Cups

Ace of Cups

One’s spirit holds in their hand a cup overflowing with water. This water flows down to a great lake below, where aquatic plants grow.
In both cards, the hand coming out of the clouds represents one’s spiritual energy and influence, and the water below represents a subconscious mind blooming with life, energy, and new ideas. The awakening of the human spirit. The droplets of water behind the cup represent the perfect condition for seed and egg to unite and birth new things.
Rider Waite: Five streams of water flow out of the cup, representing how all of one’s five senses feed their subconscious mind and form your intuition. A dove flies down into the cup bringing a host with him. A symbol of divine love coming from God into your spirit.
Modern Witch: Four streams of water flow out of the cup, either representing conscious acts or the material world feeding one’s subconscious mind. A blue heart flows out of the cup. It can either be coming from above - as divine love feeds one’s subconscious -, or it can come from inside the cup, representing the birthing of love out of the subconscious.

Interpretations

One is a vessel which OVERFLOWS with Love and the energy of creation itself.
Something wonderful has begun or is about to begin. Open oneself to it. Let one’s heart overflow. This is an invitation to which one should say “yes”.
It’s a good time to begin creative projects.
It can represent the enthusiasm of finding a new person who is important in one’s life.
The cup is so full it gives. It does not take. And the more one gives, the fuller one will feel. Love others and be loved in turn.
It can mean literal or figurative pregnancy.
One needs to prioritize self love before one can give love unto others.
Introspection. Finding one’s truth by themself.
Repressing emotions. Fear of judgment if one expresses their feelings.

Two of Cups

A young couple exchange cups, pledging their love for one another. Above them floats the Caduceus of Hermes representing commerce, trade, exchange, and maybe healing. At the top of the caduceus, flies a Lion’s head. A symbol of fire and passion.
Modern Witch: The woman on the left is stepping out of the sea and into the land to meet her partner. The woman on the right is stepping out of the land and into the water to meet her as well. Both these women come from very different places, and meet each other in the middle to properly share in their love for one another. There is also a lighthouse in the background, helping them not to lose track of themselves.

Interpretations

One is in the early stages of an awesome relationship or is about to be. It’s the time to devote themselves fully to each other. Get drunk in love.
If it’s not about relationships of intimacy, it can be about project partners. You and the other person who’s working on a project with you are vibing together and in perfect synchrony. Trust them and They’ll trust you back. There is a lot to be gained from this relationship and your dedication to it.
You will achieve great things with this relationship, as long as you don’t lose track of yourself (the lighthouse).
If you can’t love yourself, you can’t love others. One might be projecting one’s lack of self love or even lack of self respect unto others. Demanding of others more than they can give or attracting abusive partners. So the advice is to step away from the relationship and work on oneself. And never lose sight of the lighthouse even when it appears to only be in the background.
It can also symbolize a break up that occurs for different reasons. Nothing lasts forever. Relationships come and go like the waves of the sea. Try to not get too attached.

Three of Cups

Three women dance in a circle, raising their cups in a toast of celebration.They share a deep connection of friendship, fueled by trust, respect and love. Their clothes indicate each one of them brings something different to the table, complementing each other’s skills. And in this sorority (or polyamorous relationship) they lift each other up.
Rider Waite: The ground full of fruits and flowers can represent the abundance that their union creates or the abundance of life that they celebrate together.

Interpretations

Found Family. One has friends in their life that would do anything for them. This tightly knit group of people has the potential to lift each other up, and bring all of them to new heights.
One should ask their friends out. Organize a group date. Throw a party.
If one doesn't have a found family, just go enjoy the company of people. Go to a bar, go clubbing, go to a sports event. Enjoy yourself.
There is probably someone amongst one’s friends who can help with one’s projects. Make them a proposition. It’s likely to have a positive outcome.
If one already has an intimate partner, a new one might surface for either or both people in the relationship. This might complicate one’s present relationship, but the prospects for mutual respect and trust are good.
Time to go it alone. Rest. Let go of relationships that no longer bring you joy.
Or maybe it’s time to reconnect to people you still love but have lost touch with.
Overindulgence. Excessive partying. Abusive use of drugs.
If one already has an intimate partner, a new one might surface for either person in the relationship. This might be disruptive to one’s present relationship.
If this is about an already established trouple, one of the people in this relationship is feeling like a third wheel, or a captured unicorn. One should bring these concerns to their partners with honesty in order to solve the issue. If the relationship is between one masc and two fems or one fem and two mascs, be wary of a possible fetishization existing in this relationship.

Four of Cups

A young person, apparently secluded from their peers, sits in contemplation, evaluating the three cups that lay in front of them. They seem not to know what to do with these cups. And so engrossed are they in their thoughts, they don't seem to notice the fourth cup being handed to them by the ace of cups.
Modern Witch: the woman apparently also left her phone aside to focus on her contemplation. Her hoodie says "Over it", but is she really?

Interpretations

Maybe it's time to say no. New opportunities and invitations are arriving, but one should reflect on what is really important to them and if they don't already have too much on their plate.
Trying to understand where one is in their life, and where they want to go next.
Grounding. Setting up realistic expectations before actually doing anything.
Not now, maybe later.
Reluctance to take action.
Avoiding your inner problems.
Boredom. Dissatisfaction. Why is one feeling these things?
Fear of hurt or failure.

Five of Cups

A lonely figure all dressed in black stands on the shore looking at three turned over cups.
Two other cups are standing behind them. The figure cannot see them as they are consumed by the grief over the other three spilled cups.
On the horizon there is a bridge leading to civilization. If the figure could overcome their grief they could cross that bridge back into their social lives.

Interpretations

Something went wrong. One regrets everything. one may cry over the spilled milk, but eventually one has to move on.
Something was lost. Grieve. It 's ok. More love awaits when one is done.
Living in the past. Guilt. Holding on to old negative emotions. Trauma.
One must forgive themself. One did the best they could do at the time with the knowledge one had. Há males que vêm para o bem. Learn from mistakes.
There are still two cups awaiting for you.
Impostor syndrome. Harsh judgment of oneself.
One maybe is starting to appreciate the full implications of past events. One must learn from it.
One cannot undo the past.

Six of Cups

The two cards are too different from one another for me to describe what both of them generally represent.
Rider Waite: A young boy hands out a cup full of flowers to an even younger girl, who looks up to him, with respect and thankfulness.
An older man in the background walks away as he lets the children play.
Modern Witch: Here, an adult woman hands a cup full of shinies to a young girl, not older than 10. They find themselves on the lawn of an American suburban home. A place heavily associated with families and formative memories.

Interpretations

Revisiting the good parts of the past. In one’s mind or literally going back to where one was raised. Trying to reconnect with people from one’s past.
One’s relationships may find a new level of harmony and cooperation as one surpasses the pain from the five of cups.
Taking care of the inner child. Letting them express themself.
May represent literal children in one’s life. Treat them with respect and they will teach wisdom one could not achieve by oneself.
Debilitating nostalgia. Living in the past. Longing for how things “used to be”.
Lost touch with one’s inner child.
Too much adulting is taking a toll on one’s mind.

Seven of Cups

One stands before seven cups filled with assorted gifts and curses. One’s desires will be fulfilled, but one must be careful what one wishes for. Things are not always as they seem, and the cups can birth many things, both good and bad.
Rider Waite: The cups hold, in order, a serene blue head, a holy person hiding themself under a white blanket, a golden snake, a tower or a castle on the mountains, jewels, a laurel crown, and a dragon.
Modern Witch: The cups hold, in order, a rose, a holy heart, a snake, a fist, money and diamonds, a garland, and a hurricane.

Interpretations

Some things are too good to be true. One has a lot of options and opportunities ahead, but before committing to anything, they must investigate with their higher self if that’s actually what they want, or if that’s a trap that will cause suffering.
Lot’s of planning with not a lot of doing. All talk, no action. Daydreaming instead of working towards a dream.
Unrealistic Expectations.
Jumping from project to project without finishing any of them.
Staying on the fence. Just choose already!
One is looking to one’s own inner world to make good decisions, instead of others. That 's good.
The world can be overwhelming with all the things one’s gotta do. Prioritize.

Eight of Cups

The eight cups are arranged in such a way that it feels like one cup is missing. This is uncanny. Something is wrong.
The person is moving away from the cups in the dead of night. Their emotions are spread all over the ground in the picture of a great river or a sea. They head towards the mountains with a walking stick. A journey that won't be easy.

Interpretations

One has invested a lot of oneself into something that used to bring them happiness, but now only brings pain. Walking away from that is probably the wisest decision, even if it’s tough.
Something is missing. Something is wrong. One may try to find out what is wrong, and be prepared for the fact that one of the answers might be that one just has to let go and move on.
The path to understanding oneself is arduous.
Marie Kondo asking “does that spark joy?”
Vô, num vô, vô, num vô, vô, num vô, fechou, fiquei.
Can one actually improve the situation or is it a lost cause?
One may be trying to avoid a particular issue, and not look into it. That’s a foolish decision.
Only you can decide if you stay or if you go.
One may be constantly drifting from place to place because one never feels truly happy anywhere. What is that tho? Can we change this situation?

Nine of Cups

A very well dressed person sits on a bench with an expression of satisfaction on their face. They are comfortable, but not too comfortable as the bench doesn’t have a support for the back.
Behind them, a curved structure draped in blue supports 9 cups arranged in an arch above the person’s head.

Interpretations

One has achieved so many good things in their life! Rejoice! For life is full of contentment and pleasure for those who work towards it.
Is one waiting for good news? They are likely on their way.
One deserves whatever it is they’re craving. Do it. Indulge.
One must count one’s blessings and express their gratitude loudly.
This contentment is, however, temporary, like all things in life. One must not get too comfortable.
One might have all the material things one wants, but at what cost?
One might be worrying about too much success. Success, however, means different things to different people. What is success to you?
The frustration that comes from setting unrealistic expectations and them obviously not coming true.
One might be indulging too hard. Take it easy.

Ten of Cups

A loving couple stands together, arms outstretched, as their two children play nearby. They look towards their home on the hill and a beautiful rainbow in the sky filled with ten cups.

Interpretations

One has brought much joy and love into their own life, and now shares even more love with those one cares about!
If one doesn’t have people with whom to share their love, they will soon show up, as love attracts love.
One must be guided by their emotions in order to achieve the happiness they so desperately crave. And if they can deal with their feelings with wisdom, satisfaction is sure to follow through.
A couple (or polycule) slowly drifting apart.
Problems in communication.
Contemplation of what an ideal relationship is to the query. That must be done before pursuing relationships in which you might feel miserable because it’s not what you wanted.
Misalignment of values. One might not be living true to oneself.
Family neglect.

Page of Cups

They stand on the shore, wearing flowery blue clothes, holding a cup on their right hand. Oh! And what 's that? A fish came out of the cup! That’s surely very unexpected.

Interpretations

Out of the blue, when you weren’t thinking about anything, an idea came. Those are usually the best ideas.
One is being invited by the little fish to explore one’s emotions and intuitions. This is generally done by art, but spirituality and religion can scratch that itch too.
Something surprising just happened or is about to happen. And it’s gonna be pretty cool. Dive into that sea with that fish!
One has had a pretty good idea, but it’s probably also a good idea to keep it to oneself until one makes it true.
Impostor Syndrome.
Creative block.
Too much doubt.
Can represent an emotionally immature person.

Knight of Cups

Riding a white horse, the knight holds a cup on their right hand at the height of their chest. Their gaze seems to be fixed on it. The knight is also very fancifully dressed (although everyone in the modern witch deck has impeccable fashion sense).
Their white horse is not charging. They are galloping at a steady pace, and almost feel distracted.
A river crosses the desert behind the knight, showing that emotions may flourish good things even in the most adverse situations.

Interpretations

Emotional Maturity. Capacity to navigate one’s emotions without fuss.
One must not only plan what will make them happy. They must walk towards it. No rush tho.
A call to action. Want to go back to writing, singing, drawing, painting, dancing or whatever? Do it.
Looking for romance. Kindness. Wanting to share one’s love with someone else.
Follow your heart.
A young trans man.
One should plan what they want to do a little better before committing to it.
Jealousy, moodiness. One is not getting what they want from a situation and is frustrated.
A Crazy Ex Girlfriend. Someone who is all too emotional, who catches you in their emotional turmoil, only to move into the next romance. It’s gonna be very hot and intense, but also stressful, and won’t last for long.

Queen of Cups

The queen sits upon a throne by the shore decorated by things of the sea: Mermaids and shells. On her hands is a fancier cup than the ones we’ve seen before.
Rider Waite: Her cup is completely closed, and her feet do not touch the water, instead resting upon the pebbles just by the margin of the water.
Modern Witch: She is dressed as, and might as well be, a mermaid. Her dress is soaked by the waves of the sea, and where the wave ends and the queen begins is unclear. She is the sea and the sea is her.

Interpretations

Empathy. A great capacity to listen to others, feel their pain, and help them through one’s knowledge of their own inner world.
Trusting your gut. Feeling one’s way through life. Recognising when something feels right and when something feels wrong.
Trusting oneself to make the right decision by looking inward.
Taking too much care of others and forgetting oneself. Boundaries must be set. Do not take on the emotional baggage of others as if they are your own. Even empathy has a limit.
Codependency. Losing oneself unto others. Loss of personal identity. Feelings that, if the other leaves, one will die.
Letting emotions override one’s critical thinking. Impulsivity. Compulsion.

King of Cups

Floating In the middle of a turbulent sea, the king of cups sits atop a stone throne, draped in blue and gold symbolizing their wealth and power. On their right hand they casually hold a cup as they look into the horizon - confident, even in the waves.
A fish jumps out of the water, as if in celebration to the king.
Rider Waite: On their left hand they hold a scepter, and on his neck hangs a fish pendant.

Interpretations

Complete mastery over the realms of emotion. Maturity and stability. Things don’t get to the king. They know how to manage their inner world.
Capacity to differentiate intuition, anxiety, and impulse.
Perfect balance of emotions and rationality.
Patience. Understanding of the inner world of others.
Guides. Mentors. Spiritual leaders.
An older trans man.
Deep dives into the inner world.
Treta. Drama. Intrigue. Games. Manipulation.
Using one’s empathy to do harm instead of good.
A vindictive person ready to make someone else’s life hell.