Meaning of the Three of Cups
The three of cups in tarot can be both a positive and negative card, symbolizing celebration, gratitude for life’s gifts and a carefree, hedonistic attitude. In the card, three young women frolic in a garden filled with flowers (symbolizing abundance and mirth) while they hold up three chalices filled with wine. The girls are voluptuous and sensual, signifying sexual energy and pleasure. The three of cups is closely linked to Bacchus, the god of wine in roman legend. The equivalent of this card in the regular deck of cards is the three of hearts.
When it appears in position 1 in a Celtic cross reading (the position which describes “you”), the three of cups means that you are surrounded by friends with whom you share a close bond, and who want to celebrate with you. The key here is that you should allow yourself to take part in the celebrations and “loosen up” if you are not already in the festive mood. Doing this will enable you to meet new people (possibly lovers) and open up your social life a little bit more.
The card also has a negative side, however, so it is important to know your limits and exercise moderation if loosening up is not usually a problem for you. Like Bacchus, being a party person has its pleasures and its pitfalls. If the three of cups appears in the blocking position, it can mean either that the querent is suffering from a lack of self-control, or alternatively that he or she has trouble loosening up and enjoying themselves in new social situations. The reader must carefully weigh the context of both the question and the personality of the querent when interpreting this card.
In the reversed position:
In the upside-down position, the three of cups can signify an attitude of arrogance or a self-centered comportment on the part of the querent. Rather than celebrating and sharing life’s triumphs with others, the querent may be overly closed in on themselves, paranoid, fearful, or isolated. It can also indicate a sexual problem, such as an inability to experience orgasm or a more general difficulty entering into sensual, intimate relationships with others.
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