TarotCraft Lesson 203.08: The 8 of Cups

The 8 of Cups Tarot card from the Universal Waite Tarot deck.

When reversed, the 8 of CUps suggests a former lover may return to ask for a second chance, or you may be the one doing the asking. A new beginning is possible now.

​Image Description

A figure carrying a walking stick wears a red coat, green pants, and brown boots. A lunar eclipse hovers above them in the night sky. Cups are stacked five on the bottom and three on top, with a gap where a ninth cup could sit. Through this gap, we see the figure walking away with their back to the Cups. They make their way along the side of a river winding between two mountains in the distance. 
 
Yes/No upright: No
Yes/No reversed: Yes
 
Amplified by: The Moon
Amplifier for: The Moon
 
Zodiac/Element: Saturn in Pisces
Dates: 19 February to 28 February
 
Traditional Name: Abandoned Success
Traditional Meaning: The card speaks for itself on the surface, but other readings are entirely antithetical--giving joy, mildness, timidity, honour, modesty. In practice, it is usually found that the card shews the decline of a matter, or that a matter which has been thought to be important is really of slight consequence--either for good or evil. Reversed: Great joy, happiness, feasting.  
 
TarotCraft Upright Meaning

Eclipses mark turning points. They bring a rush of energy that propels us off the fence and toward the future. The eclipse shown in the 8 of Cups is your sign to get moving.

Things may now be declining, with further success unachievable. The final goal may be out of reach. It’s time to find a new application for your endeavours to date or simply walk away and start afresh. 

In love, it is likely that what you were hoping for won’t pan out or what has been won’t continue. Let it go.
 
TarotCraft Reversed Meaning

A new path forward can be found if you release attachment to having things a particular way. Nothing good will come of holding on; all good is possible if you let go.

A former lover may return to ask for a second chance, or you may be the one doing the asking. A new beginning is possible now.
 
TarotCraft Gift, Invitation, and Challenge

Invitation 
 
The Invitation of the 8 of Cups is to retreat and embrace stillness through contemplation and meditation. Take a step back from your occupations and allow clarity regarding your next steps to arise. 
 
Gift 
 
The Gift of the 8 of Cups is the space for new perspectives and fresh ideas to open up through changing habits and routines. 
 
Challenge 
 
The Challenge of the 8 of Cups is the discernment to know if it is time for a new direction or if you should persevere despite over-familiarity and some degree of monotony. There is value in stability and known quantities. 
 
Go forward to Lesson 203.09 The 9 of Cups
 
Go back to Lesson 207.07 The 7 of Cups