Reading Tarot

The two of cups in tarot is a positive card that is connected to romance, love and relationships. Overall, the card portends a pairing between two individuals, along with all of the emotions, compromise and happiness that such connection can bring.

In the card, two figures stand face to face, each holding a cup. The female figure wears a crown of grape leaves, a symbol of virginity and virtue. The male figure wears a crown of red flowers, a symbol of lust. As with the Ace of Cups, the two chalices here symbolize inner emotions (all Cups cards are about emotions). Rising from the two cups is an image of a lion’s head, supported by two intertwined snakes, one standing for good and the other for evil. The lion’s face signifies strength, passion, and even lust, while its wings give it a sublime, almost angelic quality. This imagery depicts all of the positive — and negative — consequences of entering into a partnership with another person.

Like The Lovers card, the two of cups is primarily about human relationships. Its appearance in a spread can be a surprise, particularly when the question is not about love. Often, the two of cups can alert the reader to a potential romantic relationship or love interest, even when they did not know such an interest existed. It can also tell the querent about inner qualities that he or she may have, such as the ability to attract others, or a supportive role played towards another. In other contexts, the card can also signify the beginning of a fruitful friendship, business partnership or other kind of pairing between two individuals. When the card appears in the blocking position, for example in the celtic cross, it can suggest that romantic difficulties are at the heart of the problem for the querent.

In the reversed position:

In the upside-down position, the two of cups can signify hurt or disappointment arising from a failed relationship, or from the failure to open oneself up to new partnerships. It can symbolize misunderstandings, both temporary and longer term inability to see eye to eye. A querent who draws the two of cups may feel emotionally withdrawn, and may find it difficult to enter into a new romantic relationship, perhaps because of a previous betrayal.