Eight of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

Eight of cups tarot card meaning is letting go of something that no longer fits one. It is a release card, a charge card, and seeking greater truth. The card will manifest itself most in a reading when an individual will let go of something that no longer fulfills them although they don’t want to give up.

The 8 of Cups tarot is the mood of change, compelling people to want something more than stability, that they are called to a higher cause than stagnation. Ego-conscious energy is shown here with the natural pursuit of spiritual and emotional satisfaction rather than sensual or material pleasure. The Eight of cups positive is a space of knowing—a space where an individual sees that what was provided for them yesterday in the sense of security or happiness is no longer present with them.

The 8 of cups reversed, however, is procrastination, lingering emotions, or fear of the unknown. It is a sign that even when the person is aware that change must occur, something is preventing him from doing so.

Symbolism and Key Meanings of the Eight of Cups

The 8 of Cups tarot card symbolism is rich in meaning. The card is typically illustrated as a figure walking away from eight upright cups for mountains that shine in the moonlight. Broken cups symbolize precious emotional investments, attachments, or relationships. There are some aspects of the card that make the card’s meaning simple:

• The moon symbolizes the future that is unknown, uncertainty, and intuition.
• The hills are obstacles to be overcome for the greater good.
• The river in the distance is emotions leading the way.
• The position of the figure is determination but at the expense of emotional neglect.

In a reading, the card is an invitation to the individual that genuine happiness probably involves letting go. Clinging to relationships or circumstances that are not meeting their needs may be continuing emotional stagnation.

Upright Eight of Cups Meaning

Eight of cups upright is a great card to leave something that is not working in one’s life. The card indicates that one has seen the path that one has been on, the relationship or the situation is not healthy enough for the individual’s well-being anymore. Beyond being out of commitment or fear, the card indicates the time has come to let go.

The card is expected to show when:

• The relationship or friendship is not fulfilling on an emotional level.
• The career is not fulfilling, and one wants to shift directions.
• The values or visions shift, and one needs to find oneself.
• One wishes to enrich life and make it more meaningful.

The eight of cups love meaning shows loneliness or withdrawal of emotions. It can also show that one or both lovers are alone and realize that it is not in their own interest to continue their love affair anymore.

The upright Eight of Cups is a challenge to open arms and courage in the face of change. The new, though if necessary perhaps it is best avoided, is unsettling, yet change is indeed the release of the familiar.

Reversed Eight of Cups Meaning

The 8 of cups reversed is resistance to change internally. The reverse of the typical meaning, the card suggests resistance to letting go in general when it’s realized that it’s no longer a personal delight. It may suggest fear, resistance, or emotional attachment that will cause things to remain stuck when the time arrives.

Some of the usual reversed themes are:

• Resistance to let go of a painful relationship or position.
• Find it difficult to step out of their comfort zone even if they are dissatisfied.
• Unable to decide whether or not to act on change.
• Will quit in the initial phases of things that are unfinished.

In love tarot, the eight cups in reverse position love meaning is the reluctance to let go. He/she may not be letting go because of fear of loneliness or insecurity. The card also indicates on-again, off-again relationships where the two cannot make a commitment to be together.

In career cards, the card also shows due to finance or concealed fear. The 8 cups career in reversal shows resistance to new ideas even when the current trend is not desirable.

The Eight of Cups in the reversed is faced with ambiguity and needs answers. It is a warning to self-know before making a choice to transform one’s life. Ignorance might be bliss, but resistance to what is bringing us pain only postpones agony.

Eight of Cups in Tarot Readings

The 8 of Cups tarot will appear when personal, spiritual, or emotional development is such that change is needed. Transformation is the message of the card, and the soul’s call needs to be followed and answered by taking the action that needs to be taken.

The card illustrates the following:

• Letting go of friendships or relationships that don’t nourish one’s joy.
• Freedom from old mind patterns or assumptions and in one’s truth.
• Deeper spiritual, emotional, or professional.
• Freedom from fear of change and trust.

The Eight of Cups is a message to release that which no longer serves the highest good. Adiós is a sad loss, but the payoff is a path more true to one’s destiny and emotional well-being.