Ah, the Nine of Cups what a sight for sore eyes!

I absolutely love this card. I’ve shown the Rider Waite version because it’s more widely recognised but  it’s the image in the Mythic Tarot deck that I fell in love with so I’ve added that too.
Astrological Reference: Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio
Element: Water

The Mythic Tarot deck sums up the Nine of Cups with a very fitting story. The scene shows the reunion on Psyche and Eros seen entwining and raising  their cups to one another as if toasting a special and tender moment.

Eros and Psyche’s love has endured many trials and tribulations as they’ve journeyed through the mythological stories depicted in the Mythic Tarot deck. They have faced adversity and disapproval but have somehow managed to overcome many challenges and now see each other in true light.

Having seen the best and the worst of each other they have formed a union based on honesty and respect. The strength of their love has even proven powerful enough to win over those who disapproved. The presence of Aphrodite standing beside them and toasting shows that Psyche and Eros now have her blessing.

also, the neatly stacked cups in the foreground almost seem to represent the rewards for their efforts, trophies for their achievements and the foundations upon which this new found contentment is based.

I feel as though the Nine of Cups is offering emotional fulfillment and pleasure. To me this card is a wish card and the  scene is one of joy.

The same essence of contentment and satisfaction are clearly illustrated in the Rider Waite deck too. Here we see what looks to be a health, possibly wealthy and smiling man sitting proudly amongst his ‘trophies’. No cup’s upturned, instead they are orderly and well placed.

The symbolism in Tarot decks is universal and with the Nine of Cups the key point that resonates throughout many decks is fulfillment whether it be within a relationship or any other area in life.

The Nine of Cups is there to remind us, that dreams CAN come true!

I was going to randomly choose a card to study but decided at the last minute that there was no place better to start than the beginning… And so we have the Fool.

Card Number: 0

Astrological Reference: Air

Numerical Value: 3

The image that depicts The Fool card is that of a young man carrying a stick and pouch walking precariously and almost blindly near the edge of a cliff holding a rose with a small dog following beside him.

The first thing that springs to mind is the risky nature of the card, the fact that the man is so close to danger and yet seemingly oblivious to the fact could at first glance appear to offer a warning of some sort. All the Major Arcana cards contain both positive and negative aspect so it’s possible that this could be the case. In a reading if surrounding cards also suggest this and/or it’s negatively aspected (reversed) then The Fool may well suggest the need for precaution.

When I look at the Fool himself I want to shout to him to open his eyes and look where he is going. I recall times in my own life when I may have taken risks without making myself aware of all the facts. Rushing into things with blind enthusiasm seemed like fun at the time but in retrospect, a little caution could have saved later regrets.

Yet when I explore the card more and I notice the sun shining in the sky, and the fact that he’s  carrying a stick and pouch  provokes a sense of adventure and optimism. Past enthusiasm may have been marred by blindness, lack of research or taking unnecessary risks but it’s that very same enthusiasm that creates change and and invites opportunity. Therefore, when I see The Fool in a reading I feel that it is encouraging the seeker to embrace an almost childlike spirit, take a chance and jump into the unknown.

To me, the rose the Fool is carrying symbolises the room for growth and potential, whereas the dog reminds me that we’re not alone.

Bearing in mind that The Fool is the first card of the deck (card number 0), this would suggest beginnings, the point where it all starts. On the whole the Fool offers promise of new growth and positive change which can only come about if a leap of faith is taken. Unless surrounding cards suggest otherwise, The Fool is a great card to see when contemplating big changes, decisions and offers.

And so the journey begins…

• Completion
• Success/Achievement
• Joy/Happiness

The World card is a symbol of completion, all our ambitions manifest and we taste the sweetness of success. A cycle has ended with joy and high spirits, everything has come together as planned and we can enjoy the good times. The end of one cycle leads to the beginning of another and so The World can bring about big positive changes .

This card can also indicate overseas connections or travel.

• Big Decisions
• Realisation
• Change

The Judgement card represents a time when we must assess the whole picture and take everything into consideration so we can make a well thought out and clear decision. We mustn’t be biased or subjective, instead we have to make a judgement using rationale and clear logical thinking.

The Judgement card brings promise and changes for the better but the catalyst for change is realisation and big decision making. Without making this decision we cannot progress.

• Optimism
• Joy
• Clarity

The Sun is an extremely positive card to see in a spread. It reflects a time of happiness and optimism, there’s a sense of achievement and contentment. We have clarity, we’re on the right path and we are starting to see the benefits and rewards of our past efforts.

Sometimes the Sun can represent hot places abroad, literally sunshine and that summertime feeling.