In an old courtyard, a child offers another a cup filled with white flowers. It is nostalgia, memories, innocence and the past: a gift from long ago, or a return to simple joys.
Memory, childhood and the sweetness of the past.
Waite’s keywords (1911): The past and its memories; happiness that comes from what has vanished; or new surroundings.
Reversed
Reversed, you live too much in the past, or finally let it go: idealized memories, staying stuck in childhood, or stepping into the present.
A nostalgia that holds you prisoner.
Waite’s keywords (1911): The future, renewal, what will soon come to pass.
In love
Upright An old love returns, or tender, innocent love like the first one.
Reversed You idealize an ex or a past relationship, and it keeps you from the present.
In work
Upright Returning to an old job, an old passion or a childhood dream.
Reversed You leave the past behind at work and move forward.
In money
Upright A gift or an inheritance; money from family or from the past.
Reversed Old financial habits hold you back.
At home and in the family
Upright Childhood memories, the parents’ home, visits to family.
Reversed Unresolved childhood matters surface at home.
On your path
Upright Healing the inner child; returning to innocence.
Reversed The past holds you; release it to move on.
Its counsel
Upright Return to simple joys and kindness.
Reversed Live in the present; the past is a memory, not a home.
Correspondences
- Arcana
- Minor Arcana, suit of Cups
- Element
- Water
- Rank
- Sixes: harmony restored, gifts given and received
Cups
Ace of Cups · Two of Cups · Three of Cups · Four of Cups · Five of Cups · Seven of Cups · Eight of Cups · Nine of Cups · Ten of Cups · Page of Cups · Knight of Cups · Queen of Cups · King of Cups