relationships, emotional wellbeing, and creative inspiration. Unlike the fiery passion of Wands or the mental clarity of Swords, Cups focus on emotional processes, intuitive knowing, and the power of the heart. These cards remind us that feelings are valid, that love transforms, and that emotional intelligence guides us toward meaningful connections. The suit of Cups teaches us about compassion, emotional depth, and the courage to open our hearts.
What are Cups in Tarot?
The Cups suit consists of 14 tarot cards that represent emotion, intuition, relationships, and matters of the heart. Also known as Chalices or Hearts in some decks, Cups correspond to the element of Water and govern all aspects of feeling, love, creativity, and spiritual connection. In the traditional Rider-Waite deck, each Cups card features golden chalices, symbolizing the vessel that holds our deepest emotions, dreams, and the flowing nature of feelings that shape our inner world.
When Cups cards appear in readings, they typically address matters of love, relationships, emotional wellbeing, and creative inspiration. Unlike the fiery passion of Wands or the mental clarity of Swords, Cups focus on emotional processes, intuitive knowing, and the power of the heart. These cards remind us that feelings are valid, that love transforms, and that emotional intelligence guides us toward meaningful connections. The suit of Cups teaches us about compassion, emotional depth, and the courage to open our hearts.
Key Cups cards and Their Themes
To understand the scope and power of the Cups suit, consider these foundational cards:
King of Cups. Emotional mastery, compassionate leadership, and balanced feelings. Represents someone who combines wisdom with empathy, navigates turbulent emotions with grace, and leads through emotional intelligence and understanding.
Knight of Cups. Romantic pursuit, artistic inspiration, and following the heart. Embodies the dreamer eager to pursue love passionately, express feelings through creative means, and act on emotional calling without fear.
Ace of Cups. New emotional beginnings, divine love, and spiritual gifts. Represents the pure potential of love and the overflowing grace that comes when the heart opens to receive.
Seven of Cups. Dreams, illusions, and emotional confusion. Shows the challenge of distinguishing genuine feelings from fantasy, and the importance of grounding emotional desires in reality.
These examples demonstrate how Cups cards address the full spectrum of emotional experience, from exciting new love to challenging confusion to ultimate fulfillment and emotional wisdom.
From left to right, top to bottom: The King, The Knight, The Ace and The Seven of Cups.
Explore the Suit of Cups
Discover the meaning and symbolism of each Cups card by exploring the complete collection below:
Each card page includes detailed upright and reversed meanings, symbolism explanations, and guidance for love, career, and spiritual questions. Whether you're seeking emotional clarity, navigating relationship challenges, or understanding your relationship with love and intuition, these guides will help you unlock the flowing wisdom contained within each Cups archetype.
The Cups suit offers invaluable guidance for anyone seeking to embrace emotional depth, love authentically, and navigate life's relational challenges with wisdom.
Here are the other three suits of the Minor Arcana: Swords, Pentacles, and Wands. Together with Cups, they form a complete picture of human experience, emotion, material reality, creative fire, and mental clarity.
Start exploring the cards above to begin mastering the art of emotional wisdom, heartfelt connection, and fearless vulnerability. Why not start with the Ace of Cups?