“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.”.
-Rumi
Emotional beginning, love, compassion, spiritual, opening, romantic connection, creativity, emotional healing
Overview
Imagine the Ace of Cups as a moment to be emotionally moved by something, someone. It’s the opportunity to feel something at a depth that you’ve never reached before. This card appears when you have the opportunity to give, or receive love; whether platonically or romantically, with another person. The alchemical symbol is there, ready to be worked upon.
Symbolism
A disembodied hand emerges from the clouds and within its open palm sits a chalice. This goblet spills over with fountains of water as a white dove dives into it holding a communion wafer. The water from there spills over into a pond of lilies below, which meets the grey sky.
Meaning
An Opportunity
All Aces can be considered fleeting, in the sense that they are an opportunity. If you don’t take the opportunity, it may pass you by. It can be something you forged on your own or divinely guided to you by the fates.
Birth
The ace of cups can also be seen in moments like the birth of child. It indicates a moment of emotional fulfillment that you have been waiting for. It can also indicate the opportunity to show tenderness to a friend who’s been washed out completely, and in dire need of some tenderness.
Expansion opportunity
In the event the Ace is symbolic of you giving love when you ‘have already given too much to bare’’, look it at as an opportunity to exploit some good karma. The ace of cups can be as small of a gesture as showing kindness to a stranger, or as large as committing yourself to make the world a better place. .You have the rare chance to appear in someones life like an angel on a chariot of mercy today, or for the rest of your life.
Filling a hollow place
If you act right, you never know— this moment you share with someone else could fill a void inside of you that someone else left behind in their carelessness. Open your arms and heart, and never lose sight of the light within it.
New love
The Ace of cups is a good indicator of new love, such as a relationship or partnership that you are seeking. Someone is about to enter your life who may check all the boxes, or be entirely off base. Even if it’s the most unexpected source, never stop leading with your heart; it will always be your best quality.
If there are Major Arcana present in the spread, it can determine what area of your life that this relationship will be formed or impact. This can also be determined by the suit with the highest majority, and lead to clues of the nature of this ace.
The Ace of Cups: Reversed
We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are.”
– Anaiz Nin
Emotional blockage, numbness, self protection, unexpressed feelings
Overview
Like with any of the cards reversed, the ace of cups signifies the opposite meaning of the upright ace. It’s also wise to consider that there is an opportunity for new love that has not yet come into play, or could be delayed. It could be right around the corner, but needing more time to come around
This could be due to a new lover who is unknown to you who is not yet ready for something new, you intentionally avoiding the subject of relationships, or someone who is jut getting out of a relationship
This can also be seen as a situations that is not yet in full bloom. You may know this person, may have met them but the feelings between you and them are still developing. Inevitably, you two will collide. The gravity is there, but you both haven’t had the “oh shit” moment of recognition, yet.
Meaning
Emotional Blockage
In terms of Chakra, there is something preventing the free flowing from your center-most being— your heart. This could be from over-giving, neglect, an abundance of turmoil, or grief..
Numbness
Something has caused you to go numb inside, and it’s preventing you from being fulfilled in your personal relationships, or even seeking out love to begin with.
Emotional Walls
The walls you’ve built to protect yourself is stealing one of the greatest wonders of life from you: Love, connections, and emotional fulfillment. The last time you opened up you were left with nothing to come home to. Learn to fill your own cup before seeking out a new relationship, or your chalice will remain empty.
This is a good time to practice self-care, and learn how to nurture your own soul.
Unexpressed Feelings
If you feel something say something. If the thought of this terrifies you, be brave. Imagine : what is the worst thing that can happen? The feelings aren’t mutual. Even then, the idea that there is something there maybe enough to convince the other person to see you in a different light.
Your bravery today just may lead to an opportunity tomorrow.
Manipulative Partner
The person you hold affection for is full of hot air and false promises. The connection maybe superficial at best, and you are deluding yourself from the truth. One or more of the people involved could be. suffering from emotional burnout.
Moving too quickly / Cold Feet
It can also symbolize a situation that needs more time to mature before becoming a sure thing. Maintaining emotional temperance is highly recommended. The water is too choppy to walk on.
Someone maybe starting to get cold feet, or nervous by your emotional intensity.
Protect your heart
Regardless, the Ace of Cups Cautions you to take a step back from the situation, and look at it very subjectively. Do not settle for less than your bottom line. The standards you have are for a reason, and it’s best to listen to the standards you’ve had in place for years.
