Nine of Cups: modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
‘Nine of Cups’, Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.
Upright Nine of Cups Meanings
Keywords
Wish Fulfillment, Contentment, Satisfaction, Happiness, Pleasure, Gratitude
Generally
Often called "The Wish Card," the Nine of Cups is one of the most positive cards in the tarot. It signifies deep emotional and material contentment, satisfaction, and the fulfillment of desires. The figure in the card sits contentedly with his arms crossed, his nine cups arranged neatly behind him like trophies. This card represents a time of happiness, pleasure, and having your wishes come true. It's about appreciating what you have and enjoying the fruits of your labor.
In a Love Context
In a love reading, the Nine of Cups is an excellent omen. It can mean finding the relationship you've always wished for or reaching a state of profound happiness and satisfaction with your current partner. It speaks of a connection that is emotionally fulfilling, comfortable, and secure. If you are single, this card suggests that you are happy and content in your own right, which is the perfect energy to attract a wonderful new partner.
In a Money/Career Context
This card points to achieving your professional goals and finding great satisfaction in your career. It can signify a dream job, a successful business venture, or reaching a level of financial abundance that brings you comfort and security. It's the feeling of looking at what you've built and feeling proud and content. Your hard work has paid off, and it's time to enjoy the success.
In a Spiritual Context
Spiritually, the Nine of Cups represents a state of deep gratitude and fulfillment. You have found a spiritual path or a sense of inner peace that brings you immense joy. It is a card of manifestation, suggesting that your positive alignment with the universe is bringing your spiritual desires into reality. It encourages you to practice gratitude for the blessings in your life.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Count your blessings. Acknowledge what you have. Enjoy the simple pleasures. Make a wish and trust it will come true.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
Your wish will be granted. A period of profound happiness and contentment. Complete satisfaction.
As Obstacles
Smugness or complacency is blocking further growth. A focus on material pleasure is preventing deeper fulfillment.
As Hidden Energy
A deep, unacknowledged sense of gratitude. The universe is aligning to grant a wish you may not even be aware of.
As Resources/Alliances
Your own sense of contentment and positivity. The universe's benevolent support. The simple pleasures of life.
The Nine of Cups Reversed
Keywords
Dissatisfaction, Unhappiness, Greed, Materialism, Shattered Dreams
Generally
Reversed, the Nine of Cups signifies that wishes are not being fulfilled, leading to disappointment and dissatisfaction. There can be a sense of emptiness, despite outward appearances of success. This card can also warn against greed, materialism, and the belief that external things can bring true happiness. It suggests that what you thought you wanted is not bringing you the joy you expected, or that your dreams have been shattered.
In a Love Context
In a love reading, this card reversed can point to dissatisfaction within a relationship. One or both partners may feel that their needs are not being met, leading to unhappiness. It can signify a relationship that looks good on the surface but lacks genuine emotional depth. For single people, it can indicate a string of disappointing dates or a feeling of loneliness and unfulfillment.
In a Money/Career Context
This can signify a career that, while perhaps financially rewarding, leaves you feeling empty and unfulfilled. It's the "is this all there is?" moment. It can also point to financial disappointment, a failed business venture, or the realization that chasing money has not brought you happiness. It warns against greed and making career choices based solely on material gain.
In a Spiritual Context
Spiritually, this card reversed suggests a disconnect from gratitude and a focus on what is lacking rather than what you have. It can indicate a period of spiritual emptiness or disillusionment. You may be chasing spiritual highs or experiences without finding true, lasting contentment. It is a call to look within for happiness, rather than seeking it from external sources.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Look beyond material gain for happiness. Re-evaluate what you truly want. Practice gratitude for what you do have.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
Disappointment and unfulfillment. A sense of emptiness. Wishes will not come true.
As Obstacles
Greed and materialism are the primary hindrances. A pessimistic outlook is blocking your happiness. Unrealistic expectations.
As Hidden Energy
A secret unhappiness or dissatisfaction is poisoning your life. An unacknowledged feeling of emptiness.
As Resources/Alliances
The realization that material wealth is not the answer. The motivation that comes from profound dissatisfaction to make a real change.
Additional Notes on The RWS ‘Nine of Cups’
Waite’s Divinatory Meanings of The Nine of Cups
"Concord, contentment, victory, success, advantage; satisfaction for the Querent or person for whom the consultation is made. Reversed: Truth, loyalty, liberty; but also mistakes, imperfections, etc." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911)
RWS Nine of Cups Symbolism
A.E. Waite’s Nine of Cups depicts a rather stout, self-satisfied man sitting on a wooden bench. His arms are folded in a gesture of extreme contentment. Behind him, on a draped blue structure, are nine golden cups arranged in an arch. He is well-dressed and seems to want for nothing. The scene is a simple but powerful allegory for achieving one's desires and enjoying the resulting satisfaction and emotional abundance. It is the very picture of a wish fulfilled.
Meditations On The Nine of Cups
What am I truly grateful for in my life right now?
If I could have any one wish granted, what would it be, and why?
Am I finding happiness in my achievements, or am I always looking for the next thing?
