Joy Shared is Joy doubled
– John Ray
Celebration, friendship, shared joy, community, emotional support systems, belonging.n
Overview
A memory is being created that will never be forgotten, and it involves you and everyone you love. This will fill your heart with light in your darkest hour, and make you smile when you can’t stop crying. It is the true bond between friendship, and one of the richest experience’s money can’t buy. This maybe a moment of honoring your accomplishments and everything that has brought you here, or a moment of finding the support of a friendship that brings you strength.
This card has Dionysus written all over it, with the appearance of the vineyard and wine surrounding the entire imagery.
Symbolism
Three feminine figures hold their glasses high in merriment, toasting to one another. In the Hand of one of the women is a vine of grapes. They are surrounded by a field of fruit which meets a blue sky. Each of the figures wear different colored garments, symbolic of their differences in status or background. The figures appear to be in a vineyard, which would indicate that their chalices are full of wine.
Meaning
Good people bring Good Fortune
This card tells you there needs to be immediate changes in your surroundings. This calls for cutting loose and spending time with people you love, as it will bring you healing. Good fortune is not only material, it is in the people around you. Forget everything that is troubling you and live every breath of this moment. These are your people.
Compromise
Due to the fact that this follows the Two of Cups, it can also symbolize the moment you and another people come to an understanding on what you both want. This is the honey moon period, where everything is aesthetic and flawless. Nothing can dull your sparkle, or the stardust rushing in your veins. This is a moment you feel one with the universe due to emotional support and fulfillment from another person.
Brothers (or Sisters) in blood
Do you remember the group of people, who you could always turn to in the darkest hour? The ones who regardless of where you are, or they are; you are so bonded that you would help one another at a moments notice without question if you had the resources to do so?
All of you became bonded over time, and now when you meet again the conversation is full of warm, happy laughter and reminiscing on older, wilder times.
Finding your Tribe
This is your Tribe. These are the friends that we are soul-bonded to. The ones who light up our lights. This card symbolizes your tribe. Not only that but it can symbolize the manifestation of this fine moment.
Anytime you are all in the same place, it instantly becomes a jovial affair. This could symbolize this exact moment of sharing an intimate moment of better days, or creating one of those memories you will look back on for years to come.
Celebration of Success
This can also speak to celebrating success with your tribe, where you have been and where you come from now. It is the sharing of the moment you all realize you’ve made it, and are happy where you are At this moment.
A trope of women
This card can also be seen in symbolic of a group of women. Especially bridesmaids.
The Three of Cups Reversed
We are most alive when we’re connected, but we can be strangled by our connections if they’re false.”
— Unknown
Overindulgence, gossip, exclusion, superficial connection, left out
Overview
In the same way the Three of Cups indicates close friends, it can also symbolize hidden enemies. The people you hold closest to you maybe the ones rooting for your downfall, depending on the surrounding suits this can indicate which area of your life you need to be vigilant in.
Meaning
Overindulgence
If you’ve been enjoying your daily class of wine a little too much, this can be indicated in the Three of cups Reversed. As mentioned, the three figures appear to be in a vineyard; with one of the figures holding grapes. The nature of the card in reversed would turn the meaning of friendship into that of isolation.
In other words, you maybe overindulging in your daily drink, and taking it too far. It maybe time to cutback on the alcohol or cut it out all together.
Gossip
There is something inherently unhealthy if the only thing your friends have to talk about is other people. Consider the fact that if they’re so willing to discuss others behind their back, if you are ever the subject of their gossip. The people you trust to defend you in your absence maybe the very ones to burn you at the stake when you’re not around.
Be careful revealing too much of your personal life with them, there are no secrets kept between these friends, not even yours.
Excluded
The big event that everyone is going to? You’re not on the guest list. There could be a situation where everyone is having fun without you. Consider whether this was done on accident on purpose. You can be upset that you’re not going, but don’t blame your friends for going without you.
If you’re up in arms about being excluded, consider why this could be. Is there someone there you don’t trust? If these are true friends who didn’t exclude you on purpose, don’t be afraid to bring up your concerns to them. You can always relive the event vicariously through them tomorrow.
Superficial Connection
The people you hold in your heart may not feel the same. The people you would start a war for wouldn’t cross the street for you. These fake friends maybe more interested in your status, or materials than they are with your heart.
Slowly start removing yourself from the people you suspect could be the problem, especially if you’re the one always initiating conversations. A good way to know how deep your friendship runs is if the other people in your life are willing to reach out to you as you do to them.
Refusing introspection
This card reversed actually indicates that you are unwillingly isolating yourself from the tribe instead of coming to terms with your situation. It maybe that there is a disagreement among you, or someone is taking a conflict to heart, or the idea that they are looking down on you
It’s best to work things out so you can become a functioning unity again.
All Work no play
This can also symbolize that “all work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy”. You are neglecting your tribe in your material pursuits, or not dividing your time between your new lover and friends fairly. Keep your bonds tight, because in times of trouble these are still the people to hold you up. Do your part and do the same in return.
Release through socializing
If you have been feeling unwell lately, this card can come up as a symbol that the solution to your wellness is in your mind. Reach out to people who make you feel like home and spend time with them. Forget your troubles and your pain will melt away.
