Three of Cups At A Glance
Keywords: Friendship, social groups, bonding, community support, gossiping, isolation, excessive or very little social life
Season: Winter
Element: Water (emotions)
Three of Cups Tarot Card Description
The Three of Cups is a minor arcana card within the suit of cups in tarot. The original art work of this card in the Rider Waite Smith tarot features 3 maidens or ladies toasting each other with 3 cups raised into the air. The wreaths around them and the flowers in their hair signify that this is a celebration.
It is not known what the ladies are celebrating but based on the the abundance of nature in bloom all around them they are likely celebrating the Solstice (the return of the warmer months of the year.) The moment is made even sweeter because they are sharing in it together and enjoying the security and trust that true friendships bring.
Cups represent water and emotion within tarot meaning this card suggests an abundance of emotion. The serene scene of water and lily pads surrounding the cup show the calm serenity this card brings to our life. The number of water streams is symbolic too. In sacred numerology 5 means the elements plus the fifth element of the soul/ether and represents equilibrium.
Three of Cups Upright Meaning
When upright the 3 of Cups is asking us to celebrate the good times when we find ourselves in them. It says celebrating together with our loved ones is so much better than sequestering ourselves away. It advises that if we don’t have anyone we can celebrate meaningful occasions with then we should try to find this communion elsewhere.
Perhaps we follow the Wheel Of The Year but our family does not, we can look online and see if there is a group there who celebrates these sacred days and join in with them. Even if it’s just wishing them well from afar it can really help us feel connected.
“What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured.” - Kurt Vonnegut
Three of Cups Reversed Meaning
When this card comes to us reversed it can indicate we have been burning the candles at both ends and something has to give. As it is the 3 of Cups then it suggests the thing we should ease off a little is our social life. It shows that we may have been excessively socializing to the detriment of other areas in our life.
Or it can mean we are not being social enough and it is our loneliness that is negatively affecting our life as a whole. We should analyze where we fall on this scale and add or subtract accordingly.
“We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.” - Dorothy Day
Three of Cups: Yes or No
The Three of Cups is a yes card. But it is also advising us not to try to go through this situation alone. The yes is technically possible on our own but it would be much more attainable if we accept help from our loved ones.
If it’s reversed then the Three of Cups becomes a no card. It says this isn’t likely at this at this time. Even with all the help in the world the timing isn’t right.
Let’s Break Down the Three of Cups In Our Lives
The Three of Cups like all cards within tarot changes slightly based on the specific question we have asked. So let’s see how this card applies to some of the areas of our daily lives.
Three of Cups In Love
Seeing this card after asking a love question could reveal a platonic relationship becoming a romantic one. Or perhaps us finding love in a place we never thought to look. It can also mean meeting a potential love interest in a public setting or being introduced to them by a friend.
Reversed this card is a head’s up that a relatively new relationship may be on the verge of fizzling out. It isn’t set in stone though. We can fight for this if the other(s) involved are willing to put in the effort too. This could be a sign that puts the relationship into perspective and makes us value it more.
Three of Cups With Money
If we receive this card in answer to a financial question then the 3 of Cups is asking us to celebrate some good news with our friends and loved ones. It may not be financial news that we have received or even or own news but there is certainly a financial aspect to act of celebrating. This could be gifting a loved one money or hosting a dinner in which we pay for the catering and/or drinks. This card advises us to celebrate but remain financially responsible. There is a line of what we can and cannot afford and we should take care not to cross it.
Reversed we are being advised that soon we might not have a lot of money to spend on social visits and events. It says make sure we do not become lonely and instead explore ways we can still hang out but saving money. We could even get our loved ones in on it and make it a challenge. True friends will understand and be supportive so we shouldn’t be afraid to let others know what is going on.
Three of Cups At Work
Often receiving this card for a work or career related question means a celebration or party at the work place. A work event or other form of bonding exercise can be expected in the near future and the advice is to simply enjoy it. There will always be work drama and gossip but try to put that to one side and enjoy the event as much as possible.
Reversed this card lets us know that we unfortunately might become the victim of gossiping or other unsociable behaviors at work. Getting ahead of the situation can be really helpful. Let them know you won’t stand for it and nip that in the bud.
Three of Cups With Others
This card can signify a reunion with a long distance or long lost friend/loved one. The best part about this is that it could come completely out of the blue and the surprise makes it all the sweeter. We are asked to simply soak this time in and enjoy it whilst it lasts.
Reversed this card can mean that we might have recently or will soon lose touch with someone who was once very close to us. All hope is not lost though, if we feel we are drifting apart from a friend or loved it is never too late to pick up the phone and rekindle the connection.
Three of Cups With Self
When we have asked a question about our internal selves and we receive this card it could be advising us to be more supportive of ourselves and how we think internally. We are often very cruel to ourselves in a way that we would never dream of treating others. We wouldn’t hold them to an impossible standard so why treat ourselves like this. When these negative thoughts creep in we can try talking to ourselves in the same kind way we would speak to a friend if they were in this situation.
Reversed the Three of Cups mean we could stand to be a touch more supportive to our friends and loved ones. Life gets busy sometimes and other areas of our lives can slip from our priorities from time to time. But if this has been lasting a while then it might be time to shake things up so that our loved ones are given a little more love.
Three of Cups As Feelings
This card feels like being supported completely by our community and social circle. There is an overwhelming feeling of gratitude when we see those who are there for us banding together when we need them.
