The Eight of Cups is the eighth Cups card, and after the previous card, it follows the unpredictable path that our emotions travel through life.
The illustration shows a man walking away from a pile of stacked cups; their form incomplete.
The Eight of Cups represents our weariness and moving on after an endeavour has failed. It can also represent giving up on certain aspects of life in order to focus on others; you may have recently gained a new perspective on life.
At a glance
The Eight of Cups is a tarot card that belongs to the Minor Arcana suit of Cups, which represents emotions, feelings, and relationships. This card is often associated with emotional detachment, change, and the journey within. It can indicate a time of transformation, moving on, and leaving behind the familiar.
In a reading, the Eight of Cups often signifies a time of emotional detachment and a desire to move on from a situation or relationship. It can indicate that you are feeling unfulfilled or dissatisfied, and may need to make a change in order to find greater meaning or fulfillment. This card can also suggest that you are ready to leave behind the familiar and embark on a new journey, whether physical or emotional.
The Eight of Cups can also indicate a sense of disillusionment or disappointment. It can suggest that you are feeling let down by others, or that your expectations have not been met. This card can encourage you to let go of attachments and move on, rather than dwelling on the past.
In terms of relationships, the Eight of Cups can indicate a time of change and growth. It can suggest that you are ready to move on from a relationship that is no longer serving you, or that you are ready to explore new connections and opportunities. This card can encourage you to be open to new experiences and let go of any preconceived notions or expectations.
In a more practical sense, the Eight of Cups can indicate a time of abundance and prosperity. It can suggest that you are able to let go of material possessions and focus on the things that truly matter to you.
Overall, the Eight of Cups is a powerful and transformative card that suggests a need to let go of the familiar and embrace change. If this card appears in your reading, it may be a sign to take a step back and reevaluate your priorities, and to be open to new experiences and growth.
Card meanings
Past
The Eight of Cups in the past position can represent you leaving an obligation, relationship or interest. Maybe your views changed, maybe others involved changed.
It may not have even been the best choice, but you may have just had enough and given up. Some things just aren’t worth the effort. Sometimes you have to cut ties to grow as a person, we need to just take that leap.
You may have also left just before things got worse. Consider the gamblers fallacy; just because you put more and more money in, doesn’t mean that you will eventually win with a big payout.
Present
Things may be tough in the present, and you’ll feel like giving in. This is especially pertinent when you have suddenly gained a new perspective on life.
It can seem that your old way of living just isn’t satisfying anymore. Your old hobbies, friends, interests, a job for instance; all of these things may no longer interest you. To quit is not to fail. Often you can cut your losses by quitting sooner.
If things are especially bad right now, then just treat each day as a task to get through. One day at a time. Eventually, time will heal all wounds.
Future
The path you are on right now may not be the best one for you. The Eight of Cups in the future position suggests an incomplete future; moving towards a goal you will never attain.
Consider the theme of your deck as to what this could be. You may be moving into a new house, or considering your new or current relationship. If it isn’t long term, then now isn’t the time to pursue it.
The Eight of cups is not necessarily a negative card; it just shows that sometimes it is okay to not reach the goal. Other priorities become more important.
Work, careers and education
Your current path might not be right for you. No matter how far we proceed; we know if we are going to be happy or not. It’s common to take a job because it pays well, only to realise that you are so unhappy with how your life is.
The Eight of Cups will represent a longing for something more in your professional life. What are you dreams? Can you pursue them, even as a side business or a smaller personal project?
If you really need to stay at your current place, then how can you improve it? There are always ways to make life better, but also, you should consider leaving if your feelings are strong.
Some places just can’t meet our standards, some people just will not be happy in certain positions.
Love and Relationships
The Eight of Cups is a bad sign to see when regarding relationships and love. Your current relationship may come to an end, and likely with a lot of baggage leftover.
It may also be an abrupt breakup, so be prepared for it and all eventualities. If you’re single, then don’t suddenly assume this will mean you’ll be thrown into a relationship. Work on yourself, and enjoy your own time.
Wealth
The Eight of Cups regarding money can relate to the ‘Work and Education’ section above. Money doesn’t bring us happiness, and you may be being tempted by living a more minimal life.
Consider your belongings and what you actually need and want in your life. We all keep things we don’t need. Current society now allows excess, but it can be very freeing physically and mentally to give up your possessions.
Try to escape some financial burdens; choose cheaper contracts, live a less cluttered life.
Health and well-being
You might be tempted to give up everything you’ve worked for; especially if you’ve been on a diet or some new exercise schedule. If it isn’t working, then try to change, don’t give it up completely.
We have to be constantly improving ourselves. The Eight of Cups within health represents our understanding that sure, things don’t always go to plan, but when we walk away from something, we have to replace it with something better.
Stay positive, even if life isn’t going to plan.
Other associations
Element: Water
As a Yes or No question: No
Keywords
Disappointment, giving up, restlessness, escapism