Page of Cups: modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
Upright Page of Cups Meanings
Keywords
Creative Ideas, Intuitive Messages, Sensitivity, Curiosity, A New Emotional Beginning
Generally
The Page of Cups represents the beginning of a creative or emotional journey. This card often appears as a messenger, bringing news of a birth, an engagement, or a new relationship. It signifies a gentle and curious emotional energy, a willingness to be open-hearted and explore feelings. The Page is sensitive, intuitive, and often a bit of a daydreamer, representing the initial spark of a creative idea or the first stirrings of a new crush.
In a Love Context
In a love reading, the Page of Cups can signify the beginning of a new, sweet-natured romance. It can represent a person who is sensitive, artistic, and not afraid to show their feelings, though perhaps a little shy. In an existing relationship, it can suggest a period of renewed innocence and affection, or perhaps the news of a pregnancy or engagement. It is the energy of a heartfelt apology or a tender declaration of feelings.
In a Money/Career Context
This card can indicate the start of a new creative project or a job that is emotionally fulfilling. It encourages you to listen to your intuition regarding career choices. The Page of Cups may represent a piece of good news or an offer that appeals to your artistic and sensitive nature. It is the energy of following a creative whim and seeing where it leads, even if the financial rewards are not yet clear.
In a Spiritual Context
Spiritually, this card signifies a time of opening up to intuitive messages and exploring your inner emotional landscape. It represents a gentle curiosity about the spiritual world, perhaps through dreams, meditation, or creative expression. The Page of Cups encourages you to trust the quiet voice of your intuition and be open to unexpected signs and synchronicities.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Listen to your intuition. Be open to new emotional experiences. Express your feelings. Start the creative project. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A new creative idea will emerge. An opportunity for emotional growth. A message of love or affection. The beginning of a new relationship.
As Obstacles
Emotional immaturity is blocking progress. You are being overly sensitive or taking things too personally. A tendency to daydream is preventing action.
As Hidden Energy
A secret crush. An unacknowledged creative talent. A subconscious intuitive message trying to get your attention.
As Resources/Alliances
A sensitive and creative young person. An inspiring piece of news. Your own intuition and inner child.
‘The Page of Cups’ Reversed
Keywords
Creative Blocks, Emotional Immaturity, Bad News, Insecurity, Escapism
Generally
Reversed, the Page of Cups can indicate emotional insecurity and creative blocks. The intuitive messages are being ignored or blocked, leading to a sense of frustration. This card can represent bad news, often of an emotional nature, or a tendency to retreat into daydreams and escapism rather than facing reality. It points to a childish or sulky emotional reaction to problems.
In a Love Context
In love, this card reversed can suggest a crush that leads to disappointment, or a partner who is emotionally immature and prone to sulking. It can signify unrequited love, insecurity in a relationship, or a fear of emotional intimacy. The heartfelt message is not delivered or is received poorly, leading to hurt feelings.
In a Money/Career Context
This can mean a creative project that is blocked or a feeling of being uninspired and unfulfilled in your work. It may point to disappointing news regarding a job or project. This card reversed warns against making career decisions based on pure fantasy or escapism. It can also indicate a struggle with self-doubt that is holding you back professionally.
In a Spiritual Context
Spiritually, this card reversed suggests a blocked intuition or a fear of exploring your own emotions. You may be ignoring messages from your subconscious or higher self. It can also point to a tendency to use spiritual ideas as a form of escapism, rather than a tool for genuine self-discovery and growth.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Face your emotions instead of running from them. Ground your creative ideas in reality. Stop seeking validation from others. Don't be so naive.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
Creative stagnation. Emotional disappointment. A project will be abandoned due to insecurity. A retreat into fantasy.
As Obstacles
Over-sensitivity and insecurity are the primary hindrances. A creative block is preventing progress. A tendency to pout or sulk when faced with challenges.
As Hidden Energy
A secret insecurity is sabotaging your efforts. An unacknowledged fear of emotional intimacy. A repressed creative talent.
As Resources/Alliances
The motivation that comes from creative frustration. The self-awareness that arises from acknowledging your emotional immaturity.
Additional Notes on The RWS ‘Page of Cups’
Waite’s Divinatory Meanings of The Page of Cups
"A fair young man, one given to study, and also news, message; application, reflection, meditation; also these things directed to business. Reversed: Taste, inclination, attachment, seduction, deception, artifice." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911)
RWS Page of Cups Symbolism
A.E. Waite’s Page of Cups depicts a young, fancifully dressed person standing on a shore, with a wavy sea behind them. They hold a cup from which a small fish peeks out, looking at the Page. The fish represents the subconscious, intuition, and creative inspiration emerging into consciousness. The Page's curious and gentle gaze at the fish shows a willingness to engage with these surprising inner messages. The flowing water symbolizes emotion, and the Page's position on the solid ground shows a readiness to bring these emotional, intuitive insights into the real world.
Meditations On The Page of Cups
What intuitive or creative message am I receiving right now?
Am I allowing my inner child to play and be curious?
How can I be more open and receptive to my own feelings and the feelings of others?
Continue Reading About The Minor Arcana
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Previous Card: The Knight of Cups
