The Eight of Cups A figure wearing a red cloak and boots, and carrying a staff, walks up a rocky path, away from the edge of a river. On the opposite side of the river, in the foreground of the card are eight cups, positioned in such a manner that it seems that one is missing. In the distance are rocky outcroppings rising out of a river or waterway. It is night; there is a blue sky and a sun within a moon overlooking the scene
The Eight of Cups

Knowing when to walk away, is wisdom. Being able to is courage. Walking away with grace, and your head held high, is dignity.

Ritu Ghatourey

Overview and common meanings of the eight of cups

The Eight of Cups can indicate a sense of restiveness, and like something is missing.  Everything appears great on the outside, but your intuition is bothering you.  The Eight of Cups traditionally indicates leaving a situation, place, or relationship that no longer fulfills you.  This is usually a decision made after much careful consideration, and when done, you may find that you had already left the situation emotionally and that there is less strife and drama about the leave-taking than you originally feared.  Some Other names for the Eight of Cups in varying decks are Quest, renewal, stagnation, indolence. 

Common Meanings

In a career or financial reading, the Eight of Cups shows up at a time when you are feeling ready to leave a job that is no longer fulfilling your needs.  Perhaps it is one you have outgrown, and it is time for you to stretch your wings and reach for something more.  Maybe it is time to liquidate that struggling business or those investments that aren’t performing well. 

In a relationship or love reading, the Eight of Cups can indicate that it is a good time to take a break from seeking a relationship while you spend some time determining what you really want.  If you are in a long-term relationship, sometimes the Eight of Cups can show up at a time when you are considering leaving the relationship and making a change.  It’s always important to check in with yourself and determine what it is that you truly want and need.

The Many Faces of The Eight of Cups

The shadow side – or reversal – of the Eight of Cups can indicate a fear of abandonment, or an actual abandonment.  Often, there is an aspect of clinging to a situation past the time when it is healthy to do so.  There is the aspect of giving the situation one more try.  You could be staying because it is the logical thing to do, or out of some sense of duty or obligation, but in this instance, it is more important to tap into your intuition and heed your inner guidance.  Just because things look perfect on the outside, it doesn’t mean that it is perfect for you. 

Description

A figure wearing a red cloak and boots, and carrying a staff, walks up a rocky path, away from the edge of a river.  On the opposite side of the river, in the foreground of the card are eight cups, positioned in such a manner that it seems that one is missing.  In the distance are rocky outcroppings rising out of a river or waterway.  It is night; there is a blue sky and a sun within a moon overlooking the scene. 

Themes of The Eight of Cups

  • Abandonment
  • Avoidance
  • Boredom
  • Departure
  • Disappointment Letting go
  • Escapism
  • Fear
  • Feeling stuck
  • Releasing old patterns or beliefs that no longer fit who you are
  • Walking away
  • Regretting choices made
  • Restlessness
  • Soul searching 
  • Spiritual journey

The Number 8

Fulfillment, the combination of two fours which represent stability.  Stability and renewal, inner strength and wisdom and healthy balanced ego.  When combined with Cups, it can indicate boredom and dissatisfaction.

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

  • Sun – the mind
  • Moon – Insight and Desire
  • Staff – inner guidance  
  • Red cloak – competence to manifest objective
  • Rocky outcropping or mountain – trials and new experiences

Herbs for The Eight of Cups

  • Black Cohosh – strength and lucidity when leaving harmful situation; particularly useful when you have adopted negativity directed towards you. 
  • Kava – eases tension, calms the mind, and supports healthy stress response
  • Mimosa – Sadness, loss, heartache, grief.  Can help when mourning the things you are letting go from your life. 
  • Pine – rebirth, wisdom; useful when walking away and “rebirthing” into a new reality
  • St John’s Wort – used for depression and anxiety; can help bring the light back to your life. 

Questions that the Eight of Cups asks us

  • While it may appear that you have everything you want in life, do you truly have everything that you need?
  • Is this one of those times in your life that you need to walk away from something, and towards something else, no matter what others around you may think of your decisions?

That is the Eight of Cups.  Wishing you a week in of discernment on whether it is time to walk away from a situation that you have outgrown.  Thank you for reading and please leave comments, ask questions, or reach out for a reading.   

Join me next week for the Nine of Cups!