Cups are representative of emotions, and are largely feminine in nature; as Cups act as a ‘Vessel’. Cups are frequently tied with romance, friendship and other relationships, as well as changes in mood and a shifting of desires.
Love, a common reason to perform a tarot card spread, is also well represented when a card for the Cups suit is drawn. Cups are heavily tied to the element Water, and the winding malleable nature of water is used as an apt metaphor for our changing desires. Sometimes, the Suit of Cups is called the Suit of Goblets.