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