Two of Cups

Meanings according to Rider-Waite:

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Venus on the ascendant as a symbol of the union of lovers.

TWO OF CUPS The Two of Cups signifies the union of lovers. This may be a new acquaintance, a reconciliation with a former beloved, or the manifestation of warm feelings within an established union. The meaning of this card touches first and foremost upon the deeply personal, intimate sphere, whether it concerns a light flirtation, a sudden infatuation, a meeting after a long separation, or the beginning of a new friendship or romantic relationship. But it can also signify a warm welcome and hospitality when we arrive somewhere unfamiliar, set off on a business trip, or attend negotiations.

From the book: Hajo Banzhaf. THE TAROT HANDBOOK. Translated from the German by E. Kolesov. Publisher: Center for Astrological Research, 1999.

TWO OF CUPS Love. The first decan of Cancer, from June 22 to July 1. Astrological equivalents: Libra, Venus, the Seventh House. The first decan of Cancer symbolizes the first, unmotivated impulse of feeling — childishly indefinite and carefree, passive, tender, and affectionate. It is the intimate setting, the family hearth and comfort in which the most subtle sensations are awakened. The patron of this decan in the Eastern system is the Moon, and in the European system, Venus. The TWO OF CUPS represents the novelty of emotions and their reflection in the sensual sphere, which gives impetus to the unfolding of the subconscious in the outer world. At first, feelings manifest uncertainly and weakly: the shortcomings of this decan are sluggishness, laziness, and a softening of consciousness. Here it is important to find harmony between conscious and subconscious processes: an awareness of one's sensations will provide greater strength and direction. The card depicts a man and a woman exchanging CUPS, which symbolizes the two fundamental principles upon which creation is based. The woman's blue garment symbolizes the purity of the subconscious impulse; the yellow color of the man's costume symbolizes consciousness. The Wand of Hermes, entwined by two serpents, indicates that together they possess the highest knowledge and are capable of transmitting it to others. The house in the background expresses the idea of human creativity founded upon the harmony of love. Love in the highest sense is love that creates the world. The TWO OF CUPS represents the formation of feelings between two people. In Pamela Smith's deck, this card depicts a man and a woman with CUPS in their hands, overshadowed by a winged lion, the symbol of desire. The paired meditation indicated by the TWO in this case sharply intensifies intuition and sensitivity; hence another meaning of the card is heightened perception, an acute feeling of beauty, even to the point of being painful. Two Cups join and bind together (drinking to brotherhood). This may concern the realm of feelings, bodily-sexual relations (two vascular systems merging), the joining of two destinies, for example, of lovers. The principal wisdom of the card is that what love has bound together receives wings. The trap is union with someone for the sake of lower benefits (a marriage of convenience).

UPRIGHT POSITION In the upright position, the meaning of the card is: love, passion, attraction, beauty, friendship, harmonious relations between two people, understanding, cooperation, partnership, marriage. The TWO may also indicate heightened curiosity, but this curiosity is always psychologically tinged. It is either the growing interest of two people in one another, or a suddenly awakened desire for self-knowledge. Of all the MINOR ARCANA, this card most closely corresponds to the sign of Libra.

REVERSED POSITION In the reversed position, the card may signify: dissatisfaction, desire, attraction, greed, jealousy, lust (the working out of Mars, which is in exile in Libra), false friends, a difficult romance, divorce, a relationship that brings only anxiety, the parting of people, opposition, discord, misunderstanding (the action on a low level of Saturn, which is exalted in Libra). The appearance of the reversed TWO OF CUPS in a spread may indicate a quarrel with a spouse, a falling-out with a beloved person, or difficulties with partners and friends. This should serve as a warning signal regarding the conclusion of any transactions. There is, however, a consolation — this card is not the strongest in the spread.