Three of Cups

Three of Cups is the third Minor Arcana tarot card on the suit of Cups. In some decks the suit is named Chalices instead. This card is used in game playing as well as in divination.

Divination Usage

This card often carries the meaning of joyful social contact, although it may be considered to be rather superficial, unlike the two of the same suit which is considered more personal. There's agreement, general harmony, frivolity, and sometimes it is associated with birth [Sharman Burke, "Understanding The Tarot: A Personal Teaching Guide", page 66. St. Martin's Press, 1998. ISBN 0312179138] [ [http://www.paranormality.com/tarot_three_of_cups.shtml Paranormality.com] ] , especially if it comes up with other birth-related cards such as The Empress.

Rider-Waite symbolism

* This card is very flat. It is unusual in the fact that it has no depth, not even a minimal background mountain or hill as in similar cards, although it is clearly portrayed in the outdoors. This may be symbolical of superficiality and the skin-deep nature of the card.
* There's no getting around the party-feel it exudes. In serious matters this may testify to a lack of seriousness, professionalism or even maturity.
* Description: The Three of Cups represents groups coming together to focus on a common emotional goal. People reach out emotionally to one another. It speaks of a sense of community, and can indicate the time to get more involved by helping. An inner passion for caring may be discovered, and energy put forth toward a goal will be positive and nurturing. It can also signal that this is the time to reach out if things have been particularly rough in the past. This cards stands for all forms of support including formal organizations such as counseling or other social services. It's important that when the need for support is recognized that action is taken. This is the best time to do that. Reversed, the Three of Cups suggests that isolation from others is occurring. It is the time to take charge of the situation and to get out into the community. Consider joining a group or organization, and if the need for support is present, seek out the necessary resources.

In other decks

In the Thoth Tarot deck this card is labeled "Abundance", and is associated with the second decan of Cancer, said to be ruled by Mercury.

References