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Belonging to the Suit of Cups of the Minor Arcana, the Three of Cups tarot card represents celebration, joy, and community.
The Three of Cups is associated with the power of human connection, often through celebrations and social gatherings. It can represent a time of bliss and abundance, as well as strong bonds between friends, family, and community.
In rhe traditional Rider-Waite deck, the Three of Cups card features three women dancing in a circle while holding cups, evoking feelings of unity, connection, and happiness.
Esoterically, this card speaks of the balance between the conscious and subconscious mind, as well as the harmony between the spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects of one’s self.
It also symbolizes the importance of nurturing one’s relationships and social connections, as well as the abundance and fulfillment that can come from sharing joy and love with others.
Some questions the Three of Cups invites you to ponder…
- What relationships or connections in your life bring you the most joy and fulfillment? How can you nurture these relationships and show your appreciation for the people who support and love you?
- Think about a recent celebration or happy moment in your life. What made this experience so special, and how did you feel during and after the event?
- Reflect on the balance between work and play in your life. Are you spending enough time socializing, relaxing, and having fun? How can you incorporate more joy and celebration into your daily routine?
- Consider the concept of “soulmates” or kindred spirits. Do you believe in the idea of having a deep, spiritual connection with certain people in your life? Who are your soulmates, and how have they impacted your journey?
- What do you think is the true meaning of abundance and prosperity? Is it solely related to material wealth, or are there other forms of abundance that are equally important? How can you cultivate abundance in your life, both for yourself and for those around you?
Three of Cups Keywords
| Upright | celebration, socializing, friendship, community, happiness, joy, abundance, creativity, collaborations, harmony, gratitude, fulfillment |
|---|---|
| Reversed | overindulgence, excess, gossip, conflicts, disconnection, jealousy, competition, misunderstandings, lack of harmony, betrayal, disappointment, unfulfillment |
| Element | Water |
| Zodiac | Cancer |
| Number | 3 (creativity, growth, manifestation) |
| Yes or No | Yes |
Don’t have time to read? Check out this helpful video for key meanings of the Three of Cups Tarot card!
Three of Cups (Upright)
If you’ve drawn the Three of Cups in an upright position during a tarot reading, it can be a sign that you’re experiencing the joys of companionship, camaraderie, and emotional fulfillment.
You’re likely to be surrounded by friends and loved ones who are supportive, caring, and nurturing when it appears.
When it comes to matters of the heart, the Three of Cups is generally positive. It can indicate that you’re in a happy relationship or that you’re enjoying your single life with close friends. Instead of feeling lonely or disconnected, you’re enjoying the company of people who make you feel good about yourself. You may even find yourself meeting someone new in a social setting!
In a career or financial reading, the Three of Cups can show success and abundance. Your hard work is paying off, and you’re reaping the rewards of your efforts. It can also mean that you’re working in a positive and collaborative environment, and that you’re building strong relationships with colleagues or clients.
THREE OF CUPS ADVICE
The Three of Cups advises you to take time to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may be. Appreciate the people and experiences that make life worth living. Nurture the things that bring you happiness and fulfillment.
Remember the power of human connection. Stay connected with the people who bring light and positivity into your life. Reach out to old friends, make plans to spend time with loved ones, and take advantage of social opportunities to expand your social circle!
Positive and collaborative relationships are key to success and happiness. Work on building strong relationships with colleagues or clients, and to communicate openly and honestly with others.
That being said, while the Three of Cups is a card of celebrations and having fun, it’s important to maintain a healthy balance in your life.
Don’t neglect your responsibilities or become too dependent on external validation or approval. Stay focused on your goals, maintain healthy boundaries, and make time for self-care.
Because this card is a symbol of emotional fulfillment, it encourages you to embrace your feelings and express them in a healthy and constructive way. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable, seek support from others when you need it, and work on developing a strong sense of self-worth and self-love!
Three of Cups (Reversed)
If you’ve drawn the Three of Cups reversed, it can reveal that you’re currently disconnected from others, experiencing conflict in your relationships, or lacking emotional fulfillment.
You may be dealing with loneliness or isolation and might struggle to find a sense of belonging.
In a love reading, the Three of Cups reversed can indicate that you may be struggling with issues related to trust, jealousy, or infidelity. There may be tension or conflict in your relationship, and you may need to work on rebuilding trust and communication with your partner.
When it comes to finances and career, the Three of Cups in reverse can reveal dissatisfaction or unfulfillment with your work or financial situation; you could be lacking a sense of purpose or meaning in your career, or feeling unappreciated or undervalued at work.
In some cases, this reversal can indicate that you may be struggling with addiction, codependency, or unhealthy relationships. It can show a heavy reliance on external sources of validation or approval, and that you may need to work on developing a stronger sense of self-worth and self-love.
If you’ve been experiencing difficulties or setbacks in your life, the Three of Cups reversed can offer a warning to slow down and take care of your emotional + mental health – you might need to take a break from socializing or focus on healing and self-care before you can fully re-engage with the world around you.
THREE OF CUPS REVERSED ADVICE
The Three of Cups reversed advises you to take some time to focus on healing and self-care. This could involve seeking support from a therapist or trusted friend, taking a break from socializing, or engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
If you’ve experienced conflict or tension in your relationships, work on rebuilding trust and communication. This may look like having honest conversations with your loved ones, apologizing for any mistakes or misunderstandings, and setting clear boundaries for healthy interactions. Develop a strong sense of self-worth and self-love, so you can build healthy relationships with others and feel more emotionally fulfilled.
If you’ve been struggling with addiction, codependency, or other unhealthy patterns—seek support and take steps towards recovery. Attend support groups, seek professional help, or reach out to trusted loved ones for help.
Seek out new sources of joy and fulfillment in your life! Try out new hobbies, make new friends, or explore new interests that bring you happiness and a sense of purpose.
Three of Cups as a Person
The Three of Cups typically signifies someone outgoing, joyful, and sociable. This person is often the life of the party and enjoys spending time with friends and loved ones.
They have a warm and welcoming personality and are known for their ability to bring people together and create a sense of community.
People associated with the Three of Cups card are often super generous, kind-hearted, and supportive of others. They enjoy celebrating the successes of their friends and loved ones, and are always willing to lend a helping hand. They are good listeners and have a talent for offering comfort and guidance to those in need.
On the shadow side, someone represented by the Three of Cups may struggle with issues related to addiction, codependency, or a fear of being alone. They can be overly dependent on the approval and validation of others, and may struggle to find emotional fulfillment outside of their social circle.
Three of Cups (Reversed) as a Person
The Three of Cups reversed signifies someone with issues related to disconnection, isolation, or unfulfilling relationships. This person may be disconnected from their social circle or community, or may struggle with loneliness or emotional emptiness.
People associated with the Three of Cups in reverse might battle addiction or codependency issues, and can have difficulty establishing healthy boundaries in their relationships. They may feel as though they are not receiving the support and validation they need from others, and often struggle with insecurity or low self-worth.
Sometimes, this reversal can show someone prone to gossip or drama, or difficulty resolving conflicts in a healthy and productive way. These people can be jealous and envious toward others, and could be resentful of those who they perceive as being more socially successful or fulfilled than themselves.
Three of Cups as Feelings
The Three of Cups represents feelings of joy, celebration, and happiness, especially in a social or communal setting. This card is all about feelings of camaraderie, friendship, and a sense of belonging.
If you are asking about your romantic relationship and the Three of Cups appears, it could mean that you or your partner are feeling very happy and fulfilled in your relationship, or that you are about to enter a period of joy and celebration with your partner.
Alternatively, if you are asking about your love life and are single, the Three of Cups may indicate that you are feeling happy and content with your current social life and friendships.
Whether pulled in a romantic or platonic context, the Three of Cups card speaks of positive emotions and a sense of community or togetherness that you or another may be experiencing at this time.
Three of Cups (Reversed) as Feelings
When the Three of Cups is reversed, It can be a signal of a variety of unpleasant feelings and experiences of sadness and isolation.
It might imply that you are feeling left out, disconnected, or lonely. You could feel like you are not part of a community or group that you want to be a part of, or that you are not getting the support or recognition that you need.
In a romantic read, the reversed Three of Cups can reveal tension or conflict within your relationship or social circle. There could be jealousy or envy among friends, or feelings of betrayal or abandonment. You or your partner may be not prioritizing your relationship and are instead focusing on other social activities or friendships. At its worst, this reversal as feelings can reveal tension caused by infidelity or a third party attempting to interfere in the relationship.
Three of Cups: Yes or No
In a yes or no tarot reading, the Three of Cups is generally a “yes” answer to your question. This card often represents festivity, bliss, and connection, so the situation you are asking about will likely lead to a positive outcome!
Three of Cups (Reversed): Yes or No
The reversed Three of Cups is a sign of negative emotions and experiences, so in a yes or no reading, this reversal often indicates a “no” answer or an otherwise negative or unfavorable outcome.
As always, it is important to interpret this card in conjunction with other cards in the reading and use your intuition to determine what your cards are trying to communicate.
Key Takeaway
In summary, the Three of Cups tarot card is about the concept of unity, both within and outside of oneself. It symbolizes celebration, joy, and a sense of community.
When this card appears in your reading, it can mean that you are experiencing positive emotions and are surrounded by a supportive group of friends or loved ones. The Three of Cups can also indicate a sense of belonging and camaraderie, as well as a feeling of fulfillment and happiness.
However, when the Three of Cups is reversed, it can indicate negative emotions and experiences related to your connections and community with others. You may feel left out or disconnected, or experience tension or conflict within your social circle or romantic relationship.
Overall, the Three of Cups emphasizes the power of unity, feminine energy, manifestation, service, and community. It teaches us to tap into our inner strength and creativity, to share our blessings with others, and to work towards a greater sense of harmony and interconnectedness in the world.
That’s all for the Three of Cups tarot card meanings! To learn more about the Tarot, check out our Tarot Guide for Beginners, or explore the meanings of the rest of the cards!
