Eight of Cups Key facts#
Before we dive deeper into the upright- and reversed Eight of Cups card meaning, and the most important card combinations, below a quick overview of the keywords, numbers, elements, and signs that are connected to this Cups card.
Upright | Abandonment, travel, end of a relationship, letting go |
Reversed | Scared to move on, stagnant, faking happiness |
Yes or No | Maybe |
Number | 8 |
Element | Water |
Planet | Neptune |
Astrological Sign | Pisces |
Eight of Cups Tarot Card Description#
To fully understand the Eight of Cups tarot card meaning, we will first take a look at the illustration, colors, and symbolism of this Cups card.
The Eight of Cups tarot card depicts a man walking away from eight golden goblets. His back facing the cups, he walks with a tall staff, representing wisdom and knowledge.
It seems like the person is tired of those cups and is now setting out to find a higher purpose or new adventures.
Ahead of him are mountains and barren lands. The geographic depiction is important since it represents new obstacles to come and fresh things to explore.
The Eight of Cups urges us to push forward once we have left something behind. It can frame the unknown as something to explore rather than promise that it will be better.
It also shows the willingness to detach oneself from others so that one can work on self-improvement, self-understanding, and growth.
Eight of Cups Tarot Meaning#
The Eight of Cups in the upright position represents letting go, walking away, and possibly ending a relationship or connection.
When you consider leaving, ask whether staying or going better reflects your needs. A reading cannot guarantee that either choice will be worth it.
Even if you are the one who has been left, the message here can be positive. The only way to elevate to the next level is to leave the current one.
Could a mountain climber ever reach the peak if he refused to take the first step?
Money and Career Meaning#
If the Eight of Cups appears in a career reading, it is indicative that you might exit your current job.
Are you feeling unfulfilled or unhappy with the current position that you are holding? The cards tell us that you would do well to go out and search for new opportunities, possibly in a field that is different from the one you are in currently.
In a financial reading, the Eight of Cups can symbolize reviewing whether an investment still fits your goals. Base any decision on the terms and qualified financial advice, not the cards.
If you do not understand or accept the terms, pause and get qualified advice before making a decision.
Love and Relationships Meaning#
In a love spread, the Eight of Cups embodies either abandonment or feeling left behind/isolated. You may be dealing with the fear that your partner will leave you.
Perhaps a previous relationship failed you or your parents split up while you were at a young age. If this resonates with you, now might be an excellent time for you to get some help processing and overcoming your problems.
If you’re the one leaving the relationship, take this card as a sign that this is the start of a new chapter. Being dumped or choosing to leave someone you once loved can be painful, but it can also be a new beginning.
With singles, the Eight of Cups suggests that one is feeling lonely. You may be afraid to start a new relationship due to abandonment issues or past heartache.
The best thing you can do is remind yourself not to assume everyone will hurt you simply because you have been wronged in the past.
These problems could be preventing you from starting a new relationship or maintaining a healthy one. Consider your own experience or speak with a qualified professional; other cards cannot determine which situation applies.
Health and Spirituality Meaning#
In a health reading, the Eight of Cups cannot assess your mental wellbeing. It may instead prompt you to notice whether persistent negativity is affecting you.
If you are having issues with feelings of anxiety or depression, it is best to get help sooner rather than later.
A licensed therapist can help during difficult periods. Meditation or support groups may offer support, but they are not substitutes for care.
Eight of Cups Reversed#
In this paragraph, we will talk a bit more about what it means if you’ve pulled the Eight of Cups tarot card in the reversed position (upside down).
The Eight of Cups reversed represents being afraid to move on. When this card comes up in a spread, you need to take a close look at your relationships.
Are you remaining in an unfulfilling partnership because you are afraid to walk away? If this resonates, consider why you are staying and what support you would need to change the situation.
Continuing down the same dead-end road stops one from finding the right path to travel. Leaving a dead end can create room for other choices, but a card cannot promise what awaits.
If the above doesn’t resonate with you, the Eight of Cups reversed can also indicate a state of confusion about which path you’re supposed to take. This usually is the result of not knowing what is best for you.
Consider all the options and maybe even write down the pro’s and cons. Writing down the pros and cons may help you compare the options more clearly.
Eight of Cups: Yes or No#
The Eight of Cups has the central theme of leaving a bad situation in the dust. It stands for the end of relationships, feelings of sadness or loneliness, and turning away.
Because walking away can bring sadness and relief at the same time, the answer in a yes or no reading to your question is maybe.
This matters most if you are asking a question related to leaving a relationship or job. In that case, treat the card as a prompt to review your reasons, not a verdict to cut ties.
EIght of Cups and Astrology#
The Eight of Cups is related to the zodiac sign Pisces. This sign is associated with spiritual healing, introspection, and even a bit of self-martyrdom at times. Pisces is ruled by Neptune.
Important Card Combinations#
Letting go and abandonment are the major themes of the Eight of Cups.
However, when combined with other cards the meaning of the minor arcana card can change, like becoming a leader, moving to a new city, or making the world a better place by using your talents.
Below you can find the most important card combinations of the Eight of Cups.
Eight of Cups and The Emperor#
This combination with the Emperor can invite you to consider whether self-employment would be fulfilling.
If you have been considering pouring more time into your own business or creating something new, now is a great time to do so!
The combination cannot ensure success; weigh practical evidence before taking the plunge.
Eight of Cups and The Sun#
This duo is indicative of becoming a leader. Have you been eyeing a supervisory role at work? The card combination with the Sun may reflect ambition for leadership, but it cannot estimate your chances of getting the job.
Have a conversation with your management team about the role that you could play in helping manage your coworkers. Be sure to showcase your talents and highlight the positive things that you can bring to the table as a leader.
Your work may support your case, but speak up without treating a reward as guaranteed.
Eight of Cups and Six of Wands#
When the Eight of Cups and the Six of Wands appear in a spread together, it is time to use your talents to make the world a better place.
Perhaps you have a knack for cooking. Consider donating your skills to a local soup kitchen to help those in need.
Although the impact of this action may seem small, your act of kindness will spread around to others and has the potential to create a great ripple effect.
Eight of Cups and Knight of Wands#
The Eight of Cups and the Knight of Wands may raise the idea of moving to a new city. They do not tell you where to live or promise that a move will fulfill your dreams.
If you are an aspiring musician or artist, you might consider moving to a new home that is famous for these professions such as Nashville or Los Angeles.
Don’t let your self-doubt get the best of you. If you are considering a move, research costs, work prospects, and support networks rather than treating the cards as an estimate of success.
The process may teach you useful skills such as negotiation and self-promotion.
Those learning experiences may later be useful, whether or not the move works out as hoped.
My favorite Eight of Cups Cards#
The description of the Eight of Cups in this article is based on the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. But that doesn’t mean that I use other decks too. And there are so many stunning decks out there! Therefore, I added some of my favorite Eight of Cups cards to this article.
The Modern Way Tarot 
Jerusalem’s Tarot via Behance.net 
Kelsey Showalter via Behance.net
Eight of Cups in a Reading#
That’s all for the Eight of Cups card meaning! If you have pulled this card in your spread, did the meaning make sense to your situation in life?
If so, just remember that letting go and maybe ending a relationship, friendship or connection, can open new doors. Leaving can open new doors, but it is not the only path to change.
