Ace of Cups
Ace of Cups marks the beginning of the suit of cups. This card asks us to embrace the deepness of ourselves, that which we rely on but rarely remember to honor and grow. It represents our universal self, the “I” that is part of everything. The Ace marks a beginning of a journey of the spirit. This is a time to grow emotionally, spiritually, or even in love. Have you decided to confront a deep-rooted fear or belief about yourself? Is it time to study philosophy, re-read your favorite spiritual text, or begin a journal? Will you choose to fall head over heels for life… for love?
When the Ace of Cups reveals itself, we must look inward, and let it guide us to the answers we seek. Although these truths may not always be easy to hear, this card tells us it is time and we are ready to receive. Trust your ability to stand in your own shadow. Release your fear of shedding light on the dark unknown. Embrace your deepest desires and honor the song of your heart. Read, meditate, journal, do anything to follow the stirrings within. The Ace of Cups is ready to guide you in an act of divine self-creation.
Ace of Cups Reversed
A reversed pull of the Ace of Cups is a sign that we need to focus on ourselves but we’re finding it difficult to do so. We may forget to make time during the day to implement a new spiritual practice or mediation, remembering our intention after we are already in bed for the night. Perhaps we’re scared to reach too deep into our emotional work, afraid of the pain it may cause. The Ace of Cups, presented in reverse, is showing you that the barrier you are facing is one one of your own making. It will be up to you to tear it down, brick-by-brick if you have to.
Affirmation
“I am open and receptive to the creativity, emotion, and abundant of love that life has to offer. I embrace spiritual growth through exploring the depth and richness of my own heart.”
Ace of Cups Zodiac Sign
The zodiac signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are associated with the Ace of Cups tarot card.
Ace of Cups Love
The Ace of Cups calls on us to trust our heart, open up to the infinite possibilities of love, and to let go of our fears and doubts as we embark on a new emotional journey. This card speaks to the power of intuition, empathy, and emotional intelligence in all matters of the heart. It reminds us that the most fulfilling relationships are built on a foundation of emotional resonance, deep empathy, and spiritual harmony. The Ace of cups asks us is a reminder that when we connect with another person on a deep emotional level, we also tap into the infinite potential of the universe and open ourselves up to the many blessings of a loving partnership.
Ace of Cups Yes or No
In a Yes or No reading, the Ace of Cups can generally be interpreted as a YES.
Minor Arcana Symbolism
| Tarot Card Name | Ace of Cups |
| Card Number Energy | Genesis |
| Numerological Meaning | Pure energy without form, the seed, the spark, potential, beginning, initiative, momentum, opportunity, becoming, the essence of the suit of cups |
| Classical Element | Water |
| Traditional Upright Meaning | Emotional awakening, intuition, new feelings, inspired creativity, joy, connection to the divine, new relationships, opportunity, compassion, fertility, a fresh start, fulfillment, spirituality, divine flow, love, time to release emotional baggage and start anew, following your heart |
| Traditional Reversed Meaning | Emotional loss, coldness, emptiness, infertility, rejection, blocked creativity, feeling unloved, gloominess, a closed heart, anguish, end of a relationship, repressed emotions, unrequited love |
| Duality | Receptive |
| Jungian Personality Type | Feeling |
| Chakra | Sacral, Third Eye, Soul Star, Earth Star |
| Astrological Correspondence | Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces |
| 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, Labradorite, Lapis Lazuli, Blue Calcite, Blue Flash Moonstone, Sodalite, Blue Sapphire, Celestite, Azurite, Kyanite, Iolite, Dumortierite, Ceylon Sapphire, Tanzanite, Gray Moonstone, Tahitian Pearl, White Labradorite, Rhodolite, Magenta Agate, Rubellite, Magenta Bixbite, Ammolite, Rainbow Moonstone, Abalone, Opal, Herkimer Diamond, Aura Quartz, Opalite, Mother of Pearl |
Ace of Cups As Feelings
The Ace of Cups represents a deep well of emotion, a sense of profound joy and love that radiates from within. This energy is pure and unadulterated, a reflection of the purest form of love and compassion that one can experience. The Ace of Cups signals the start of a new emotional journey, one that is rooted in a deep sense of love and connectedness to the world around us. This card encourages us to embrace our emotions fully, to allow ourselves to experience the full spectrum of what it means to be human.
Ace of Cups As A Person
This card represents someone who is deeply connected to their emotions and possesses an innate ability to connect with others. Their highly intuitive nature allows them to navigate the complexities of their emotional landscape with ease, while their deep well of empathy allows them to hold space for those around them to express their emotions freely. The Ace of Cups is a healer at heart, able to bring emotional and spiritual depth to those around them, and is often a source of comfort and guidance for those in need.
Ace of Cups Meaning
The Ace of Cups represents Fertility, productiveness, development, multiplication; happiness, pleasure, gratification, fruition of desires; cheerfulness, geniality, gaiety. The general meaning of the card directly corresponds to the time-period it governs. During this time of year, all the fruits of the ground come to ripeness and perfection. This, also, is a time of vacation when outdoor weather is the most favorable to pleasure.
Time period
Astrologically, the Ace of Cups governs the time-period from Cancer 0 to the last degree of
Virgo, June 21st to September 22.
Imagery
Within the Cup is a radiant crown, from which ten rays descend. The Ace of Cups represents the power of the Qabalistic Kether, or Crown, in the creative world. It is the will to intentionally manifest. The Rose-Cross on this card reminds us of the essential Rosicrucian doctrine: “Let your heart’s desire be unified with the basic pattern of creation.” This idea is symbolized by a rose (representing desire) fastened to the center of a cross ( representing the fundamental pattern of cosmic manifestation).
Keyword
Desire-Force
Modern Translation of The Oracle of the Tarot by Paul Foster Case (1933)
The Minor Arcana: Ace of Cups
Upright: Table, meal, feast, gala, and invitation for the same. Hotel, restaurant, etc. Picture, painting, image, description. Production, fertility, abundance. Stability, fixity, constancy, etc.
Reversed: Mutation, change, transmutation, inconstancy, etc. Buying and selling. Metamorphosis, reversal, revolution, translation, interpretation.
Theory
The Cups represent the element of Water and are Jovian, and lunar, by nature. They begin their cycle within the Ninth house, the house of Sagittarius. This house is ruled by Jupiter, the lawgiver. The element Water has its two polar effects in the soul, however, the house of Sagittarius does not bring much evil to the soul and is generally uplifting, inviting. It pushes towards progress and development, journeying and the hospitable reception of strangers.
There is little or no stability in the ninth house. In fact, there is generally a good deal of ‘mutation’. This house also governs the magical power of true transmutation. We also find a tendency to teach, to translate, guide, interpret. It may, too, lead to extravagance as regards dissipation or at least spending. There is sanction or even holiness in it, inspiration, idealism. The latter, of course, may lead to more or less well-directed actions.
Conclusion
Sanction, permission, inspiration, idealism, enthusiasm, blessing. May denote a leader, teacher, guide or any influence of this nature. Legislation, direction, instruction; hospitality and sympathetic reception. Driving, hunting, travelling; planning for the future. Invitation, convocation, appeal. Mutation and transmutation. Translation and interpretation.
Modern Translation of the General Book of the Tarot by A.E. Thierens (1930)
Ace of Cups Tarot
Upright: House of the true heart, joy, content, abode, nourishment, abundance, fertility; Holy Table, felicity hereof.
Reversed: House of the false heart, mutation, instability, revolution.
The Pictorial Key to the Tarot by A.E. Waite (1910)
Ace of Cups Card Imagery
The waters beneath are covered with water-lilies. A hand emerges from the cloud. On its palm rests a cup, from which four streams overflow. A dove descends to place a host, cross-marked wafer, into the Cup. Misting water falls on all sides of the cup.
-Modern Translation of The Pictorial Key to the Tarot by A.E. Waite (1910)
The Root of the Powers of Water
A white radiant angelic hand, can be seen emerging from the clouds. It’s palm, resembling that of a divine Egyptian priest, is supporting a single cup. From this chalice rises a fountain of clear and glistening water, sprays cascading down the sides into clear calm water below. This is the place where Lotuses and Water-lilies grow. The great Letter of the Supernal Mother is traced in the spray of the Fountain.
Symbolism: fertility, productiveness, beauty, pleasure, happiness, etc.
Modern Translation of The Tarot of the Golden Dawn: Book “T” by MacGregor Mathers and Harriet Felkin
The Ace of Cups Card
The Meaning of The Ace 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 Ace of Cups
The Ace of Cups has taken many names throughout history such as Ace of Chalices, Ace of Goblets, Ace of Vases, Ace of Vessels, Ace of Bowls, Ace of Containers, Ace of Hearts, and Ace of Waters
| Tarot de Marseille (1650) | Ace of Cups |
| Etteilla (1783) | Table / Changement |
| Golden Dawn (1888) | The Root of the Powers of Water |
| Papus (1892) | Ace of Cups |
| Rider-Waite (1910) | Ace of Cups |
| Thoth (1943) | Ace of Cups |
Significations of The Ace of Cups
- Commencement of a love affair.
-Tarot of The Bohemians by Papus (1892)
Ace of Cups Symbolism
Upright: Feasting, Banquet, Good Cheer
Reversed: Change, Novelty, Metamorphosis, Inconstancy
-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.
Pre-Raphaelite Tarot
The vivid colors and medieval imagery of the Pre-Raphaelite movement makes for a tarot deck that is rich with a sense of mystery and romance. Luigi Costa has created a work of unsurpassed beauty and deep spiritual power. This deck, based on the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith cards, is at once cryptic and insightful, the perfect combination of qualities for readers and collectors alike.
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.
