Tara-Cards

Your compass navigating the tarot

Month: July 2022

TAROT’S FIVE OF CUPS: SHIFTING PERSPECTIVE FROM DISAPPOINTMENT TO BLESSINGS

July 26, 2022 / / 0 Comments
The Five of Cups Tarot Card. Standing alone, shrouded in a dark cloakn, stands a figure. At his feet are 5 cups: three in front of him, which have spilled, their contents puddling on the ground beneath them, and two behind him, fully upright, and presumably still full. While the cups before him are spilled, behind him are two full ones…he has only to turn and shift perspective to see that he still has plenty. In front of him we see a river, and on a bluff on the other side of the river a lone fortress or dwelling. There is a bridge with two arches spanning the river a short distance to the right of the figure.
The Five of Cups

Disenchantment, whether it is a minor disappointment or a major shock, is the signal that things are moving into transition in our lives.

William Throsby Bridges

Overview and common meaning of The Five of Cups   

The Five of Cups often shows up along with the realization that things are not as you thought they were, and you find yourself disillusioned.  It is a great reminder that it is time to count your blessings, get over it and move on.  Removing the blinders of illusion is not always a bad thing.  Build a bridge into a brighter future that you want to see.  It is always a great opportunity to take some quiet time to determine what the lessons were in the situation and how you can shift that moving forward.  Don’t let the seeming bad things in life distract you from all the good that remains.

Some alternative names in varying decks are Hope, Re-adjustment, Warrior-Woman.

Common Meanings

In a work-related reading, you may be feeling deflated, or that you have let yourself or others down.  It is time to glean what lesson you can from the situation, realize this is temporary,  and move on.  If you are seeking work and are not having luck, take heart, the right thing will appear for you.

In a love related reading, if you are seeking love, you may find yourself temporarily disappointed as something that seemed full of promise is not quite what you had originally thought or hoped. It is also a good opportunity to do a bit of self-analysis and ask yourself if you are expecting too much too soon.  In an established relationship the Five of Cups can sometimes indicate that you are nearing a point where you choose to go separate ways, at least temporarily. It can also serve as a metaphorical separation; that of letting go of the illusions of what you thought something was so that you may clearer see what it actually is.      

The Many Faces of The Five of Cups

The shadow side – or reversal – of the five of cups can indicate being stuck in old trauma and patterns, becoming cynical and jaded.  It can also indicate that you have done the work, forgiven yourself and others, have moved past this darkest time, and things are starting to turn around for you.  It could be a sign that you are ready to reconnect with old friends and loved ones after a period of isolation.

Description of the Five of Cups

Standing alone, shrouded in a dark cloak with shoulders hunched in seeming dejection, stands a figure.  At his feet are 5 cups: three in front of him, which have spilled, their contents puddling on the ground beneath them, and two behind him, fully upright, and presumably still full.  While the cups before him are spilled, behind him are two full ones…he has only to turn and shift perspective to see that he still has plenty.   In front of him we see a river, and on a bluff on the other side of the river a lone fortress or dwelling.  There is a bridge with two arches spanning the river a short distance to the right of the figure. 

Themes of The Five of Cups

  • Disenchantment
  • Duplicity
  • Forgiveness
  • Frustration
  • Grieving
  • Resentment

The Number 5

The number 5 is a holy number in many of earths religions: – in Christianity, the 5 holy wounds of Christ; Hinduism – The five elements; Islam – the Five Pillars of Islam.  In numerology 5 is the card of curiosity of the spiritual nature, but also that of imbalance and upset. Five is the number of humanity and a reminder that we all experience disillusionment at some point in our lives.

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

  • Black cloak – shrouded, surrounded by the need to mourn something
  • River- separation, a barrier
  • Bridge – the means of crossing that separation and returning to home
  • Spilled cups – past or present loss
  • Upright cups – There remains plenty of support and love
  • Fortress/dwelling – stability, happiness.  In the Five of Cups it is across the river, a seeming barrier to achieving the sanctuary of home.

Herbs for The Five of Cups

  • Bee Balm – calms nervous system and uplifts the heart
  • Borage – Courage; lifts spirit and gladdens the heart
  • Hawthorn – protection and openness healer of heartache and grief
  • Linden – calming heart tonic; protective, comforting, through times of grief
  • Mimosa – Sadness, loss, heartache, grief.  Can help when mourning the things you are letting go from your life. 

Questions that the Five of Cups asks us

  • Are you grieving a situation that is not as you had hoped, and if so, are you neglecting to notice all the blessings that are still in abundance all around you?

Do you feel like you are coming out of a long period of introspection, and what lessons and visions are you bringing forth into this new reality?

That is the Five of Cups.  Wishing you a week in which, as illusion falls away, the reality of blessings become clear. Thank you for reading, and as always, please leave comments, ask questions, or reach out for a reading.  Please join me next week for the Six of Cups!

TAROT’S FOUR OF CUPS EMPHASIZES RESTLESSNESS AND NEED FOR CHANGE

July 19, 2022 / / 0 Comments
The Four of Cups. Sitting alone in the shade of a lone tree at the top of a gentle hill, is a male figure gazing down as if in thought. Both arms and legs are crossed At his feet is a neat row of three cups. A hand emerges from a cloud, holding the fourth cup in offering to him.
Four of Cups

You must have a level of discontent to feel the urge to want to grow.

Idowu Koyenikan

Overview and common meanings of The Four of Cups

When The four of cups shows up, it is often to magnify restlessness and disenchantment, but it also reminds us that there is support for us and that others see our light even when we cannot. A time of reflection and meditation is called for.  This can also herald a time of new opportunities appearing in your life, that you are allowing to pass without taking advantage of – whether because you are too busy, or just don’t have the energy. 

This is a great time to tap into your inner knowing and identify what is truly important to you.   It can also indicate a possessive sort of sentimentality – not wanting to let go of what we have, regardless of whether it brings us joy.   It is a gentle suggestion to take the time to see the world around you and how much good there is in it.  Some other names, in varying decks are soul searching, re-evaluation, abundance.

Common Meanings

In relationship readings, if you are seeking one, Four of Cups gently reminds us that oftentimes we need to do the work of healing past relationship trauma before we are truly able to open to another in a fulfilling relationship.  If you are currently involved, it can indicate a time of boredom and emphasize the need to shake things up and inject some romance into your relationship.  It also serves as a caution against staying in relationships out of habit.

In a reading regarding work and home, Four of Cups may highlight feelings of restlessness and dissatisfaction; the need to make a positive change.  Often you will find that these are small shifts to change the narrative of your perspective and it will feel like new life being breathed into the situation.   

The Many Faces of The Four of Cups

The shadow side – or reversal- of the Four of cups is much like the upright meaning, only magnified.  It is a good time to really take stock of what you want in your life and what changes you need to implement to make that happen, and oftentimes the only way to accomplish this is through a time of retreat and introspection.  Reversed, the crossed legs of the figure in the four of cups is reminiscent of the Hanged Man, and much like the hanged man holds the key to his own freedom, so, too, does the man in the four of cups.  Dig deep and figure out how to release yourself from self-imposed bondage of boredom and dissatisfaction. 

Description of the Four of Cups

Sitting alone in the shade of a lone tree at the top of a gentle hill, is a male figure gazing down as if in thought. Both arms and legs are crossed   At his feet is a neat row of three cups.  A hand emerges from a cloud, holding the fourth cup in offering to him. 

Themes of The Four of Cups

  • Boredom
  • Detachment
  • Dissatisfaction
  • Introspection
  • Meditation
  • Reflection
  • Restlessness
  • Weariness

The Number 4

Four is the number of stability, practicality and pragmatism; efficiency and strength; conservative development.  It denotes creativity, but the kind that builds a solid foundation.  In association with cups, the suit of emotions and feelings, number four can also indicate inertia and stagnation. 

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

  • Male with crossed legs and arms – dissatisfaction, focus on lack, but also introspection and meditation
  • Tree – life and strength
  • Hand emerging from cloud – symbolic of new beginnings and hope
  • Cups – emotions, that which we feel and have. 

Herbs for The Four of Cups

  • Ashwagandha – calms the mind and lowers cortisol levels.  Helps with mental fatigue, stress, and exhaustion
  • Chamomile – gentle relaxant and nerve restorative for exhaustion
  • Licorice root – supports adrenals, which helps manage stress
  • Lemon Balm – calming and promoting trust, psychic/spiritual development.
  • Peony – for becoming receptive, opening to your spiritual gifts and intuition

Questions that the Four of Cups asks us

  • Are you so focused on what is imperfect in your life that you are missing out on the good?
  • How can you take advantage of this time of introspection and growth so that you emerge from this chrysalis as a glorious butterfly?

That is the Four of Cups.  If you have been feeling the need for change and growth, wishing you a week in which you find time to tap into your intuition and vision for your own highest and best good.  As always, please leave comments, ask questions, or reach out for a reading if you feel so called.  Thank you for reading and please join me next week for the Five of Cards!

TAROT’S THREE OF CUPS: THE BEST TIMES WITH THE BEST PEOPLE

July 12, 2022 / / 0 Comments
The Three of Cups. Three barefoot female figures wearing wreaths on their heads, raise their cups in celebration. They appear to be dancing in joy and camaraderie. Two hold the cups in their right hand, which is the hand of giving, and the third in her left, the hand of receiving, indicating that they the balance in both giving and receiving. One is wearing red robes, one yellow, and one white. One holds a cluster of grapes in the hand that is not toasting. Scattered on the ground around them are flowers, pumpkins, clusters of grapes and apples -the signs of an abundant harvest.
Three of Cups

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom

Marcel Proust

Overview and common meanings of The Three of Cups

The Three of Cups is a time of celebration and plenty, of carefree simple fun.  This can be a season of parties, weddings, or just gatherings with the people in your life that you enjoy.  A great time to be around people with high vibrations and energy levels and raise your own in the process.  There can even be a bit of light flirtation in the energy. 

Some alternate names from varying decks are Playfulness, bliss, fullness, corn dance.

Common Meanings

In work readings, the three of cups indicates a harmonious team effort at work, where creativity is flowing.  If you are seeking work, the camaraderie aspect of this card reminds us to tap into our social and personal networks.  In love, it is a great time to just enjoy where you are, whether that is single and having fun, or in a flirty new relationship.  If you are in an established relationship, this card brings back some of the playful lightness of your relationship.  Sometimes the three of cups can indicate a relationship that contains three people – be it a family unit, three close friends, or in non-traditional relationships that don’t just contain a couple. 

The Many Faces of the Three of Cups

The Shadow side – or reversal – of the Three of cups can indicate carelessness and shallowness.  Sometimes this looks like a flirtation gone too far, an affair, or overindulgence in unhealthy things.  It can also indicate a creative blockage and remind us to take some time to find our balance again before delving back into the creative process.  Sometimes it is simply the need to spend some time alone recharging our batteries and visioning what kind of relationships we want in our life. 

Description of the three of cups

Three barefoot female figures wearing wreaths on their heads, raise their cups in celebration.  They appear to be dancing in joy and camaraderie.  Two hold the cups in their right hand, which is the hand of giving, and the third in her left, the hand of receiving, indicating that they the balance in both giving and receiving.  One is wearing red robes, one yellow, and one white.  One holds a cluster of grapes in the hand that is not toasting.  Scattered on the ground around them are flowers, pumpkins, clusters of grapes and apples -the signs of an abundant harvest. 

Themes of The Three of Cups

  • Abundance
  • Balance
  • Celebration
  • Creative collaboration
  • Family
  • Flirtation
  • Friendship
  • Playfulness
  • Reunion
  • Vitality

The Number Three   

Three is the number of creative expression.  Following the number two, of partnerships, the number three brings a third element – the birth of a child or a creative enterprise.  It is is tied to the cycles and seasons in life, understanding, and growth, mother, maiden, crone. 

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

  • Cups – the cups, which are about emotions, are raised in a toast to companionship and good company
  • Dancing- celebrations in life
  • Hands that hold the cups – the right hand is the hand of giving, and the left, receiving, indicating that the best relationships in life are those in which we can do both.
  • Harvest of abundance – celebrations in life and reaping the harvests of friendship and success
  • Robes – red hearkens to justice, yellow and white to temperance, and white to strength
  • Wreaths – traditionally worn for celebrations of all kinds; another indication of the joys found in companionship

Herbs for The Three of Cups

  • Azalea – Enjoyment, merriment, lightness in love and friendships
  • Calla Lilies -genuine friendship, heartfelt admiration, and respect
  • Hops – mirth and joy
  • Iris – rejuvenation and transformation, companionship, trust, and faith.
  • Vervain – Protection, peace, healing, good fortune

Questions that the Three of Cups asks us

  • When was the last time you connected with the people who fill your cup of joy, inspiration, and peace?
  • How can you bring a feeling of unity and celebration to your everyday life?

That is the Three of cups: overflowing with the abundance of heart connections.  Wishing you a week of celebration and opportunities to dance just for the joy of it. Please leave comments, ask questions, or reach out for a reading if you are feeling called to that.  Thank you for reading and please join me next week for the Four of Cups!

Joy and Blessings;

Tara

TAROT’S TWO OF CUPS IS ALL ABOUT POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS

July 6, 2022 / / 0 Comments
The Two of Cups: Two figures, a male and a female. The female wears long white robes with a blue mantle, reminiscent of the High Priestess, with a laurel wreath on her head. The male wears a tunic, leggings, and boots, colored and reminiscent of the fool, and is crowned with a floral wreath. They each hold out a golden vessel to the other, from which a caduceus – a symbol of healing – rises. The male is also extending a hand to the female. Overlooking all is a red lion’s head sprouting wings. In the distant background we see the red roof of a house that is surrounded by trees and perched on a gentle slope.
Two of Cups

Together, we form a necessary paradox; not a senseless contradiction.

Criss Jami

Overview and Common Meanings of the Two of Cups

The Mutual love and respect between two people create magic when the two of cups show up.  The two of cups is about the connection found in those true partnerships, whether they be deep and romantic, life-long friendships, or even business.

Common Meanings

This is a true meeting of the minds of two people who enhance, inspire, and bring out the best in each other.  Not only are these people supportive of one another, but there is also a great deal of mutual respect, which all the best true partnerships have.  These are those connections in life that are precious and rare.  Celebrate and revel in these special relationships. 

The Many Faces of The Two of Cups

The shadow side – or reversal of the Two of Cups can indicate relationship stress, that things are not all as they seem.  Sometimes in an established relationship, this is a sign of life interrupting your relationship and putting the love and passion on the back burner for now while more immediate concerns are being addressed.  Can sometimes indicate that you are no longer a good fit in your current relationship and that it has run its course.  The shadow side of the Two of Cups is also a call to work on self-love, for you will never be fully able to love another without first loving yourself. This can be a sign of emotional blocks, being closed off and unable to receive love, past trauma impacting present, and separation.

Description of the Two of Cups

Standing in front of a backdrop of blue sky that covers 4/5ths of the card, are two figures.  The female wears long white robes with a blue mantle, reminiscent of the High Priestess, with a laurel wreath on her head. The male wears a tunic, leggings, and boots, colored and reminiscent of the fool, and is crowned with a floral wreath.  They each hold out a golden vessel to the other, from which a caduceus – a symbol of healing – rises.  The male is also extending a hand to the female.  Overlooking all is a red lion’s head sprouting wings.  In the distant background we see the red roof of a house that is surrounded by trees and perched on a gentle slope. 

Themes of The Two of Cups

  • Love
  • Desire
  • Companionship
  • Partnerships
  • Empathy
  • Alliance
  • Harmony
  • Sexual relations
  • Consecration by nature

The Number 2

The number two is feminine and, as such, presents duality: representing both grace and power; Yin/Yang, Male/female, Light/Dark, Action/Meditation, as well as significant relationships and partnerships. This number is representative of the dichotomy of true wisdom. 

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

  • Caduceus – ancient emblem of commerce, barter, and healing
  • Cups – emotions
  • Garlands – Laurel or olive, and flowers – together signify success and love
  • Home – harmony in domestic situations
  • Man – in colors reminiscent of the fool indicating new beginnings and leaps of faith
  • Woman in white and blue robes – blue for truth, white for purity and connection to subconscious
  • Winged lion head – passionate, fiery, sexual energy

Herbs for The Two of Cups

  • Cinnamon – love, power, and positivism; the strength of love
  • Lavender – love, devotion, purity – the innocent state of the soul
  • Orange Blossom – The Orange Tree symbolizes Innocence, Purity, Fertility, and Lasting Love. 
  • saffron – encourage sexuality and boost fruitfulness
  • Spearmint, love, healing, and insight

Questions that the Two of Cups asks us

  • If you were to have a heartfelt conversation with someone who you like, admire, and respect, what would it tell you about yourself?
  • Are you giving and receiving the appropriate energy and effort in the relationships in your life that are important?

That is the Two of Cups, harbinger of deep partnerships.  Wishing you a week in which you drop into these experiences how ever they show up for you in your life and take a moment to feel gratitude for them.  Thank you for reading, and as always, please reach out with questions, comments, or to schedule a reading.  Please join me next week for the Three of Cups!

Blessings;

Tara

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