How to Read Tarot Cards of the Minor Arcana - Cups

Much has been said and written about the Major Arcana, but when it comes to the Minor Arcana more often than not literature refuses to become as detailed in teaching novices how to read tarot cards as heretofore it was effusively meticulous in specifying each and every imaginable facet of the other cards. Learning how to read tarot cards of the Minor Arcana does not have to be difficult and perhaps the most impactful one are the cups. Read alone or in tandem with other cards, the cups very rarely take a backset to the meaning of the Major Arcana and as such it is only the three of cups that may be considered as taking on a secondary role to one of the other cards.

The suit of cups starts off with the ace of cups which heavily connected with inner peace and also a positive energy that is influencing life. The two of cups is the personification of the lovers in the Minor Arcana and as such it symbolizes the power that two in a love relationship always exert. The three of cups may point toward friendship and harmony outside of a one on one love relationship while the four showcases solitude and introspection; the five immediately following takes this a step further and speaks of the negative aspects of such reflection.

The six of cups stands for naïveté whereas the seven warns of an educated and well considered choice that must be made which may be removed from material realms and may be entirely spiritual or emotional. When the eight of cups shows itself, it becomes obvious that a choice made either failed or will fail to offer the rewards it alleged. This may be due to a less than wise choice. Conversely, the nine of cups shows an immense sense of satisfaction at the choice or choices made. The ten stands for happiness that comes from within, not without.

Of the cards which need to be understood in conjunction with those of the Major Arcana, the three of cups may be interpreted as symbolizing a birth when it appears with the empress. In addition, when learning how to read tarot cards it is crucial to realize that even the positive and highly coveted ten of cups may have a double meaning when it presents itself upside down: in that case it points to happiness running out and heartaches, dissension and in some cases even violence may be crouching at the door.

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