Eight of Cups

Traditionally the Eight of Cups is often considered to be a turning away from something.  Let’s see what the Dodal Tarot of Marseille has to say about this tarot card.

The inner decision is about to be seen in the life outside.

Tarot Deck Card Meaning – Eight of Cups

The Eight of Cups Story

At the heart of the story is an experience of emptiness.  The five upside-down cups have been draining for some time.  Only the two at the very bottom seem to have much left in them – and this because there is some sort of blockage in their mouths. What is hindering the subject of our story from being able to communicate what’s in her heart?

Between the two cups at the bottom of the center card appears a form suggesting a stylized head with closed expression. Standing atop this a dream-like figure composed of the center cup, silver winglike arms and silver feet (see detail). She looks over all and is ready to jump in the air and fly away.

Expanding the view right and left, our character is bounded the Four of Swords and the King of Wands. The King calls for our attention, but like the central character of our story, we will ignore his demands for the moment. Instead, let’s turn to the Four of Swords.

The flower-figure in the center of the Four of Swords card has opened a protected space between the swords. She still is vigilant and watchful, though there is time for rest from the intensely active feelings which she experienced before.

And now for the King.  What’s his role in the story?

The King holds his pointed wand up in a mock gesture of threat. He doesn’t really want to cause her suffering – but he does want her to get back into line and stop the foolishness.  He doesn’t believe that she will leave. What he doesn’t understand is that she has already made the decision to go. It’s only a question of when will be the proper moment. It will be quite a shock for him

Pulling it all together

Enough is enough, or as the psychologist Pamela Brewer has said, “If it’s unacceptable, it’s unacceptable.”  In the Eight of Cups story, the decision has been made to leave. It’s been a long time coming, too. It’s a solitary inner journey taken by a person who is surrounded by others who may mean well, but ultimately want everything to be just as it was. Just as it was, it can no longer be. The inner decision is about to be seen in the life outside.

The Jean Dodal Tarot of 1701, restored by Flornoy in 2009 is used with the kind permission of the Flornoys.

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Tagged as: 8, Cups, Marseille, Pamela Brewer, Swords