TarotCraft Lesson 203.03: The 3 of Cups

The 3 of Cups Tarot card from the Universal Waite Tarot deck.

The 3 of Wands represents friendship, celebration and reunions, all situations in which people come together to rejoice in one another’s company.  It can also represent a pregnancy if it appears with an Ace card or the Empress.  In relationship readings, it can represent a unique relationship structure such as polyamory or a triad.

Image Description

Three figures with long curly hair decorated with flowers dance together under a bright blue sky. Wildflowers are around their feet. Each upraises a gold Cup. One figure wears a white robe, the second a red robe and the third a yellow tunic over a white robe.

Yes/No upright: Yes
Yes/No reversed: No
 
Amplified by: The Queen of Cups, The Empress
Amplifier for: The Queen of Cups, The Empress
 
Zodiac/Element: Mercury in Cancer
Dates: 2 July to 11 July
 
Traditional name: Abundance
Traditional meaning: Upright: The conclusion of any matter in plenty, perfection and merriment; happy issue, victory, fulfilment, solace, healing; Reversed: Expedition, dispatch, achievement, end. It signifies also the side of excess in physical enjoyment, and the pleasures of the senses.
 
TarotCraft Upright Meaning

This card represents friendship, celebration and reunions, all situations in which people come together to rejoice in one another’s company.  It can also represent a pregnancy if it appears with an Ace card or the Empress.  In relationship readings, it can represent a unique relationship structure such as polyamory or a triad.
 
TarotCraft Reversed Meaning
When reversed in general, it can represent overindulgence, the beginning of addictive or harmful behaviours and a fear of being alone with one’s thoughts. In a love reading, it can represent affairs or someone destructive to a relationship.
 
TarotCraft Gift, Invitation, and Challenge

Gift 
 
The Gift of the 3 of Cups is the capacity to extend warmth and friendship to others by inviting them into your life. Reach out to someone you’d like to get to know better and offer them the gift of friendship. 
 
Invitation 
 
The 3 of Cups invites you to reach out and connect with friends and loved ones, especially if you have been in hermit mode or feeling isolated.  
 
Challenge 
 
The Challenge of the 3 of Cups is honest self-assessment about where you overindulge and the effect it has on your life and the lives of others. You may think that your bad habits don’t affect anyone else. At a minimum, chances are they limit your availability to others, the authenticity of your connection, and how fully you can live your life.  
 
Go forward to Lesson 203.04 The 4 of Cups
 
Go back to Lesson 203.02 The 2 of Cups
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