The INDIAN TAROTS – Eight of Cups

Like the Five of Cups, the Eight of Cups illustrates a sense of melancholy. In the card, a figure walks away from the cups, signalling a departure from the previous cards which were all about embracing the cups. As the figure walks into the unknown, so do we as we persist in the Tarot journey.

In the card, a figure is walking away from the cups and towards the adjacent mountains. It is unclear who this figure is. Is it you walking away from the eight cups? Is it somebody else walking away from you? While the figure in the Seven of Cups had a lot choices, this figure abstains from any choice.

In the sky, there are symbols for both the sun and the moon. While the sun typically illustrates our consciousness, the moon typically illustrates our subconsciousness. In the sky together, they represent the paradox of our total psyche.

The mountains (Aravalli and Satpura) depicted on the card represent the difficulties in our journey. The figure in this card seeks to overcome the obstacles in his way.

There is the pyramid of cups beside Luni River that flows near Satpura. There is also a gap between two cups. This gap furthers the sense of loss and unsatisfaction that plagues the whole card. The figure is searching for what is missing.

Upright meaning

This card often represents moving on, letting go, and spiritual growth. It suggests that you’re ready to leave behind something that no longer serves you, whether it’s a relationship, a job, or a belief. The card encourages you to trust your intuition and to follow your heart.

Reverse meaning

This card can indicate stagnation, resistance to change, or fear of the unknown. You may be holding onto something that you know is no longer good for you, or you may be afraid to take the next step. The card suggests that you may need to take a leap of faith and trust that everything will work out.