Eight of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

Tarot, like astrology, has long been one of our favorite divination systems. Interpreting either takes practice. As you learn, we wanted to help you to quickly connect to the cards and use them in ways that are actionable and practical in every area of life. xoxo, Tali & Ophira

Co-authored by James Kerti

What does the Eight of Cups tarot card mean?

The Eight of Cups marks a time of transition, when the moment arrives to let go of something that’s been important to you. It won’t serve you to try to hold on any longer.

There’s often a feeling of loss or disappointment here, even if you know that it’s time to say goodbye. Perhaps you even knew from the beginning that this day would come. Still, that doesn’t make it easy. There can be difficult emotions to process here.

This minor arcana card gently supports you in surrendering and moving toward acceptance.

You can trust that you’re moving toward the next thing that is meant for you. It’s okay for you to feel heavy emotions, even grief.

What is the Eight of Cups zodiac sign?

The zodiac sign of the Eight of Cups is Pisces

Eight of Cups Tarot Guide

Keywords for the Eight of Cups: abandonment, letting go, walking away, withdrawing, endings, transition

Yes or No: No

Planet of the Eight of Cups: Neptune

Element of the Eight of Cups: Water

What does the Eight of Cups card mean in a love reading?

The Eight of Cups can be a disappointing card to see in a love reading, given that it represents abandonment. This interpretation isn’t necessarily a literal one, and it doesn’t mean that will come to pass. 

Sometimes we fear being left by our partner, which may stem from having been let down or abandoned by someone in our past. If those types of fears are plaguing a relationship that you’re in (or keeping you from entering into one), getting support in therapy might be a wise course of action.

However, if you’re the one considering leaving a relationship, the Eight of Cups is a signal in that direction. Whatever the reason, if you know that it’s time to move on and to let go, this minor arcana card supports that decision. If you’re feeling unsure, this card at least urges you to do some soul-searching.

What does the Eight of Cups tarot card mean for career, money and finance?

The Eight of Cups in a career reading suggests it’s time for a break, at least a temporary one.

Its appearance may signal that you’ve been thinking about leaving your current job. If you’re already of that mindset, the Eight of Cups encourages you to move in the direction of better opportunities.

If you’re not quite there yet, but know you need a break, this minor arcana card urges you to take some time away. As the Eight of Cups is sometimes associated with travel, it may be a good time for a real vacation.

What does the Eight of Cups tarot card mean for health?

When it shows up in a health reading, the Eight of Cups warns you that you might be spending an excessive amount of time dwelling on frustrations in your life.

While it’s a good thing to try to improve your situation, there’s a point where it devolves into a negative cycle. When you stay in that for too long, it can lead to long-term anxiety or depression.

Depending on where you are with your mental health, you’re encouraged to seek new practices or support in breaking that pattern.

Eight of Cups Tarot Card in Reverse Meaning

The Eight of Cups commonly appears in a reversed position when it’s occurred to you that you might exit a situation that you’re in, but you’re feeling really unsure about whether it’s the “right thing to do.” It’s also possible that you haven’t even had that thought yet. Maybe you’re just experiencing a general feeling of being stuck.

This is a good time to pause and truly check in with yourself, including feelings that you may have been suppressing. Sometimes it’s hard to be honest with yourself about not feeling happy. 

If this might be the case for you here, the Eight of Cups in reverse encourages you to make the choice that’s in alignment with the way you want to feel in the long run. That may mean leaving.

It’s also possible that you might find that you’ve been living with one foot in and one foot out because you’re afraid of being fully present, feeling vulnerable where you are. If that’s the case, you might find that what’s right for you is committing all the way to the situation you’re in.

Is the Eight of Cups tarot card a yes or no?

The Eight of Cups is associated with letting go and walking away. Unless your question is whether you should leave a situation, it comes through as a no in a yes or no reading.

What does the Suit of Cups mean?

Cups are associated with water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), which rule emotions and connection. Water signs carry a romantic, artistic, and intuitive energy, and people with those signs love to create and connect.

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Feature art by Diana Hlevnja