What does the 8th of Cups mean in the Tarot?

The 8th of Cups is a minor arcana of the Tarot, and in its drawing we can see a person surrounded by challenges balancing themselves to continue their journey in pursuit of their goals. It is a somewhat melancholic card, as it reminds us that sometimes we need to leave things behind during our journeys.

But at the same time, it brings a positive omen, indicating new beginnings and new paths. This card comes as a reminder that everything in this life is fleeting, and knowing this, we can keep calm and remember that there is no reason to despair or think that a situation is the end of the world.

As painful as it may be, we need to put old stories aside so that good things can happen in our lives. That's why the 8 of Cups comes to provoke this reflection and to try to calm our spirits by reminding us that better days are ahead.

Fundamentals of the 8 of Cups

The elements that make up the foundation of the card are important for its interpretation, because it is through them that we can understand what it has to tell us. To learn more about how to interpret the 8th of Cups card, read below about the elements that make it up, such as its history, iconography, and more.

History

The suit of hearts, in general, has a lot to do with affective relationships, and for this reason many remember the story of Eros and Psyche to explain the card's symbolism. The Greek myth tells the story of the passion of the god Eros for the beautiful mortal Psyche.

This legend shows how many difficulties the couple had to face to finally manage to stay together and be happy. Therefore, the letter shows these adversities to come, but still with a fruitful and happy future.

Iconography

In the image of the 8 of Cups we can see a man walking away from the 8 golden cups, and in front of him there is a dry path, with several mountains. This shows that it is necessary to abandon comfort and wealth, even if not material, to follow new paths.

In other versions of the Tarot it is also shown only the 8 cups. This draws attention to the factors of "wealth" and "comfort". The meaning is that it will be necessary to deal with these elements, even if negatively, that is, what lies ahead is a detachment from these things.

The suit of hearts

The suit of Cups concerns the world of emotions and also feelings, including, mainly, erotic relationships. Of course, if the question is directed toward family or work, the card in question is talking about your relationship with people in this area.

If a card of the suit of hearts comes out in the traditional game, it is probably indicating something about your romantic relationship or even about a partner in question. Even if it is to say that this person belongs only to the past.

Water Element

The 8th of Cups card belongs to the suit of Cups that shows the element of Water. This element of nature concerns emotions and emotional life. Water is characterized by fluidity and the ability to adapt to any environment.

This element is about emotions. It means that our emotional side is present in all areas of life, so we must always be attentive to what it has to tell us. After all, it can often be definitive for personal and work relationships.

Meanings of the 8 of Cups

In general, the 8th of Cups card always talks about our emotional life and the things we need to leave behind for a new phase to arrive, but still, this interpretation can vary slightly according to the question. Here are some possible meanings.

Losses

The 8 of Cups itself already indicates a loss. The symbolism of the card shows a person who gives up what they already have in order to go in search of something better. Even though everything indicates that the future holds something positive for you, the taste of loss is always bitter.

Anyway, don't despair about the changes that are coming, the omen tends to be positive, so have the courage to face these changes that life is proposing. Remember that many times the pain of keeping is stronger than the pain of letting go.

New Directions

The promise of new directions is also something present in the 8th of Cups. Its very nature indicates this, so be prepared because surprises are coming, and you must be open to receive them. This way the pain of change will not be so intense.

It is good to remember that before the good news, you need to let go of something important in your life. This doesn't have to be seen in a negative way, because many times we get attached to things that hurt us. In this case the best option is always to let go.

Sentimental renewal

Positive news can bring feelings that renew your life, so this omen tends to be positive. Dealing with new things always requires us to make the effort to open our minds and think in a different direction.

This can be painful or pleasurable, it all depends on how you will handle it, but the time is for novelty, so don't be afraid of renewal. Even if it is painful at the beginning, change tends to be beneficial.

Detachment

To receive the good news, one must be willing to change, and to change we need to let go of the old things in our lives. Unfortunately, it is not possible to move on in life without leaving some things behind.

So be strong and don't be afraid to leave behind the things that hold you back. Many times we get attached to people and situations that no longer make sense in our current life and this only causes sadness and suffering.

8 of Cups in love

The suit of Cups has a strong relationship with love relationships, so if you have any issues to be resolved in this area during the appearance of this card, everything indicates that you will soon have to deal with these matters in a more in-depth manner. See below for other interpretations for the 8 of Cups in love.

For committed people

If you are in a relationship, or starting a relationship with a steady person, and the 8 of Cups appears, you may be feeling abandoned or left out by your partner. You may also be feeling the need to let go of this partner.

This doesn't mean that you want to end your relationship, but this possibility is not totally ruled out. You may just be feeling that you need to focus on other areas of your life right now, such as career or other family members.

For singles

If you are single and this card appeared in your game, it means that you need to let go of some convictions in order to move forward in a happy and healthy love life. Maybe this came from some previous trauma like a toxic relationship.

If you are afraid of starting a relationship or are still unable to break out of the vicious cycle of abusive relationships, this is the ideal time to try to reflect on what you are really looking for in love. Seeking a professional, such as a psychologist, can also be beneficial.

8 of Cups at work

If you asked the Tarot for something work-related and the 8th of Cups appeared it means that you will soon have positive changes in your job or business. See below the interpretation for the different possible situations.

For employees

If you are employed and dissatisfied with your job, it means that you should look for new opportunities. This doesn't mean quitting your job, but it may be that within the company you are in there is an area that makes you more satisfied.

If the dissatisfaction is deep, it is worth considering even a complete change of area, you don't have to be inconsequential and throw everything up in the air, but organize yourself and think about what you would really like to do and what would make you happy.

For the unemployed

For those who are unemployed and receive the omen of the 8th of Cups, the card says that you should continue to look for job opportunities, however, you need to step outside the obvious in order for this search to achieve success.

It's possible that you've been looking in the same places for a long time and that's why you can't find fulfillment. Invest in new practices and think what else you could do, if possible, investing in some new course is worthwhile to achieve these goals.

Financial Aspects

In the financial realm, the 8th of Cups calls your attention to possible new investments, probably in things you hadn't thought of before. At first, this new possibility may seem unfeasible, but don't be fooled.

You will be more open-minded and more willing to think outside the box and see new business possibilities. Have the courage to pursue these unusual investments, the omen is positive, and probably your result will be too.

Combinations with the 8 of Cups

In Tarot, the interpretation of a card depends not only on the history of the card in question, but also on which cards it is combined with. The cards have a great influence on each other and therefore the context of the Tarot game has to be taken into consideration. Below are some interpretations that can influence the interpretation of the 8 of Cups.

Positive Combinations

If you drew the 8 of Cups along with the Crazy card, it means that you will need to look at things from a new angle to make your success happen. You may need to try new things and get out of your rut to get what you want so much.

The 8 of Cups together with the Sun chart has a great positive force, with a strong meaning of change and adventure. If you are trying to have children it may be that this new life will happen soon, if not this change may be related to a change of environment, such as a country or state.

Combined with the Death card, the 8 of Cups indicates something positive, however, before success will come some intense suffering. Don't worry, it will be temporary, and if you have the maturity to deal with it, things will be smoother.

Negative Combinations

The 8 of Cups together with the 5 of Swords means that you will be left in a difficult situation by other people. Maybe a partner at work will let you down, and you have to solve the problem yourself. In this case you have to try your best to anticipate what can go wrong, so you can be prepared for the worst.

Together with the 10 of Wands, the 8th of Cups indicates caution when it comes to consummating the change you are thinking about. It doesn't mean that you have to give up everything, but that before taking more concrete actions, you need to organize everything so that you don't have unpleasant surprises in the future.

A Little More About the 8 of Cups

In general, the 8 of Cups always speaks about our emotional life and the things we need to leave behind in this new phase, although this interpretation can vary according to the question. See below how the area to be consulted can influence the interpretation of the card in question.

In health

The 8th of Cups card in health indicates that you are somatizing old things and this is affecting your mental and physical health. You are probably attached to this thing and it is having a big impact on your life, this is probably what is blocking your success.

Since the card has this interpretation of letting go and moving on, when it appears over health it means that you are attached to something to the point that it is getting in the way of your own body. It is time to rethink the things you have attached to and see what needs to be let go of.

Inverted card

The inverted 8th of Cups comes to warn you about stagnation in your life. It is likely that you have been going through a time when reflection was important, and it is common that you are afraid to take action after such a period.

After all, when we reflect on something, we also evaluate the risks and the negative side, and after thinking about it so much we become a little afraid to move on. It is normal, but it takes courage to continue your journey, try to start with small attitudes and also focus on the positive things on your path.

Challenges

The 8 of Cups already symbolizes challenges in its primary interpretation. It doesn't reveal exactly what challenges will appear, but rather that you need to move towards challenges in order to make things happen in your life.

This can be in relation to any aspect of your life, it all depends on the question that was asked of the Tarot or the cards that accompany the 8 of Cups. But always remember that the main indication of this card is that you must let go of something in order to follow your journey.

Tips

The drawing on the card illustrates this hint very well, the man who drops the gold to continue towards the mountains shows that the best thing to do now is to give up what is weighing him down.

Letting go of the gold may sound crazy, but the truth is that the road ahead will be much more bountiful, so don't be afraid to leave things behind.

Can the 8 of Cups signal a good time to practice acceptance?

No. It is exactly the opposite, this is the time for change. As has already been said, the chart shows man letting go of his riches to follow a more abundant and happier path. So the time is ripe for the new directions that life can offer.

Whether at work or in our personal and emotional lives, sometimes we start to believe that we can't find anything better than what we already have. This thinking is negative and can stagnate us, of course it is important to identify our limits when we reach them, but we can't stop dreaming big because of this.

So don't be afraid of change and be open to the good things that will come to you. Don't be intimidated by the need to let go and leave things behind, as this is probably only weighing you down and slowing you down.