The Cups in the Medieval Tarot open a gateway to understanding emotions, intuition, and relationships. This suit, tied to the water element, explores the profound depths of human connections, from love and friendships to inner peace and emotional challenges.
Medieval Tarot Card Meanings – The Cups
Ace of Cups
In the Medieval Tarot, the Ace of Cups depicts a golden chalice overflowing with water, surrounded by vibrant floral designs and a radiant halo of light. Above the chalice, a dove descends, symbolizing divine love and spiritual blessings. The cup rests on an ornate altar, indicating that this is no ordinary gift but one of profound significance.
This card heralds the start of an emotional or spiritual awakening, a gift from the universe that brings joy, fulfillment, and deep connections. Imagine a knight receiving a sacred grail, a vessel of eternal inspiration and hope. The Ace of Cups invites you to open your heart fully to love, creativity, or healing. It’s a reminder that abundance flows when you allow emotions to move freely, embracing vulnerability and connection. Whether you’re beginning a new relationship, pursuing a creative passion, or embarking on a spiritual journey, this card signals that your cup is ready to overflow with blessings.
Two of Cups
The Two of Cups in the Medieval Tarot illustrates two figures standing face to face, each holding a chalice. A heraldic banner or symbol of unity often hangs above them, while their expressions reflect trust and mutual respect. The setting is idyllic, with a peaceful background that emphasizes harmony and balance.
This card represents the sacred bond of partnership, whether romantic, platonic, or professional. Imagine a lord and lady forging an alliance through shared vows, sealing their connection with a toast of wine. The Two of Cups asks you to celebrate the relationships that bring balance and joy to your life. It reminds you that true partnership is built on equality, shared goals, and emotional openness. If you’re facing choices about a relationship or collaboration, this card signals that a strong, mutually beneficial connection is within reach.
Three of Cups
The Three of Cups in the Medieval Tarot depicts a jubilant scene of celebration. Three figures raise their chalices high, surrounded by flowers, fruit, and other symbols of abundance. Their poses are dynamic, suggesting movement and laughter, while the background features rolling hills and a castle in the distance.
This card is a call to revel in life’s joyful moments, especially those shared with friends and community. Imagine a medieval harvest festival, where villagers come together to feast and celebrate their hard work. The Three of Cups invites you to connect with others in celebration, reminding you that happiness is amplified when shared. Whether it’s a milestone, reunion, or simple gathering of loved ones, this card encourages you to pause and enjoy the bonds of friendship and camaraderie.
Four of Cups
The Four of Cups portrays a contemplative figure seated beneath a tree, gazing at three chalices before them. In the Medieval Tarot, a hand emerges from the clouds, offering a fourth cup, yet the figure seems unaware or disinterested. The setting is serene, but the figure’s expression reflects dissatisfaction or introspection.
This card represents a time of emotional withdrawal or discontent. Imagine a scholar in a medieval cloister, surrounded by wealth and knowledge yet yearning for something more profound. The Four of Cups invites you to examine your emotions and ask: Are you overlooking opportunities because you’re focused on what’s missing? It’s a reminder to shift your perspective, open your heart, and recognize the blessings and possibilities that already surround you.
Five of Cups
This card reflects grief, loss, and the struggle to move beyond emotional pain. Imagine a knight mourning the defeat of a battle, their focus solely on what was lost, unable to see the banner of victory still held high. The Five of Cups encourages you to honor your feelings of sadness but also to remember that all is not lost. It’s a reminder to turn toward the upright cups, representing resilience, hope, and the opportunities that await when you’re ready to let go of the past.
Six of Cups
The Six of Cups in the Medieval Tarot shows a tender scene of nostalgia and kindness. A child offers a cup filled with flowers to another, while an older figure watches in the background. The setting is tranquil, with a walled garden or village square evoking safety and familiarity.
This card invites you to reconnect with the joys of the past, whether through memories, old friendships, or acts of simple kindness. Imagine a medieval lord revisiting their childhood home, finding solace in the echoes of simpler times. The Six of Cups is also a reminder to approach life with the innocence and wonder of a child. While it honors the past, it encourages you to bring those lessons into the present and create a brighter future.
Seven of Cups
The Seven of Cups features a figure standing before a table or altar filled with seven chalices, each containing a different symbol—treasures, dangers, and mysteries alike. The glowing, otherworldly light surrounding the cups adds an air of enchantment and temptation.
This card reflects choice, illusion, and the allure of dreams. Imagine a medieval alchemist faced with endless experiments, each promising something extraordinary but requiring careful discernment. The Seven of Cups asks you to evaluate your options with clarity and wisdom. Are you chasing illusions, or are you pursuing something truly meaningful? It’s a reminder to look beyond surface appearances and trust your intuition when deciding where to focus your energy.
Eight of Cups
The Eight of Cups in the Medieval Tarot shows a lone figure walking away from a stack of chalices, heading toward a distant mountain or moonlit path. The scene evokes a sense of departure, solitude, and the search for deeper meaning.
This card signifies the courage to leave behind what no longer fulfills you, even if it’s comfortable or familiar. Imagine a medieval knight setting out on a pilgrimage, leaving behind the riches of court life to seek spiritual enlightenment. The Eight of Cups invites you to listen to your inner calling and trust that your journey, though uncertain, will lead to greater emotional or spiritual fulfillment.
Nine of Cups
The Nine of Cups depicts a figure seated contentedly at a banquet table, surrounded by nine golden chalices filled with abundance. In the Medieval Tarot, the setting often includes symbols of prosperity, such as fruit, coins, and fine fabrics, reflecting material and emotional satisfaction.
This card is often called the “wish card,” signifying joy, contentment, and the realization of your desires. Imagine a lord or lady celebrating the successful conclusion of a venture, toasting to their well-earned rewards. The Nine of Cups reminds you to savor your achievements and express gratitude for the blessings in your life. It’s a call to celebrate the abundance you’ve created and to trust in the fulfillment of your dreams.
Ten of Cups
The Ten of Cups is a radiant depiction of harmony and happiness. In the Medieval Tarot, a family or community gathers beneath a rainbow of chalices, surrounded by fertile fields or a thriving village. Their gestures reflect joy, connection, and gratitude.
This card represents emotional fulfillment, unity, and the ultimate expression of love. Imagine a medieval feast where every member of the village feels connected and valued, celebrating together in perfect harmony. The Ten of Cups invites you to cherish the relationships and moments that bring true joy. It’s a reminder that love and connection are the greatest treasures of all.
Page of Cups
The Page of Cups shows a youthful figure holding a chalice with an air of curiosity and wonder. In the Medieval Tarot, the chalice often contains a surprising element, such as a fish, symbolizing unexpected opportunities or messages.
This card represents the beginning of an emotional or creative journey. Imagine a medieval apprentice discovering their artistic talent or falling in love for the first time. The Page of Cups encourages you to embrace your imagination, listen to your heart, and remain open to surprises. It’s a call to explore your emotions and let your creativity flow freely.
Knight of Cups
The Knight of Cups is depicted as a romantic and noble figure riding a graceful horse, holding a chalice high as if offering it to the heavens. The landscape is dreamy, with rivers or moonlight enhancing the card’s emotional depth.
This card signifies the pursuit of love, beauty, and inspiration. Imagine a knight composing poetry for their beloved or embarking on a quest to find the legendary Holy Grail. The Knight of Cups invites you to follow your heart and pursue your dreams with passion. However, it also reminds you to stay grounded, ensuring that your idealism does not cloud your judgment.
Queen of Cups
The Queen of Cups sits serenely on a throne by the water, holding a beautifully adorned chalice. Her posture is graceful, and her gaze reflects deep emotional wisdom and compassion. The flowing water symbolizes intuition and the ever-changing nature of emotions.
This card calls you to embody emotional intelligence and nurture others with love and care. Imagine a medieval healer offering solace to those in need, using both wisdom and empathy to guide them. The Queen of Cups encourages you to trust your intuition, connect with your emotions, and lead with your heart. She reminds you that compassion is a powerful force for healing and connection.
King of Cups
The King of Cups is a figure of strength and calm, seated on a throne surrounded by water. Despite the waves around him, he remains unshaken, symbolizing emotional mastery and stability. His chalice and scepter reflect his authority over the emotional and spiritual realms.
This card invites you to lead with wisdom, compassion, and emotional balance. Imagine a medieval ruler who governs with both fairness and deep understanding, ensuring harmony in their realm. The King of Cups encourages you to approach challenges with emotional steadiness and to offer support to those who rely on your guidance. It’s a reminder that true leadership comes from the heart as well as the mind.
The medieval-inspired artistry of this deck enriches the traditional symbolism, weaving historical charm into its interpretations.
In the Medieval Tarot, the Cups bring to life the flow of feelings that shape our choices and relationships. The imagery often features elements like chalices, rivers, and serene landscapes, offering visual cues to guide the reader’s intuition. This suit encourages reflection on emotional well-being and reminds us of the importance of nurturing both ourselves and those we care about.
Each card within the Cups reflects a unique emotional journey, helping readers uncover truths about their personal lives. Whether facing moments of joy, heartbreak, or introspection, the Cups offer gentle but profound guidance. They encourage self-awareness and compassion, making them an invaluable tool for navigating life’s complexities.
The Medieval Tarot’s focus on relationships and emotions through the Cups creates a rich, immersive reading experience. It’s an ideal suit for understanding the flow of energy in love, friendships, and even spiritual connections, offering insights that resonate deeply with the human experience.
