The Eight of Cups is the card meaning departure. Pulling this card predicts that you will have to leave things behind and start from scratch.
The Eight of Cups is one of the less favorable cards from the Cups to receive. Often, it predicts that you will need to walk away from a relationship, a project, a job, a business, or a friendship. If the Eight of Cups appears in an outcome or future position, it predicts you will abandon the situation you are reading on. Clues as to why you will choose to give up may be found in the rest of the reading, but the Eight of Cups Tarot card predicts the end.
Often, what has brought you to this point is not your fault. Never-the-less, you are disheartened and must start over. There is often a period of depression which comes with giving up on what you love. You may be confused and unsure where you’re going to go from here.
As with even the most negative Tarot cards, there is always positive to be found in the Eight of Cups. All is not lost with the Eight of Cups. The situation you left may be leaving you feeling discontent, but there are other opportunities out there, over the hill, if you are willing to go out and search for them. Better things could be on the horizon.
If the Eight of Cups appears as a strength, it means you will not compromise getting the life you want. You’re not willing to settle, and other people will not stand in your way. Although some things may need to be sacrificed, you are willing to work towards your dream life.
Finally, in more general readings, the Eight of Cups can represent a friend or family member who is going through a difficult break-up; this is especially true if you do not think that the meaning of the Eight of Cups applies to you. This person needs your love and support, so don’t be too hard on them.
Eight of Cups Love Tarot Meaning
Historically (Pre-Rider-Waite-Smith), the Eight of Cups could symbolize a fair-haired female. So, if you’re single and looking for love, you might want to look for a fair-haired female. If you’re not interested in fair-haired females, the Eight of Cups can predict that one will help you to find love. This is not a common meaning, but it sometimes does apply.
The main meaning of the Eight of Cups for love Tarot readings is a bit more depressing. In general, the card means that either you will walk away from your lover, or they will walk away from you.
In most Tarot readings, the Eight of Cups does represent you and your partner turning your backs on each other. While this ending can be painful, it is going to be long overdue. Any feelings of sadness that you have will soon be replaced by indifference.
Sometimes, the Eight of Cups can mean that your relationship isn’t as important as you think it is. You may feel that you are significant in your other half’s life, but they do not actually feel this way. This is especially true if the partnership is not a long-term one; your lover has not had time to develop serious feelings.
(If you would like more love Tarot meanings for the Eight of Cups, check out the Love Tarot Meanings guide).
Eight of Cups Feelings Tarot Meaning
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If you’re asking about your lover’s feelings about you, the Eight of Cups can warn that they have already considered abandoning the relationship. However, although this is something which may upset you now, the Eight of Cups is also a sign that you will soon move past this relationship. You will realize that your lover is not capable of giving you what you want.
When you and your person of interest are not in a relationship, the Eight of Cups can mean that your potential lover is feeling vulnerable because of a relationship that has just ended. Unless they are feeling lonely, the way they feel about their ex will damage your chances of a relationship with them.
Eight of Cups Future Tarot Meaning
As stated, the Eight of Cups predicts that in the future, you will turn your back on something you were once very passionate about. When it lands in an outcome position, the Eight of Cups represents you falling out of love with something (or someone) you once loved very dearly.
Also, in some cases, the Eight of Cups will appear in the future to signal a realization that something is not as serious as you once thought it was.
Eight of Cups Business & Career Tarot Meaning
As with other types of Tarot readings, the Eight of Cups in a business or career reading can signal a desire to throw the towel in. You will want to give up your career. In a life-changing situation, the Eight of Cups means that you will go and work for someone else. In a mundane reading, the Eight of Cups means that your focus will switch to a new project.
Are you looking to start a new project? The Eight of Cups can mean that you need to do more marketing research. Do you really know what your ideal client wants? The Eight of Cups can be a sign that you have overestimated how much people actually need what you’re providing. Make sure you have all of the facts before you race into launch mode.
If you’re looking to hire help in your company, your Tarot cards are advising you to employ a fair-haired individual.
Eight of Cups Yes or No Tarot Meaning
General - For most types of Tarot readings, the Eight of Cups is typically a no; this card is advising you to walk away from whatever you’re asking about.
Do they like me? - No, they do not like you. And if they do, they are still hung up on someone else.
Am I pregnant? - I would not read the Eight of Cups as a pregnancy card.
Is this relationship going to last? - No, it does not appear as though this relationship is going to last.
Does the future of this look promising? - No, the future of this matter does not seem promising.
Am I going to reconcile with my ex? - No, it does not appear that your ex-lover is going to return in the near future. However, I would read the Eight of Cups as a sign that you will get over them.
Eight of Cups as a Negative, Weakness or Obstacle
When the Eight of Cups appears in a negative, weakness or obstacle Tarot spread position, this means that you are going to feel guilty about walking away. You will feel as though you have abandoned people whom you once cared for.
In some cases, the Eight of Cups can pop up as an obstacle if you’re too quick to give up. You fall at every slight hurdle. If this is true, your Tarot cards are advising you that you should try a little harder for the things you want.
Eight of Cups as a Positive, Strength or Advantage
When the Eight of Cups appears in a positive, strength, or advantage Tarot spread position, this means that you are going to have the strength to walk away from something which no longer serves you. You will turn your back and move in a direction that is more emotionally fulfilling.
That’s all for the Eight of Cups Tarot card meanings! Remember, you can discover more love Tarot meanings (and the feelings of your lover) by checking out the Love Tarot Meanings e-book.
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Illustration: In a Tarot card reading, The Eight of Cups in a spread can be a symbol of abandonment. This post includes vintage and modern fortune telling meanings of the 8 of Cups, ideal for the advanced reader or those just learning the cards. These interpretations can be used with any of the decks (Rider Waite, Marseilles etc.) Cards used in this post are from The Rider Waite Smith Deck.
