The Nine of Cups depicts a man sitting solidly and comfortable in his seat, safe within the curve of a wall or building. A multitude of Cups are arrayed behind him, and the card exudes a sense of ease and contentment.
nine of cups
Six of Cups
In the Six of Cups, we see the image of a figure giving a gift of a Cup, overflowing with life, to a child. The two people pictured are in the garden of a cottage, and the scene resonates with a sense of domestic comfort and security.
Seven of Cups
Seven Cups appear in the air before a figure containing fabulous treasure, success, and achievements - and danger. The stance of the person beholding this array of desires, hopes, and fears suggests surprise, wonder, and hesitation about which Cup - if any - to choose.
Five of Cups
In the Five of Cups we see the figure of a woman, who epitomizes sorrow and loss in the manner in which she stands, head down, regretful, desolate, and - we sense - deeply alone in her sadness, quite possible by choice. The three spilled Cups that are the source of her grief lay on the ground before her; behind her stand two remaining upright Cups, as yet unseen, or unheeded.
Page of Cups
The Page of Cups stands before gently rolling waves and holds a Cup from which a fish fancifully emerges - a fish that is echoed in the Page’s hat. This is a card of a type of potential that is lightly held and playfully engaged with.
The Empress
Just as The High Priestess is one archetype of femininity, so The Empress is another: from mystery and the profoundly spiritual, we now move to the Mother Goddess figure. The Empress reclines comfortably on her throne, surrounded by the abundance of the natural world, her body language open and at ease. The water that was hidden in the previous card here flows freely, pooling at The Empress’ feet. Yet her connection to the fertile earth does not denote a lesser power than that of her sister; it is her great strength.