Encased in a rainbow arching over a scene of a happy family, are 10 cups. Below are a man and a woman, standing in a close embrace, each with an arm upraised as though embracing the blessings and bounty that they have received in life. Near them, two children dance hand in hand, and across a stream or river, surrounded green grassy hills, stands a sweet little home.
The Ten of Cups

The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life

Richard Bach

Overview and common meanings of The Ten of Cups

The Ten of Cups has traditionally been known as the “One big happy family” card.  One of the most fortuitous cards of the minor arcana, it is about all the benefits of love and family, however family looks to you. 

Common Meanings

Communication in all aspects of life becomes clearer, stronger, and easier.  Follow your heart and tap into your intuition.  Overcoming and conquering obstacles to find that connectedness to others.  The best rewards in life truly are the simple things.  Take the time to really enjoy the bounty of life that has appeared after all your hard work. 

In a work or financial reading – the Ten of Cups indicates peace and accord in all business alliances. There is more collaboration and cooperation, rather than competition. Something you have been working on will finally bear fruit, and there is an indication of well-deserved and earned financial prosperity 

In a relationship/love reading, there is indication of accord, and positive emotions.  Relationships built on trust and support become stronger on both counts.  Can indicate a forthcoming wedding, union, or engagement.  This is a card that often shows up when two people believe and feel that they are fated, soulmates.  If you are seeking a new relationship, the presence of the Ten of Cups can indicate a new and joy-filled relationship. 

The Many Faces of the Ten of Cups

The shadow side – or reversal of the Ten of Cups is similar to the meaning of the upright card, and is still mostly positive, but can add an element of miscommunication and stress.  It can also indicate disharmony/disagreements, delays, unrealistic expectations, lack of self-worth regarding accepting and being loved.  It is an opportunity to look at how you feel about yourself regarding love.  Can indicate misalignment of personal values. 

Are you being true to yourself?  Don’t let false sense of how it should look block you from seeing how wonderful it actually is.  The true gifts in life are not in power and money, but in the people who love us and the joy that connection brings. 

Description

Encased in a rainbow arching over a scene of a happy family, are 10 cups.  Below are a man and a woman, standing in a close embrace, each with an arm upraised as though embracing the blessings and bounty that they have received in life.  Near them, two children dance hand in hand, and across a stream or river, surrounded green grassy hills, stands a sweet little home. 

Themes of The Ten of Cups

  • Community
  • Domestic Bliss
  • Family
  • Joy
  • Love
  • Open heart
  • Security
  • Soulmates
  • Relationship harmony
  • Wholeness

The Number 10

An ending and a beginning:  A life phase has ended and a new one has begun. Ten is all about achievement and excellence, which makes for a whole and satisfying life. 

Elements of the Card and Associated Symbolism

  • Couple/family – love, completeness, everything
  • Grassy hills surrounding home – fertility
  • River/stream – flow of emotion
  • Rainbow – the promise of the end of challenging times; reaping the rewards (proverbial pot of gold)
  • Home – steadiness and safety

Herbs for The Ten of Cups

  • Olive – Loyalty, marriage, harmony, wealth.
  • Orange Peel – love, insight, fortune, money, house & business negotiations.
  • Savory – Sensuality, sexuality, and passion
  • Sweet Pea – Bliss, love, harmony, thankfulness, and loyalty
  • Wintergreen – good fortune and luck; purification.

Questions that the Ten of Cups asks us

  • How would it look for you to take the time to appreciate and savor the rewards of the work you have done in creating a life of joy and family, and who are those people who you consider your family?
  • Are you embracing the blessings in your life, in love, family, and abundance?

That is the Ten of Cups – an opportunity to embrace and welcome the wholeness of love and family (even those that are not related by blood to you).  Wishing you a week of taking those breaths and enjoying the special moments.  As always, please reach out with questions, comments, or to schedule a reading. Thank you for reading, and please join me next week for the first court card – the Page of Cups!