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9 of Cups Tarot Card
The Emperor Tarot Card

Card reading

The Nine of Cups

 
 
 

The Nine of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

The balancing act of the tarot and the story that it tells is no more apparent than with the Nine of Cups.

Coming from a place of pain and moving on to new yet unsecured horizons seen in the Eight of Cups makes way for a hopeful and positive time in the Nine of Cups. It truly is one of the most positive cards in the deck and a welcome addition to any reading. When you see this card in your reading you can be glad that good things are coming your way.

The yellow background in the background of the Nine of Cups indicates happiness and emotional security. In the center of the card a man sits, arms crossed with satisfaction and before him nine filled cups. This truly is a wish-fulfillment card and it tells you that whatever you put your mind to that you are bound to get. It’s a very positive card in many rights and can influence many aspects of your life. The card is highly emotional and intellectual, showing satisfaction in both of these areas but it is also one of the few cards that are well rounded and reflects physical pleasure as well. Now is the time to act on what you want and keep a positive attitude, knowing that you can find success. You truly have to be able to believe to achieve!

The Nine of Cups in Love

Moving on from a dormant time in love, the Nine of Cups appears and offers you hope for new reunions and rekindling in relationships. Usually appearing during a recent change in a relationship when you are hoping for the best and it’s an excellent card speaking of building on what is already present. With this card showing up for someone who is currently in a relationship it states that now is a good time to show your desires and start to make plans for the future. It may not be time to talk about them yet, but that time will come soon.

For those of you looking for love, this is still a great card. With the possibilities open for you in this card, you should really be on the lookout for a new interest coming your way. The card also has strong indications that now it is a time to put yourself out there and show the world what you have to offer. You are in a good place emotionally but more importantly, a healthy place to be looking for love. You are aware of your own shortcomings as well as knowing your own worth. Luck is a good helper when it comes to finding love, but knowing how to market yourself is also key.

The Nine of Cups in Health

The Nine of Cups in health has a positive note, as in all other areas but specific to wellness there is also a warning. Because the card is so positive often there is reasons to celebrate and the card can indicate overindulging can be a health concern at this time. Be sure that while your life may be having turns for the better that you do not take your health for granted.

The Nine of Cups in Work and Wealth

The man on the Nine of Wands is a confident character and you should be too! With this card showing up in your reading there is a hint of smugness, like he knows the secret to success. Wishing and hoping for success is good but it isn’t going to get you all you want. Hard work, diligence, and knowing when to act are all part of good business practices. When the Nine of Cups card comes up it is likely that you are in a place where you can make things happen or yourself financially speaking whether it is finding a job that suits you, advancement, or knowing what to do with your money. Pay attention to remarkable opportunities and pounce! Don’t let a good thing slip through your fingers by being unsure. Go off of your instincts and make your dreams happen!

Nine of Cups Advice

When you draw the Nine of Cups in an advice reading you should take time to reflect on what you have and all that you should be grateful for. This card is often linked to materialism, and it may be suggesting you’ve become overly concerned with the things in your life, rather than the people around you. It can also refer to a state of prosperity and happiness, you likely have a lot to be pleased about right now. This message of advice can be read more as a reminder, sometimes we allow ourselves to enter a state of continual unfulfillment. Make sure you appreciate what you have and don’t wish it away too fast. Practise affirmations of gratitude and revel in your own contentment, you’ll likely find you have everything you need to be happy right at your fingertips, the only thing needed is an adjustment in your perspective.

Nine of Cups Yes Or No

When seeking a yes or no answer in a tarot reading, the Nine of Cups is a big and certain yes! This card is linked with feelings of joy, contentment and general happiness. It often highlights a bright future in which your ambitions are achieved. In this sense, the Nine of Cups is one of the most positive cards in the entire deck, and there is no obscurity here; the answer to your question is a definitive yes. Considering the positive prospects that so commonly go along with this card, the outcome of your current situation is likely to be a good one. 

Nine of Cups Past

In the past position, the Nine of Cups usually refers to a previous period of happiness, or more likely a big achievement in your life, one which may still define you to this day. It could be a project which you received great acclaim for, marrying the love of your life or even just a golden chapter of life in which everything seemed to be going right. While we can certainly draw strength and inspiration from past happiness, it is right to be mindful of not becoming stuck in the past. Use your past successes to propel you forward in the present; they should remind you of your strength and capability. Avoid falling into the trap of endless dwelling, remembering the good times is a lovely thing, but letting them overtake your present day entirely only spells disatsafication in your future. 

Nine of Cups Present 

The Nine of Cups is a great card to draw in your present position because it indicates success and happiness coming your way. If you’re currently hard at work on something, or going through a dark period, you can rest easy knowing your endurance will be rewarded. This coming happiness may take many forms, it could be a new lover or friendship, but more likely it will be something you have made happen through hard work and perseverance. The end result will be blissful and worth the wait. If that happiness feels far away right now, don’t give up, you may not be able to see it but this new bright period is just around the corner. If you’re already feeling content and happy, make the most of it! You’ve worked hard to get where you are, now is the time to kick back and enjoy it. 

Nine of Cups Future and Outcome

When the Nine of Cups appears in a reading relating to the future you should feel inspired and relieved; this is a card of hope. No matter how hard, challenging or unsatisfying your life seems right now, good times are on their way. Remember, the only thing that can stop the coming of this happy period is your own self-sabotage. You must preserve in your current situation, and you will reap the rewards in the future. Whether this means remaining kind and helpful, rather than bitter and resentful, in an period of emotional difficulty - or, keeping on with a task or project you are currently failing at, the outcome will be the same: ultimate success. You have lots to look forward to, and many lessons to learn along the way - so keep doing what you’re doing, and enjoy the journey, too.

Nine of Cups Love Reconciliation

In a love and reconciliation reading, the Nine of Cups points to a blossoming relationship that’s going from strength-to-strength. An already stable love will become even more committed and intense. Those in a couple will find their happiness is more blissful and dream-like, as well as passionate and fresh, than ever before. This card sometimes appears after you’ve reconciled with an old flame, you are likely experiencing all the throes of passion you have missed in the time you spent apart. If you’re single, this card doesn’t necessarily mean your soulmate is soon to come round the corner. Instead, it suggests you have reached a place of happiness and self-contentment. You have bettered yourself and so, you will be better prepared to deal with a happy, healthy relationship should one come your way. Your primary focus should be maintaining this best version of yourself, do that and everything else - romantic or otherwise - will fall into place naturally. 

Nine of Cups As Feelings

If you are trying to understand how another person feels about you then the Nine of Cups is generally associated with presence and affection. That means, in this context, the person’s feelings you are trying to understand are very much positive. This person is certainly aware of you and you are likely important to them. In fact, you may make them feel positively about themselves and they enjoy your company. While this card doesn’t explicitly suggest a romantic side to their feelings towards you, it forcefully implies positive emotions and the potential for a prosperous relationship (platonic or otherwise) between you and this other person. 

Nine of Cups As Friendship

In a friendship reading, the Nine of Cups is a very positive omen. You are surrounded by loving, supportive and genuine friends - this card suggests relationships are reciprocal and fulfilling. You should certainly feel grateful for those around you, and know that they are grateful for you, too. Now may also be a good time for you to meet new people and connect with others. Overall, this card is a sign of happiness, the kind that celebrates the beauty of human friendships.

Nine of Cups Reversed - Love and Romance

When the Nine of Cups appears reversed in a love and romance reading it can indicate trouble in paradise. Often this comes after a particular event or rocky patch, you or your partner have been left feeling disappointed. Sometimes this happens after a relationship’s initial flame goes out; it’s easy to feel caught up in the passion at the start, but if nothing remains once that period has fizzled out, it might be time to call it quits. While the upright version of this card indicates prosperity and happiness, reversed it suggests things have gone stale, you might not be outrightly sad, but you’re certainly not happy, either. If you are single or dating, this card reversed indicates an imbalance in your romantic life. Perhaps you have been meeting the wrong kind of people or dating too much. It’s important to remember that fulfillment first and foremost comes from within. You must focus on loving yourself before you try and build a meaningful relationship with anyone else.  

The Nine Of Cups Reversed

Reversed Nine of Cups in a Reading

With the Nine of Cups in the reversed position, there is even more positive energy around than in the normal position… almost too much. This card in this position can be cautious of being too overconfident or conceited in your endeavors. Be careful about putting yourself on display or taking on too much. You will wind up not being able to complete tasks, falling behind, and ruining your reputation. Consider ways in which you are reaching too far and falling short.

Nine of Cups reversed - Family and Home

In reading about family and home, the reversed Nine of Cups suggests you have become overly concerned with the material world. You are letting money and objects take priority over your family. Oftentimes, people feel they are doing this for the good of their family - for example, working extra hours for a nice holiday or new car. But ultimately, happiness in the home comes from the strength of personal relationships. Now is the time to take stock and figure out what really matters most to you. 

It’s okay to strive for success so long as this reflects your own wishes and those of your loved ones; don’t let yourself fall into the trap of prioritizing things that project the best image to others.

Upright Nine of Cups meanings in keywords

  • Happy romance
  • Prosperity and bliss
  • Well deserved holiday
  • Getting what you want
  • Wishes coming true
  • Satisfaction

Reversed Nine of Cups meanings in keywords

  • Superficiality
  • Not getting what you want
  • Cannot handle problems 
  • Stinginess
  • Too Materialistic 

The Emperor

 
 

The Emperor Tarot Card Meaning

The Emperor is the counterpart of the Empress, but where the Empress is care free in her abundance, the Emperor is almost strict with his own form of stability and can symbolize many different things depending on the context in which he represents himself.

If you receive this card during a general reading, then the Emperor is going to provide you with a solid, continual energy to benefit your life. He does not leave a lot of room for excess change or random behavior. The Emperor is pragmatic, regal and stately. His energy is full of action and drive, and there is no room for mistakes. This is a card of possession, domination and authority and says that currently in your life you need direction. Often the Emperor will reflect an internal compass, a card that is attempting to show you the way. To be something and to know something is entirely different then being capable of doing something. Embracing the capabilities of the Emperor assists you in understanding this level of authority. Now is a time to trust your own instincts and skills to get a much needed job done. Do not rely on others to complete what you can do yourself. Do not expect that others are going to do as good of a job as you are.

You are in a time of your life that your own limits may be tested and while you are feeling run down or underappreciated you still need to push through. There is no room for error. The Emperor points his glare at you in a reading stating that you also may be pushing others too hard. The message for the card is for you and you alone. You need to be responsible for your actions at this time and reliance on others will likely result in a disaster of some kind.

The depiction of the Emperor on the card is full of metaphorical images that will help you to assist what the role of the Emperor is in your life. He sits in a stone throne that is unyielding but efficient with the Martian ram heads signifying his masculine role with mars. He is forward momentum and drive. How can you focus more on pushing yourself forward? His beard is long, symbolizing his many years full of wisdom. Many comment on his metal shoes. One would ask why he isn’t wearing shoes that are more comfortable. The answer is simple, his shoes are an example of authority, of procedure, they are part of his uniform and that symbol is constant and never changing. You will benefit from adding this level of professionalism in your life.

The Emperor encourages us to focus on the reasoning and critically thinking mind. What is feasible and is reasonable is the world that the Emperor lives in. When you receive this card in a reading, the Emperor commands that you get rid of all form of fantasy and fill your head with the facts. Handle your affairs in a systematic way and do not encourage room for error. Anything that you can do to be responsible for the standing in your life is imperative now. The effort you put in at this time will be greatly rewarded.

Emperors are archetypal father figures and symbols of authority. As a leader, he represents action, decisiveness, and leadership. As most fathers do, he wants what's best for his children and will do whatever it takes to protect them. The Emperor, unlike other fathers, does not shy away from showing his softer side. A loving husband and devoted friend, he also cares for his family. Underneath his tough exterior lies a generous and kind heart.  A Tarot card reading with the Emperor will leave you feeling uplifted and motivated to take charge of your life if you're lucky enough to have him in your spread!

The Emperor in Love

In love, the Emperor is symbolic of monogamy, of longevity and consistency. When this card appears in your love spread you can count on being blessed with something stable and dependable coming your way. If you are already in a relationship and you are having problems, the Emperor says that you can depend on the situation to improve and to remain stable at least for the interim. Consider what he has to teach you about being a solid influence in your life and in the lives of others.

This card can be confusing if you are looking for love. For a woman looking for love it will often show an older male coming into her life and instruct her to be open to new possibilities. However, for a male seeking love it tells you that you need to be more forward in your search, be willing to share your feelings, and warns of waiting too long for the right woman. It is likely that you are holding back your feelings to a woman and now is the time to speak up before your opportunity is missed.

The Emperor As Feelings

In terms of feelings, the Emperor is king - he stands proud, a powerful and compassionate figure. If you ask for someone’s feelings and it is connected to strength and emotion, respect and understanding are associated with his feelings. As he speaks, his presence fills the air with authority. Listening to others, he experiences their stories like his own, because in his heart there is understanding. A great deal of emotion can be evoked by the Emperor in those around him. Every place he enters is filled with a special kind of feeling generated by his words that convey understanding, assurance, trust, and love. When the Emperor rises for feelings it can indicate that this person feels that you are traditional but have control over a “love” situation.

The Emperor As Love Reconciliation

In asking if someone will get back to you and pull the Emperor, for love reconciliation, then it shows that you want to fly into its wings for safety. He offers wisdom and compassion.

The Emperor in Health

When the Emperor comes up in a reading where health is mentioned, several possibilities present themselves. First, this can be a sign of good health over all, that you are well and will continue to be well. However, if this card comes up reversed regarding health, then you will want to consider the negative effects that being overly routine or constricted is having on your overall health. This could show up in tension headaches or other stress related issues. One can be too authoritarian or too rigid. The Emperor is there to teach you to bring yourself back into balance and to allow the positive influence of stability to come to your aid.

The Emperor in Work and Wealth

The Emperor in business ventures exists to show you the support in your current workplace and to bless you with up and coming possibilities that will add more stability in your life. If you are unsure that you are making the right move in your industry by accepting a promotion, the Emperor says to take the job if it will encourage longevity in the workplace. He also represents a long-term opportunity coming your way financially such as in making money off the sale of a house, inheritance, or cashing in of stocks and bonds. The positive energy in this card is very strong concerning finance and work. The Emperor has worked for what he has and with him in a reading, he brings a deal of luck and fortune through experience and reputation.

The Emperor As An Action/Advice

The Emperor is about making sure that you control what you are doing. Think of yourself  withstanding the raging winds and overcoming obstacles no-one else can. The message here is that if we trust in ourselves and open ourselves up to advice, there will never be a difficulty too great for us to overcome. This tarot card is a message to make sure that you have the strength to overcome anything. It is about taking boldness and courage from the emperor, and your journey shall have no bounds.

The Emperor As Yes Or No

The Emperor in a Yes Or No reading draws a duality that many people find difficult to comprehend. In one aspect, a dichotomy of decisions holds weight - and this is the path of 'Yes', or plunge down into darkness of 'No'? Even so, despite all the complexity, a ray of light shines through: despite its formidable appearance, all roads lead to the same place, and ultimately, decision-making depends on courage. Life often comes down to choices, not just for ourselves but also for those around us - so in a Yes Or No reading he is saying follow your heart with bravery and grace. 

The Emperor As A Person

The Emperor as a person is a gentle soul, wise and kind with a vast knowledge. A leader of great strength and ability, the Emperor had a strong sense of justice and fairness that he applied equally to all. His words were measured, succinct, and inspiring towards those in need. Through compassion and understanding, he viewed the world. It was the Emperor's individualism and commitment to rule by consensus rather than decree that made him unique among rulers. 

The Emperor In the Past Position

In my tarot card above, you can see the emperor embodies great power and radiates strength. His throne is elevated above the masses and his word became law. Every day he sits on top of the throne, surveying the land he dominates over with a gaze that would both humble. Such were the days that an emperor held reign in this ancient past; before modern society whittled such grandeur down to hardly anything more than myth.

he Emperor In the Present Position

As he stands in this current position with a heavy burden of responsibility on his shoulders, it is a strange twist of events that brought the emperor to this point in history. Despite his tendency to reign over grandiose kingdoms, he now relies on the wisdom and guidance of the people to guide him. The only way we can write a future worth dreaming about is to embrace our collective history - a future where the emperor's presence is welcomed and revered as it was centuries ago. Even though we may never know how he arrived here or what secrets lie beneath him, this majestic figure remains an inspiration to your life right now, showing perseverance can overcome even the greatest obstacles.

The Emperor In the Future/Outcome Position

Future worlds will be mysterious and wondrous, with the emperor at the center. His actions will resonate throughout generations, reaching out to souls. A day of darkness will never fall on the realm under his command because he will command such immense power. As a result, all will pay homage to him, thanking him for leading them along the righteous path that only emperors can tread. In the future, he will be omnipotent and justice will be swiftly delivered to those who deserve it. In this infinite universe, the emperor in the future will undoubtedly be a blessing for you going forward. It is a sign that you can overcome any obstacle with his help.

The Emperor As Friendship Or Family

The Emperor begins with a field where two friends and family are called to meet: One of a silver sky and the other of an amber sun. As you rejoice together and share your hearts, they bring forth an honor so pure and fleeting - friends become family. In the same way that brothers, daughters, sisters, and mothers bond, so does this friendship (if you draw the emperor). As they sit at the foot of the Emperor, their newfound family gives birth to dreams, hopes, and memories that will endure for all time.

Emperor Reversed

Reversed Emperor In A Reading

When the Emperor appears in a reading in the reversed position, there is a loss of control possible in your near future. Perhaps being overly structured has taken a toll on your existence and you have begun receiving injuries due to this lack of flowing energy. Consider taking some time off so that you may be able to get through the frustrating phase. Pay attention to paperwork and ensure that you have only trustworthy people around you. With the positive energies in the reversed position, the energies that would usually be of an aid to you can actually be a hindrance. You will likely find that you are being overconfident or rude and not knowing it. Especially in a professional sense – the reversed position does not bode well for work and finance. Do what you can to get your finances on track by setting up a budget that is reasonable and workable. Work hours that are conducive. Overworking, overbooking, and being overextended are often serious issues when the Emperor is reversed.

Love And Romance - Emperor Reversed

When the Emperor reversed is involved, romance can turn. As unflinching rulers float wildly in the air like dandelion seeds, they will become unpredictable like dandelion seeds. If you are fortunate enough to be touched by its presence, you know not to take it for granted; the whims of fate may bring it too soon or keep it away too long. There is no doubt that even through upheaval and chaos, there is room to fully express heartfelt emotion without holding back when it comes to love and romance with the Emperor reversed.

Family And Home - Emperor Reversed

Upheaval and change are associated with the Emperor reversed when it comes to your home life. Life seems to flow along in a manner that is certain and reliable when we are strong and steadfast, with our families and homes providing us with comfort and security; however, when the Emperor flips, new ideas flow freely like a river altering the course of our lives through unrestrained inspiration. It can be hard to grapple with life --- sometimes you may feel like you are no longer in control, but this new energy can help us realize our dreams and connect with parts of ourselves that were dormant previously. Our loved ones can provide a harbor in the midst of rough seas, helping us understand this energetic wind that blows through our lives.

Work and Finances - Emperor Reversed

Stability seems to come at a price. Our ambitions for security and prosperity can seem suddenly illusive when the Emperor is reversed. Despite our hard work, we may not be able to provide ourselves with financial comfort, and any successes we achieve will only last a short time. Despite the fact that it's sometimes difficult to accept that money cannot provide all that we need and desire, the Emperor is saying you should seek security in other aspects of our lives instead: family, friends, and even yourself. Despite financial constraints, please remember there is still much joy to be found in moments when we allow ourselves time to reflect on intrinsic values that make life worth living.

Health and Wellness - Emperor Reversed

In the moments when we feel our power is reversed, it may seem simpler to succumb to the weight of our challenges than to overcome them. In order to truly care for ourselves and reclaim our health and wellness, we must train ourselves to meet those challenges head on. Self-empowerment is possible when we eliminate the obstacles that stalemate our wellbeing. We can cultivate thriving self-care and strength through headstrong fortitude in times of unrest. Despite uncertainty and opposition, we can achieve the truest form of health and wellness.

Personal Spirituality - Emperor Reversed

An experience of personal spirituality can often be a difficult and intimidating journey, and when the Emperor Reversed appears in our tarot reading, it is a sign that this journey may initially go in the wrong direction. Traditionally, this reversed card represents stagnation, resistance, and a lack of control over one's own actions. In the end, however, this could be seen as a chance to accept things as they are rather than try to force them. As a result, spiritual awakening is more of an organic process than something that is forced. The idea that everything happens for “a reason” gives us comfort even when it seems we have no control over our destiny - we just have to trust fate to bring us where we are suppose to be.