Welcome to Tarot Tuesday!
Each Tuesday I will be pulling a card from my grandmother’s tarot deck and writing about what the card could mean for the signs, broken up by element. The elements of the zodiac are Fire (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius), Earth (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn), Air (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius), and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces). I may pull cards that I have pulled before, but that doesn’t mean that the individual sign readings will be the same as before. The readings will also correlate with which sign the moon is in currently and which houses the signs and presently reside in.
I may pull a card from the major arcana, representing our inner wisdom. Or I may pull a suit card, representing outside influences. I may even pull a court card signifying a specific person in your life. This card can help you set your intention for the rest of the week or it can provide a visualization of your current situation. Don’t forget to check your moon and rising signs as well as your sun sign. You can check your birth chart placements here.
Eight of Cups
This week I drew the Eight of Cups, the card of “walking away and letting go.” In tarot, the number eight represents seizing opportunities and overcoming difficult obstacles. It can also represent the ability to learn new things.
Cups are the suit of romance and emotion. This suit can represent all stages of love, whether it be new, unrequited, or long-standing. When a cup card comes up in a reading it can mean that we must make a decision based on emotion rather than logic. This suit reminds us that it is okay to listen to our hearts rather than our heads sometimes.
In my grandmother’s deck, the card is depicted as an androgynous, golden-haired figure dressed in a red cloak. The figure carries a large walking stick and appears to be walking away from the edge of a cliff and towards craggy mountains. A celestial body that appears to be both a sun and moon looks down upon the figure with a human-looking face. The cliffs and mountains are surrounded by blue water. In the foreground rests eight golden cups.
Though the card’s image may vary from deck to deck, the meaning is often the same. The Eight of Cups signifies the importance of walking away from a situation that was simply not meant to be. This situation could be a toxic relationship, a self-destructive habit, or an exploitative work environment. This card does not only represent walking away from a bad circumstance. It can also represent walking towards a better circumstance that will bring joy and fulfillment.
The Eight of Cups can also symbolize reconciliation, a chance to travel for work, or a healthy long-distance relationship.
What This Card Means For Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)
Fire signs are ruled by their passion and drive. The Eight of Cups speaks desire for a career that will endow you with a sense of fulfillment.
Aries, this card says it is time to leave the job that has taken a toll on your mental health. And if you have already left that job, this card wants you to know it was the right decision.
Leo, you may have been trying to make everyone around you happy. You may have also been trying to seek validation from your loved ones. This card wants you to focus on your own happiness and internal validation.
Sagittarius, if you have been eager to travel for work, then this card wants you to satisfy your innate wanderlust. Look for a job or promotion that will allow you to work away from home for a while.
What This Card Means For Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)
Earth signs are ruled by their dedication and desire. The Eight of Cups speaks to your need to live a life that you are passionate about.
Taurus, this card wants you to find a place or a community that will allow you to freely express yourself without fear of repercussions.
Virgo, a dull and draining environment is not good for your mental or physical health. This card wants you to go where you are celebrated, not where you are merely tolerated.
Capricorn, it’s time to take that vacation that you have been dreaming about. If you are in a long-distance relationship, then this card wants you to know that it will all work out for the best.
What This Card Means For Air Signs (Aquarius, Gemini, Libra)
Air signs are ruled by their compassion and independence. The Eight of Cups speaks to your need for mental, emotional, and physical healing.
Aquarius, you have been trying too hard to please others. This card wants you to reinvent yourself into the person whom you have always wanted to be.
Gemini, this card wants you to rest. You have recently, or are currently in the process of walking away from a bad situation. You need to rest and collect yourself before planning your next move.
Libra, a bad job, relationship, or habit may have left you with more scars than you realize. This card wants you to look inward and work on healing your inner self.
What This Card Means For Water Signs (Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio)
Water signs are ruled by their empathy and imagination. This card may hold more significance for you because the Cups are the suit of water. The Eight of Cups speaks to your desire for healthy relationships, both platonic and romantic.
Pisces, it’s time for you to ask yourself what exactly you want from a romantic relationship. If you are in a long-distance relationship, then this card wants you to know that it will all work out for the best.
Cancer, the key to a happy friendship or romance is communication. This card wants you to keep the lines of communication open with your loved ones.
Scorpio, Joan Jett said it best: “You don’t lose when you lose fake friends.” This card wants you to ditch any toxic friendships that you have and consider who your true friends and confidants are.
Tune in next week for another Tuesday Tarot Pull! In the meantime, since the Eight of Cups wants us to move on to bigger and better things, let’s enjoy this wistful yet cathartic song from The Rascal Flatts.
