Eight of Cups
The Eight of Cups symbolizes the conscious decision to leave behind comfort, status, or emotional attachments in order to pursue higher truths or spiritual growth. Using the figure of Moses as its archetype, it highlights the sacrifice of material wealth and public honor for an ascetic, introspective path. Upright, it speaks to walking away, introspection, withdrawal, and seeking truth, though it can also point to escapism. Reversed, the card warns of aimlessness, fear of abandonment, depression, settling, or hopelessness when one cannot or will not move on.
Keywords
Character
Moses
Origin
Egypt, Hebrew legend
Description
The Eight of Cups represents leaving good things behind in the pursuit of higher ideals. Moses was raised as a prince of Egypt, but realized he needed to sacrifice his royal life and wealth to pursue a spiritual and ascetic one.
Upright
Walking away, introspection, escapism, withdrawal, seeking truth.
Reverse
Aimlessness, fear of abandonment, depression, settling, hopelessness.
Visual Description
A figure in a red cloak stands with their back to the viewer, holding a staff and gazing toward rolling teal hills under a crescent moon. Eight ornate cups are arranged in the foreground in a stacked formation on a patterned floor. Tall decorative columns and draped curtains frame the scene, while stylized plants sit at the base of the columns. The palette is dominated by deep blues and turquoise with warm red accents on the cloak and cup rims.
Tarot of the Divine
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