Eight of Cups

The number 8 in the tarot symbolizes movement. Cups represent the element of water and shows “an inner experiences that flows rather than defines, that opens rather than restricts” (Pollack, 2019, p. 185). The Cups bring to mind the words love, imagination, peace, and harmony with life. Water may also represents formlessness. Unlike the element of fire which symbolizes what we do, “water stands for who we are” (Pollack, 2019, p. 185).

In this card, a person is walking away, wearing a red cloak and shoes, climbing to the Hermit’s green mountain, a promise of growth. The moon moves across the fiery sun forming an eclipse and representing the movement inward toward awareness. A river resides in the background, symbolizing the true self that remains constant despite outer change. This person walks away from 8 cups seeking a different path. Is this person embarking on a transformation toward a more integrated state? Is this person ready to leave behind something that is no longer serving them? Similar to the Hermit, this card is an invitation to move energy inward and journey into the unknown world of the unconscious. This movement inward is an action step toward developing a deeper sense of self.

Perhaps this card is an invitation to explore what needs to be left behind in order to move closer to my true self? What thoughts or behavior are no longer serving me truest self? What coping strategies do I have or need to develop in order to begin this journey inward?