The 8 of Cups is often seen as one of the more challenging cards to receive in a Tarot reading. But while the 8 of Cups meanings can be difficult, this card also brings powerful opportunities for insight and growth when it appears.
In this complete guide to the 8 of Cups Tarot card, we’ll explore:
- The key meanings of this complex card in love, career, finances, health, and spirituality
- How to interpret the 8 of Cups in both upright and reversed positions
- What it signifies when it shows up in a Yes/No Tarot reading
- The numerology, astrology, and tarot card combinations connected to this card
- Variations in the 8 of Cups Tarot card imagery and designs Let’s start by getting familiar with the core elements of this profound card.
8 of Cups Key Facts
| Upright Meaning | Abandoning the past, moving forward, seeking meaning |
| – | – |
| Reversed Meaning | Reluctance to move on, self-deception, fear of the unknown |
| Yes or No | No |
| Numerology | 8 |
| Element | Water |
| Planet | Saturn |
| Astrological Sign | Pisces |
8 of Cups Tarot Card Description
The classic Rider-Waite 8 of Cups Tarot card shows a lone figure walking away from a set of 8 cups, arranged carefully beside a river. The cups appear full, but the figure is leaving them behind without looking back. Tall mountains loom in the distance ahead of the traveler. The moon illuminated the wandering man’s path, suggesting deep emotions and inner guidance are at play.
This evocative image captures the essence of the 8 of Cups meaning. When this card appears in a reading, you are being called to move beyond a disappointing situation or relationship and seek a higher purpose. While it may be scary to leave the comfort of the familiar behind, this card gives you the strength to walk away and venture into new territory. There are greater meanings waiting ahead if you can let go.
The Upright 8 of Cups Tarot Card Meaning
When the 8 of Cups appears upright in a Tarot reading, its core meanings are around abandoning the past, moving forward, and seeking a deeper meaning in life:
Love Relationships
Upright, the 8 of Cups often appears when you are feeling dissatisfied in a romantic relationship. There may be a sense that something is missing or that your needs are no longer being met by your partner. Staying together out of routine, obligation or fear of change will only deepen this unease over time.
The 8 of Cups invites you to reflect honestly on what you want and need from this relationship. Have you outgrown the path you set out on together? Do your lives seem to be drifting in different directions? This card gives you permission to acknowledge that it may be time to let this relationship go and move forward separately.
While ending a relationship is often painful, the 8 of Cups reminds you that by taking this difficult step, you are opening up space for something that aligns better with your authentic self. This card encourages you to listen to your heart.
Career
In career Tarot readings, the upright 8 of Cups can signal it is time for a change professionally. You may realize your current job is no longer fulfilling or expressing your true passions and talents. Or unhealthy work dynamics may be taking their toll.
This card empowers you to envision a new direction that better suits who you are becoming. Make a plan and set your sights on work that is more meaningful. This card gives you the courage to move beyond complacency or stagnation and manifest a career path aligned with your highest potential.
Finances
Financially, the upright 8 of Cups reflects re-evaluating your relationship with money and possessions. You may feel overwhelmed by “stuff” that no longer fits your lifestyle or values. Or you may crave more depth and meaning in how you earn and spend money.
This card encourages you to reflect on what vous truly value. You may need to walk away from financial burdens or commitments that limit your freedom. Prune and simplify to focus on what matters most. Seek work and investments that express your authentic self.
Health
In health readings, the 8 of Cups upright can indicate it’s time to leave behind unhealthy patterns or behaviors. For example, you may need to walk away from toxic relationships affecting your well-being. Or you may need to abandon eating, sleeping or addictive habits that undermine your health.
This card empowers you to make a break with behaviors that no longer serve your highest good. Have the courage to walk away from situations or lifestyles inhibiting your healing. Movement, of any kind, will help this transition.
Spirituality
On a spiritual level, the upright 8 of Cups reflects dissatisfaction with your current path. You feel called to go deeper. This card signals that more meaningful answers about your purpose await if you are willing to leave behind superficial distractions or beliefs.
To find greater alignment with your soul’s purpose, be willing to question everything. Abandon limiting mindsets, beliefs or traditions and go in search of deeper wisdom. By releasing what is no longer true for you, you open up to profound transformation.
The Reversed 8 of Cups Tarot Card Meaning
When the 8 of Cups appears in reversed position in a Tarot reading, the card takes on some new shades of meaning while retaining its core themes:
Love Relationships
In romantic readings, the reversed 8 of Cups can suggest fear of leaving a relationship that is no longer fulfilling. You may feel stuck or resist change. Or you may doubt that you can handle being on your own. These fears keep you clinging to the familiar.
This card asks you to reflect honestly on why you are choosing to stay. Consider seeking outside support or perspective if you are struggling to clarity. While the unknown future can feel scary, staying in an unfulfilling relationship out of fear limits your opportunities for growth.
Alternatively, the reversed 8 of Cups can indicate romanticizing the past. You may be idealizing a previous relationship or looking back with rose-colored glasses. Be mindful not to compare a current relationship unfairly. Accept that all relationships go through seasons.
Career
Professionally, the reversed 8 of Cups suggests reluctance to move away from work situations that have become unrewarding. Fears around job security, finances or the unknown may keep you stagnating despite dissatisfaction.
This card encourages you to acknowledge when a career path no longer fits. Look within and get clear on work that would be meaningful. Then develop a plan to start moving in a new direction, even if the steps are small at first.
Finances
Financially, the reversed 8 of Cups can show clinging to possessions or beliefs around money and status that no longer serve your happiness. You may resist changing spending habits or living situations due to fear, obligation or sentimentality.
This card prompts you to re-evaluate your values and priorities. What changes would enrich your day-to-day life? Shed the non-essential to make room for more freedom and fulfillment.
Health
In health readings, a reversed 8 of Cups may reflect avoidance or denial around necessary lifestyle changes. Despite physical or emotional signs that your current behaviors are harmful, you resist changing course.
This card urges you to tune into your inner wisdom. Even if the path forward feels scary, making different choices is the only way to improve your well-being long-term. Take things step-by-step. Support is out there when you are ready.
Spirituality
On a spiritual level, the reversed 8 of Cups suggests self-deception and reluctance to question your beliefs. Your soul longs for greater depth, yet you cling to superficial distractions or habitual rituals.
This card prompts you to get honest with yourself. Even if it shakes up your foundations, being willing to abandon limiting mindsets opens you to profound growth. Your highest truth awaits discovery.
8 of Cups Tarot Card in Yes/No Questions
If the 8 of Cups shows up in a Yes/No Tarot reading, the answer is usually a clear no. Some possible interpretations:
- Is this relationship/situation emotionally fulfilling for you? No.
- Are you satisfied with your current career/job? No.
- Are you being called to move in a new direction? Yes.
- Are you ready to leave this behind and walk away? No. Some reluctance or fear remains.
- Are you clinging to situations, beliefs or behaviors that are no longer serving your highest good? Yes. It’s time for change.
Trust the intuitive insights that arise as you reflect on how this “no” message applies to your unique situation.
8 of Cups Tarot Card and Numerology
In numerology, the number 8 resonates with abundance, Inner wisdom, manifesting power, and karma. As an 8 card, the core meanings of the 8 of Cups reflect:
- Abundance – Walking away from what no longer serves you makes room for new abundance to enter. Trust you have the Inner resources needed for change.
- Inner wisdom – Listen to your Inner knowing and intuitions. Your higher self is guiding you to greater alignment with purpose.
- Manifesting power – You have the power within to create change. Set clear intentions and take action.
- Karma – What you need to learn or walk away from has become clear. Change rewrites your destiny.
8 of Cups Tarot Card and Astrology
The 8 of Cups correlates astrologically with Saturn in Pisces. Pisces is the zodiac sign associated with spirituality, creativity, compassion, and psychic abilities. Saturn represents boundaries, karma, discipline, and transcending limitations.
When combined, Saturn in Pisces energy reflects:
- Disillusionment with previous spiritual beliefs, relationships or creative pursuits that prove limiting
- Moving into a period of reorientation of your spiritual path or creative expression
- Gaining wisdom through disappointment or discontentment
- Outgrowing your previous understanding and feeling called to seek greater meaning
As an 8th house card in astrology, the 8 of Cups is also linked to themes of death, rebirth, and transcendence. It draws you inward for deep reflection on what is no longer working so you can release it fully and move forward.
8 of Cups Tarot Card Combinations
When combined with other Tarot cards in a reading, the 8 of Cups brings out additional shades of meaning:
8 of Cups + The Hermit: Going on a solo inward journey. Deep soul searching before changing paths. Seeking greater spiritual understanding.
8 of Cups + Wheel of Fortune: Embracing major life changes. Releasing the past to allow your destiny to unfold.
8 of Cups + The Sun: Walking away from limiting beliefs/mindsets and embracing joy. Moving towards your happiest future.
8 of Cups + Judgement: Experiencing a “wake up call” prompting re-evaluation. Heeding a calling to walk a new path.
8 of Cups + 3 of Cups: Leaving behind a group of friends or community to seek your own path.
8 of Cups Tarot Card Designs
While the Rider-Waite depiction is the best-known design, other Tarot decks portray the 8 of Cups in unique ways that can add additional shades of meaning:
- Showing a bridge the figure is crossing, representing a transitional period
- Depicting a river or body of water the figure is leaving behind
- Showing 8 cups arranged in a circle, reflecting completion of a cycle
- Portraying a full moon shining the way forward
- Illustrating a desolate landscape, representing uncertainties ahead
- Featuring a figure pausing to look back, hesitating before abandoning cups
FAQs About the 8 of Cups Tarot Card
Does the 8 of cups mean breakup?
In romantic readings, the 8 of cups often signals it is time to walk away from a relationship that no longer fulfills you or your partner. While breakups are rarely easy, this card gives you the courage to move on.
Is the 8 of cups a bad omen?
The 8 of cups can feel ominous because it pushes you to abandon situations and mindsets that have become limiting. But this card leads to greater fulfillment and aligns you with your highest path. It is a sign of progress.
What does 8 of cups mean in future position?
In a future position, the 8 of cups indicates you are likely to walk away from a person, situation or pursuit that is no longer rewarding. This departure will make room for something that better suits who you are becoming.
Does 8 of cups mean moving?
The 8 of cups can definitely signify an upcoming relocation, especially when accompanied by cards like the Chariot. This card reflects leaving something behind and moving onward. Make sure any move aligns with your authentic needs.
Is 8 of cups a twin flame card?
The 8 of cups can come up when you are being called to move on from a connection that is preventing you from meeting your true twin flame. Walking away from karmic or unfulfilling relationships opens space for your true divine match.
Key Takeaways About the 8 of Cups Tarot Card
- The 8 of cups signifies outgrowing a situation, relationship or mindset and feeling called to move in a new direction.
- When this card appears upright, it gives you the courage to walk away from what is no longer fulfilling.
- Reversed, the 8 of cups suggest fears, reluctance or excessive attachment to the past are holding you back.
- This card empowers you to release situations that are stagnant or limiting so you can align with your highest potential.
- Change requires trusting your inner wisdom, even when the way forward seems uncertain or scary.
- By abandoning what is no longer true for you, this card opens you up to profound growth and transformation.
Conclusion
The 8 of Cups Tarot card represents a powerful moment of transition in your journey. While the path ahead may seem lonely or unclear at first, your highest truth can only be revealed by releasing situations and beliefs that limit your growth.
Have faith that by following the callings of your soul, you open yourself to deeper fulfillments. The 8 of Cups reminds you that the sacrifices required to walk a new path are temporary – and well worth it for the wisdom and transformation they bring.
