Eight of Cups in Tarot by Avia from Tarot Teachings

About Eight of Cups
Meaning in Tarot

The ruling element of water no longer flows, and this is noteworthy in a symbolic sense. Indeed, we look into the card and see the water is becoming increasingly shallow, even drying up when meeting the goblets at the forefront of the scene. The eight of cups in Tarot asks us to consider the flow of water. We are called to go in the past of least resistance…and that means sometimes turning away from what we think we want the most.

Our figurehead recognizes the lessening of emotional flow, and begins to move away from what appears to be scarcity.

The figure is a pilgrim, seeking new heights of spiritual/emotional greatness. His cup once overflowed with understanding, but now it is time to evolve and progress further on his pilgrimage.

Some Keywords for the Eight of Cups Tarot Card Meaning:

Phases
Growth
Maturity
Progress
Isolation
Evolution
Surrender
Pilgrimage
Withdrawal
Completion
Contemplation

The phases of the moon in the eight of cups give a confirmation of the progress we make in phases of our lives. As we satisfy areas of our lives with timeless understandings required to be at peace – it’s time to move on to the next chapter, and fulfill our destiny to move onward in a natural evolution.

eight of cups in Tarot — Eight of cups in Tarot

When we pull this card in a reading it is important to focus on the accomplishments we have made. This card indicates we’ve reached an achievement of sorts (symbolic of all eight cups proudly erect in their fullness) – it’s simply time to embark on another journey into fulfillment.

Furthermore, as we move into new adventures, we turn our psychic focus on the elegance of each step we take into ever higher atmospheres of awareness. When we take our spiritual eyes off the path (focusing on the future, or overly goal-oriented) we inevitably waiver.

This concept is emphasized by the rocks and mountains we see in the card. Challenges are certainly a potential in our pilgrimage, but with properly aligned focus, our path can be a fluid, organic pleasure.

Lastly, the concept of surrender is relevant in the eight of cups Tarot card meaning. Chances are if you are a Tarot practitioner, you’re usually evolving in your progress. However, the lure of comfortable places can be enticing.

This card reminds us to always be aware of our inner and outer landscapes – to not be too comfortable with our lot – when the signs come – accept the challenge to progress. As Einstein says: “Nothing happens until something moves.” That would be us moving up the rungs of enlightenment.

Some Symbol Meanings in the Eight of Cups:

Moon: The moon symbol meanings deal with cycles, time, psychic power, reflection, and emerging from one phase into another. Consider the power of the moon – able to influence oceans, and affect the realm of nature in strong subtle ways. Also a symbol of femininity, the moon is a sign of the softer, intuitive side of all of us. When the moon lights up on our readings, it is prompting to consider our level of awareness. The moon asks us if we listening to our intuition and what are we allowing to influence our direction in life. More about moon meanings here.

Mountains: Seen on many of the cards, mountain symbol meanings deal with triumph, challenge, attainment, and realization. Mountains also represent timelessness and an endurance that is infinite. When those mountains peak out of the cards into our attention, we may consider the vastness of our universe, and contemplate our place within it. We may also want to consider the heights to which we are climbing, and what the realization of our goals may mean for us and those around us.

Some Questions the Eight of Cups Asks Us:

Has my emotional well run dry? If so, what can I do about it?
Rather than focus on the pain of surrendering, what would happen if I focus on the pleasure of moving to a new (higher) direction?
Do I have the faith, focus, and patience to gently allow my path to unfold before me?
Is this the right time to make a transition? Am I properly geared for the journey?
Can I move out of desolation while I’m still clinging to the pain of the past?
Better yet, how can I release the past to facilitate my growth?