Two cards

The Eight of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

The Eight of Cups can be a very hard card to have in a reading.

From the looks of the card itself, you can get the feeling of loss. On the Rider Waite deck, a man walks through stagnated water and is leaving the cups behind him. The card symbolism represents that you are moving on by your own accord. The sand around you right now is stagnant like that which the person in the card walks through. This is not healthy emotions in your life and you need to do what is best for you. Often, especially because this is a cups card, it is exceptionally difficult to go through this card because at one time the pools that were around you were wondrous, creative, and positive energies that have now died down.

It is interesting to note that while the blue representing spirituality or emotional issues is still present, the colors are darker. The issue in your life is not an easy one at this time. The card usually comes up during a time of loss and often this is revolving around a relationship of some kind. There is darkness to the card that in turn will usually represent aspects of your life right now. This card represents less of holding on to the past as it is a fear of moving forward. This is something that you need not fight as really, where else are you going to go? Now is the time to seek the higher road for your own health and sanity. It is obvious when this card comes up that you have tried your best and you have taken the steps to make the right choices for you. In the end you cannot change the past and you must accept what is in the present. Our lives are not stagnant things and while the energy around you may be turning sour, it is up to you to save yourself from that around which is unhealthy or holding you back.

The Eight of Cups vibrates the same goals and lessons of the Hermit card. It is sort of like the beginning of the Hermit’s journey where he heads to solitude to seek out wisdom and understanding. With the Eight of Cups, there is a spiritual sense to the card and the search you could be heading on is one of wisdom, but not wisdom alone. The path you are heading from, even though it did not end well – you will gain knowledge from this strife and grief. Little help is that now while you are still feeling the effects emotionally but with the card coming up now it also appears that you are doing what is best for yourself (or that you will). That can be a lot and later when you look back on this time you will know that you did all that you could.

The Eight of Cups in Love

Since the Eight of Cups is in the cups suit, it is often referring to relationships. In this case, unlike many other cup cards, it isn’t all good. In fact, it’s a pretty negative card for a relationship reading of any kind being that it shows a lack of positive energy in your current relationship if you are with someone. That doesn’t mean that nothing can be saved, but typically it will reflect a very bad place. The stagnation of the card shows that there is no real way to rekindle the fire of the relationship or that the well is poisoned. What has happened in the relationship is something that usually won’t be bounced back from. There are cases when the relationship can be salvaged but it usually indicates a need to start from scratch or that there will be a break up and then time will pass before any hope can be had for the future.

In the case that you are looking for love the card refers to a place for you now that is not one that is truly ready to be in a relationship. You appear to still be moving and healing from a past relationship and you have a bit more work before you are in the right place to start something new. The Eight of Cups in health means it is now is a time to focus on your healing. Not always but usually, the Eight of Cups will come up when there is a known health issue that is especially trying such as a cold that has turned into pneumonia, mental illnesses taking a turn for the worse, or any other health that continues to wane. There can be a sense of increased worry or anxiety over health which will continue to exacerbate the problem. It is important right now to break routines and buck the system. That doesn’t mean to stop following doctor’s orders, but rather… you need to be more compliant and find the desire to get better.

Often with this card there will be a sense of dwelling on the negative which is unhealthy in itself. Work on finding out all you can about what is going on with you as education is the best defense. Take time to focus on the positive in your life and the reasons that you want to be healthy. If you are feeling that you don’t trust those around you, get a second opinion. Do what you can to get in a better place mentally about your health so that you can be in a better place for healing physically.

The Eight of Cups can also refer to negative mental states and increased depression or psychiatric breaks. Since the card comes up often in very trying times in a person’s life, it can also be a difficult time emotionally. The card offers the advice that what you are going through right now is not permanent. Remember that you are not alone in this journey and if you choose to open up there are likely people around that can help and support you at this time.

The Eight of Cups in Work and Wealth

Financial losses and job losses often accompany this card, not because of bad work or poor financial judgment, but because of economy, poor business practices overall, or mismanaging money on a large scale (like in the case that your IRA or 401K made a bad choice with YOUR money). Now is a good time to take a look at your work and finances and get the facts. Know what is going on around you and be prepared for any negative changes that could end up affecting you negatively. Be smart with your finances and keep tabs on what others are doing with your money if they have access. Also, for the person looking for work, be mindful to look at all available career options that you can. Usually job issues – whether losing a job or seeking a job – are most effected by issues of layoffs and economy with this card and it can be a tough time in finding solid footing in work issues.

Reversed Eight of Cups in a reading

The Eight of Cups in reversed is almost a positive card. It does still represent loss, but the loss that is felt is not as deep. While you may find that you are walking away from something in your life, the darkness is not present and the view is bright. It is likely a move for the better on your path and one that you can feel good about. Even if you are feeling sad about moving on, know that the progression you are making now is for the best.

Upright Eight of Cups Meanings in Keywords

• Waking away
• Think about options
• Breaking up with a lover
• Emotional problems
• Abandonment

Reversed Eight of Cups Meanings in Keywords

• Trying once more
• Driving through situations
• Animalification
• Overwhelmed 

The Moon Tarot Card Meaning

The Moon is a very emotional and intuitive card.

Often it has to do with one’s mental state indicating sleep disturbances due to nightmares, waking terrors, or emotional negativity. It calls to light your deepest and darkest desires. When the Moon is present it is a time to be aware of how your physical health is being affected by your mental health. It can also represent being very aware to almost a hyper vigilant state, being over sensitive, and madness. Remember that fits of madness also often lend themselves to time of genius inspiration and if you are feeling exceptionally out of sorts that all of your pent up energy can be used for the greater good of your life. When you see the Moon know that right now things are not entirely okay in your life, but that is alright. Everything cannot always be perfect. The key to our own perfection lies in accepting our imperfections.

Remember that right now you are not alone. You may be in a seemingly hopeless situation and struck by panic, anxiety, or fear about an outcome. The goddess Isis rules over the Moon card and she is a mother and a guide. Having loss of hope does not mean that all is lost. Allow the mother energies of the moon to guide you and seek her guidance before making decisions. This can be done by prayer, seeking counsel professionally, or asking for support when needed.

All of the symbology of the card speaks a lot about the contemplation and meditative states in your life right now. A full moon looks down over a river with two dogs. The face of the Moon has been widely interpreted to be that she is frowning, judging, or in some way unhappy. The river and all water for that matter when it comes to tarot, is a spiritual indicator. The water is moving at an increased speed, just as your thoughts likely are right now. Usually it will represent some sort of quandary in your life where you are continuously running thoughts through your head and there is no silence. You need to allow your mind to wander at this time to get to the root of your problem.

Ponder whether you are making healthy choices for yourself at this time and pay close attention to mental exhaustion. You are likely to find that you have been driving those around you a little crazy with erratic behavior or being flaky. It is likely that you are going through something deep right now but be sure not to alienate those around you that truly love and care for you. Try to avoid asking questions of others intentions right now and work on accepting things for face value. While it is possible that someone around you is being deceptive, the Moon says that the truth will come out and your own suspicion will do nothing more than make the problem worse.

The Moon in Love

When you see the Moon in your love reading it is often a time of emotional turmoil. In dating and romance it is a time of bickering and deception. The Moon often tells you to ask questions in your relationship or to look for areas in which you are being duped. If you find that you are being swept off of your feet right now, it may be a good time to hold back and try to slow things down. During this time developing new relationships or furthering a current relationship too quickly will often burn out.

You want to watch what you say in relationships of all kind at this time. It is a time where miscommunications can run rampant and you may find that you regret opening up too much or saying something that you shouldn’t have. Be mindful of feelings and try not to offend. In the case of a new relationship it’s the Moon is a good reminder that you only get one chance to make a first impression. The energy behind the Moon is strong and wild. Like the tides you may feel that emotionally you are being pulled in many directions and unable to settle down. Realize that all things come in due time and that right now you are on a natural cycle. Wait for things to calm down in your love life before making a decision.

The Moon in Health

Often the Moon can indicate issues with mental health. For people that are diagnosed with mental issues such as depression, bipolar, or the like, the Moon is a reminder to keep taking your medication. Often lunar energies will interfere with one’s own mental state. Now is a time to take stock of the areas that are causing you undue emotional or spiritual pressure. Take a step back from these areas and allow things to calm down. Any disorder that is exacerbated by stress can flare up at this time. It’s especially important to be diligent about taking care of your own needs before extending yourself to others at this time. If you find that there are people around you that are more trouble than they are worth, creating needless drama, or generally having an unhealthy effect on you need to be cut away at this time. You have to take care of yourself before you can care for anyone else.

The Moon in Work and Wealth

Be frugal and keep your wallet close to your right now. Often the Moon will represent someone trying to swindle you or holding back on facts just so that you will make an uninformed decision. With the Moon present you have to be on your guard because you never know who or what is lurking in the night. This period of time is not going to last forever, but right now it is better safe than sorry.

In some rare exceptions the Moon will indicate a crazy idea that is too good to pass up. Often the card will reflect being over cautious or fearful in a situation. Because it is rare but can happen you may want to try to meet halfway. Do not be overzealous in your spending or investing in this time but be mindful that there is also a stroke of genius around you at this time. Pay close attention to what your instincts tell you rather than those around you. Even friends or family that mean well in their advice at this time can be misled. Be a leader, not a follower. Make your own decisions free of the guidance of others.

If you are one who is looking for work at this time, it may not be the best time for new ventures. You will have to be exceptionally mindful of the jobs that you apply for or interview with to make sure that you are entering into a good business contract. Do not be misguided in your search for work and be sure that you are seeking employment in areas that are going to make you truly happy. You don’t need another dead-end job at this time; you need to be seeking a career.

Reversed Moon in a reading

The Moon card in the reversed position will indicate secrets coming to light, stability in mental health being restored, and show an enlightenment happening on your path. It can also indicate that you are in a need for rest. The Moon has chaotic energy that can be harnessed but in the reversed position with all of the symbolism of the card has no place. The need for introspection, meditation, and quiet is still there but there is no outlet for it. You may find that you are being run ragged and that while you need a break there is not the time or a way to break free and get much needed time to yourself. Chaos is ruling your life and eventually, if you keep at this same pace in your life you will crash and burn. Take charge of what avenues that you can and strengthen your resolve to finish with commitments at this time. Do not take on more until you are able to find time for yourself.