Two of Cups
The Two of Cups is a card that represents connection, partnership, and harmony. It is often a symbol of the union between two hearts and the divine connection between souls. It holds the energy of mutual love and trust, a deep emotional connection that is both tender and profound. The cups symbolize a balance of giving and receiving, as well as an exchange of emotions and feelings.
The second card in the suit of cups also represents the balance of dual energies, a perfect harmony of yin and yang. When this card appears, it is a reminder that we are not alone. The universe will bring us to the right people and experiences at the perfect time. This card represents the ultimate union of two beings, a reflection of the divine and the ultimate realization of our soul’s yearning for oneness.
This card often appears in readings related to relationships, friendships, or business partnerships, indicating a kindredness between two people. It suggests that the union between two people is not only about the individuals but also about what they create together. This is a card of creative partnership, where two people come together to create something unique and meaningful. It is a reminder that the bond between two people should be nurtured and cherished to keep it strong.
Two of Cups Reversed
When the Two of Cups appears reversed, it speaks of a disruption in the harmonious flow between two individuals and can signify a breakdown in communication or a general lack of trust. It serves as a reminder that powerful bonds are created through mutual respect and understanding. The reversal of this card may also suggest that there is a lack of balance in the relationship, or that one person is giving more than they are receiving. It asks us to examine whether or not we are contributing to the disharmony in our relationships. This card is a reminder that it takes two people to create a loving and fulfilling partnership.
Affirmation
“I am open to deep and meaningful connections with others and am dedicated to creating balanced and fulfilling relationships.”
2 of Cups Zodiac Sign
The zodiac sign of Cancer is associated with the Two of Cups tarot card.
Two of Cups Love
The Two of Cups symbolizes the profound and transformative power of love. It represents a soulful and deep connection that transcends time and space. This card is often an omen of a new romantic partnership or the strengthening of an existing one. It celebrates a union that is based on mutual love, respect, and understanding. It honors open communication and encourages couples to find a balance between giving and receiving. When the Two of Cups appears, it is an affirmation that we are worthy of receiving the love that we desire and that the universe will bring us the perfect partner at the perfect time.
Two of Cups Yes or No
In a Yes or No reading, the Two of Cups can generally be interpreted as a Yes.
Minor Arcana Symbolism
| Tarot Card Name | Two of Cups |
| Card Number Energy | Antithesis |
| Numerological Meaning | Duality, balance, a settling of the energy, union, division, cause and effect, decision, cooperation, tension, complement, harmony, equilibrium, love, partnerships, opposites, connection, togetherness, polarity |
| Classical Element | Water |
| Traditional Upright Meaning | Connected hearts, mutual attraction, happiness, a relationship that is strengthening, harmony, emotional balance, love flowing freely, joyful connection, unified love, togetherness, compatibility, business partnerships or mergers, unity, kindred spirits, joining forces, equality, love, foster, mutual respect, partnership |
| Traditional Reversed Meaning | Separation, unrequited love, division, love withdrawn, arguments, business deals falling apart, distrust, rejection, imbalance, inequality, incompatibility, the end of a relationship, bad communication, strained relations, lacking self-love, withdrawal, arguments, falling out of love, abuse, rejection, break-ups, disharmony |
| Duality | Receptive |
| Jungian Personality Type | Feeling |
| Chakra | Sacral, Heart |
| Astrological Correspondence | Venus in Cancer |
| Crystals and Stones | Citrine, Brown Tourmaline, Orange Calcite, Amber, Boulder Opal, Orange Tiger’s Eye, Tangerine Quartz, Cognac Diamond, Orange Tourmaline, Chocolate Opal, Coral, Hyacinth, Petrified Wood, Orange Selenite, Smoky Quartz, Peach Moonstone, Emerald, Olivine, Moldavite, Fluorite, Peridot, Aventurine, Morganite, Zoisite, Bloodstone, Rose Quartz, Chrysolite, Pink Calcite, Jade, Prehnite, Pink Spinel, Malachite, Unakite, Rhodonite |
2 of Cups As Feelings
The Two of Cups card often represents a deep emotional bond between two people. This card is a reminder that we are all connected at the soul level, and that love is the most powerful force in the universe. This card reflects a feeling of comfort and understanding that comes from being in a relationship based on mutual love and respect. It signifies a deep level of emotional fulfillment and the joy that comes from sharing our lives with someone we deeply care about. It reminds us to build meaningful relationships with those who fill our cup.
Tarot Through the Ages
Tarot was originally invented as a card game in the mid 15th century. French occultist Jean-Baptiste Alliette, also known as “Etteilla”, was the first to assign divinatory meanings to the cards in the late 1700s. Many others have followed in his footsteps, bringing their own unique interpretation of the cards. In our exploration of the Tarot, we weave together contemporary insights with the timeless wisdom of the past. This blending of past and present perspectives offers a more holistic view, allowing us to connect with the evolving narrative and lineage of wisdom that has shaped our understanding of each card over time. Let’s dive into some of these historical interpretations…
Two of Cups Meaning
Well-dignified
Reciprocity, reflection; gain and benefit through parents; favors from opposite sex; changes of residence
Ill-dignified
Reverses and losses through parents or the opposite sex; unfortunate changes of residence; fluctuations of mood; unwise decisions.
Time period
Astrologically, the Two of Cups governs the first decanate of Cancer, from June 21st to 30th. This card is ruled by the Moon.
Imagery
In the vesica the Eye of Horus sits atop a sharp-pointed upright triangle. Both the eye and triangle are masculine emblems, corresponding to the Qabalistic notions of wisdom (the all-seeing eye) and masculine force associated with the number 2, which is called AB the FATHER in Qabalah. Two concentric circles are behind the cups, suggesting harmony.
Keyword
Response to environment.
Modern Translation of The Oracle of the Tarot by Paul Foster Case (1933)
The Minor Arcana: Two of Cups
Card Definition
Upright: Love, attraction, harmony, compassion, rapport, agreement, camaraderie, the relationship between the sexes
Reversed: Lust, greed, envy, aspiration, yearning. The card may also represent, as A.E. Waite states, “that desire which transcends nature and elevates it.”
Theory
The house of Capricorn governs the realm of action, manifestation, and deeds. The Two of Cups symbolizes nourishment and the nurturing of one’s vocation, calling, or life’s purpose. Two souls find each other within the meeting of their physical forms. It’s a union of souls, culminating in a physical attraction. The traditional interpretation is therefore largely correct: the manifestation of idealism, as indicated by the Ace, shared by two souls.
This card is not about the sexual aspect as a negative, but as a positive in everyday life. The two cups can also symbolize any kind of friendly interaction and mutual understanding. In matters of love, this concept is to be understood as the act of courtship or wooing someone romantically, rather than simply being in a romantic relationship.
Conclusion
Courtship, passion, lovemaking, friendship, attraction, harmony, positive actions, friendly and welcoming meeting or reception, relationship between the sexes, and desire. In a weaker aspect: lust, greed, ‘cupboard’ love (shallow love).
Modern Translation of the General Book of the Tarot by A.E. Thierens (1930)
Two of Cups Tarot
Upright: Love, passion, friendship, affinity, union, agreement, sympathy, the relationship between the sexes. As an idea separate from all divination practices, this card represents a desire which is not in Nature, but by which Nature is sanctified. (This refers to a type of desire that goes beyond what is naturally occurring and instead transforms or elevates the natural world. In other words, this desire is seen as a means to sanctify or make sacred the natural world.)
Reversed: No reverse meaning is referenced within this text
The Pictorial Key to the Tarot by A.E. Waite (1910)
Two of Cups Card Imagery
A young man and woman are making a commitment to each other. Above their goblets, the Caduceus of Hermes rises, the head of a lion appearing between its large wings. This is a variation of a symbol found in some old versions of this card.
-Modern Translation of The Pictorial Key to the Tarot by A.E. Waite (1910)
The Lord of Love
A white radiant hand, on the bottom part of the card, can be seen emerging from a cloud and holding lotus flowers. A lotus flower rises above the hand and also the water which fills the lower part of the card. From this flower rises a stem, terminating near the top of the card in another lotus, from which sparkling white water flows like a fountain.
Two dolphins, silver and gold, cross the stem just below the top lotus. The water falls onto these dolphins, from which it again pours in full streams, like jets of
gold and silver, into two cups below. These two cups overflow, flooding the bottom of the card. Venus and Cancer are above and below.
Symbolism: Harmony of masculine and feminine united. Harmony, joy, wit. If ill-dignified: foolishness, extravagance, waste, and silly actions.
Chokmah of HB:H (Marriage, love, pleasure).
Therein rule the Angels HB:AVa’aAL and HB:ChBVYH.
Modern Translation of The Tarot of the Golden Dawn: Book “T” by MacGregor Mathers and Harriet Felkin
2 of Cups
The Meaning of The Two of Cups Card Throughout History
The Tarot deck is a beautiful synthesis of esoteric thought and archetypal imagery. The journey of the deck, shaped by the events and values of each era, has continued to evolve and take on new significance as it adapts to a larger cultural story. Often a tarot card will have a variety of names and meanings. Exploring the historical interpretations of each card will create a deeper understanding of this powerful method for divination and self-discovery.
Various Names For The Two of Cups
The Two of Cups has taken many names throughout history such as Two of Chalices, Two of Goblets, Two of Vases, Two of Vessels, Two of Bowls, Two of Containers, Two of Hearts, and Two of Waters
| Tarot de Marseille (1650) | Two of Cups |
| Golden Dawn (1888) | The Lord of Love |
| Papus (1892) | Two of Cups |
| Rider-Waite (1910) | Two of Cups |
| Thoth (1943) | Two of Cups |
Significations of The Two of Cups
- Opposition to the commencement of love. Unimportant obstacles raised by one of the lovers.
-Tarot of The Bohemians by Papus (1892)
Two of Cups Symbolism
Upright: Love, Attachment, Friendship, Sincerity, Affection.
Reversed: Crossed desires, Obstacles, Opposition, Hindrance.
-The Tarot by S.L. MacGregor Mathers (1888)
Bring the Wisdom of the Tarot Into Your Life
We have put together a collection of some of our favorite Tarot items. The deep symbolism of the Tarot can be used to access a wellspring of inner wisdom and guidance. This method of divination is also an incredible tool for accessing your own powerful intuition.
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Support Independent Bookstores With These Tarot Selections
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The Pictorial Key to the Tarot
This guide by Arthur Edward Waite, the designer of the most widely known Tarot deck and distinguished scholar of the Kabbalah, is the essential Tarot reference. The pictorial key contains a detailed description of each card in the celebrated 78-card Rider-Waite Tarot deck, along with regular and reversed meanings. Contents describe symbols and secret tradition, ancient Celtic methods of divination, and wonderful illustrations of each Tarot card. This book is the perfect complement to old-style fortune telling and also serves to make the Tarot entirely accessible to modern-day readers. The Pictorial Key to the Tarot is the classic guide to the Rider-Waite deck and to Tarot symbolism in general.
Golden Art Nouveau Tarot
The gold-foil details of this outstanding deck perfectly complement the elegant designs and gracefully curved lines of the classic art nouveau style. Artist Giulia F. Massaglia captures the essence of the RWS symbolism and makes it truly sacred with her immaculate illustrations. Whether you’re reading for yourself, for friends, or for clients, the Golden Art Nouveau Tarot provides all the insights and wisdom of a traditional tarot with the addition of a stunning visual presentation. These cards add a glorious touch of sparkle and shine to your tarot practice.
Harmonious Tarot
The mythical world of Lady Victoria Westwood will enchant you with it’s charming feel of a hand-painted tea cup or maidens fanning a goddess. The borders of the Harmonious Tarot show typical Victorian decorative flowers, and the backs are intense, mirrored mazes like rugs or wall hangings that are ideal as focal points for meditation and pathworking. It’s subtlety and whimsy makes this deck ideal to bring forth new insights and realizations. Like the Victorians, it’s depth is often more than is apparent on the surface.
How will you Harness The Transformative Power of The Tarot?
We invite you to walk into a cosmic narrative in which we are all a unique element in each other’s story. Humanity has long used sacred tools for awakening the soul and illuminating our path toward enlightenment. The Tarot is simply an instrument. These cards amplify your inner wisdom and empower your highest truth.
What aspects of The Tarot can serve you as you walk through your own Mystic Doorway?
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What you have read is only the beginning…
Mystic Doorway is always gaining new insight into the rich symbolism of Tarot. We are looking forward to sharing with you as we continue to expand our knowledge of this divinatory tool. Check back with us soon to see what we’ve added to our Library.
