Two of Cups: Modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
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‘Two of Cups’, Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.
RWS Two of Cups Meanings
Keywords
Partnership, Union, Mutual Respect, Attraction, Connection, Harmony
Generally
The Two of Cups signifies a beautiful and harmonious connection between two entities. It is a card of partnership, mutual attraction, and seeing eye-to-eye. This can manifest as the beginning of a new and promising friendship, a successful and mutually beneficial business partnership, a truce being declared between former rivals, or any situation where a balanced and respectful union is formed.
In a Love Context
In matters of love, this card is one of the most positive omens for a new partnership or the deepening of an existing one. It represents the powerful initial spark of mutual attraction and the potential for a deep, heartfelt connection. For a single person, it can indicate the start of a significant new romance. For a couple, it can signify a renewed sense of harmony, a proposal of marriage, or a moment of perfect emotional understanding.
In a Money/Career Context
This card points to a successful and harmonious partnership in the professional sphere. It can represent finding the perfect business partner or co-founder, a successful negotiation where both parties feel they have won, or a working relationship with a colleague that is based on mutual respect and cooperation. It suggests that success will come through collaboration rather than individual effort.
In a Spiritual Context
This can signify the union of opposing forces within the self, such as the integration of the higher and lower minds. It may also represent a profound connection with a spiritual guide or a partnership that is based on a shared set of deep spiritual values. It is the energy of finding a "spiritual soulmate" or achieving a state of inner harmony and balance.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Seek partnership. Form a connection. Find common ground. Work together.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A successful partnership. A harmonious union. A declaration of love. A truce.
As Obstacles
A fear of commitment is preventing a partnership. A third party is disrupting a union. Idealism is preventing a practical connection.
As Hidden Energy
An unspoken mutual attraction. The potential for a successful partnership. A secret admirer.
As Resources/Alliances
A strong partnership. A trusted ally. Your own ability to connect with others.
Reversed Two of Cups: RWS Meanings
Keywords
Disharmony, Breakup, Miscommunication, Imbalance, Disconnection
Generally
Reversed, the Two of Cups can point to a breakdown in a significant partnership. It signifies disharmony, disconnection, and a failure to see eye-to-eye. This can manifest as the end of a friendship, a business deal falling through due to a lack of trust, or a general sense of being out of sync with the people around you. It is the energy of a connection that has been broken.
In a Love Context
This card often signifies a breakup, a separation, or a serious argument in a relationship. It can represent a partnership that has lost its emotional connection, where mutual respect has faded, or where there is a fundamental imbalance. It may also point to unrequited love or a connection that fails to get off the ground due to miscommunication.
In a Money/Career Context
This can mean a failed business partnership or a toxic working relationship. It might represent a contract that has been broken, a project that fails due to a lack of teamwork and cooperation, or a falling out with a business partner. It is a strong indicator that a professional partnership is in a state of disharmony.
In a Spiritual Context
This can mean a feeling of disconnection from your spiritual path or a conflict between your inner and outer self. It may represent a falling out with a spiritual teacher or group, a partnership that is spiritually draining, or a general sense of being out of alignment with the Divine. It is the energy of spiritual disharmony.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
End a partnership. Acknowledge a disconnection. It is time for an honest conversation.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A breakup. A failed partnership. A period of disharmony. A deal will fall through.
As Obstacles
Poor communication. A lack of trust. A fundamental incompatibility. An external influence is causing trouble.
As Hidden Energy
A secret resentment is undermining a partnership. An unspoken disagreement. A hidden imbalance of power.
As Resources/Alliances
Help comes from ending a toxic relationship. The clarity that comes after a breakup. A necessary separation.
Additional Notes on The RWS Two of Cups
Waite’s Divinatory Meanings of The Two of Cups
"Love, passion, friendship, affinity, union, concord, sympathy, the inter-relation of the sexes, and--as a suggestion apart from all offices of divination--that desire which is not in Nature, but by which Nature is sanctified. Reversed: Folly, imbecility, dissipation, waste, silly actions." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911)
RWS Two of Cups Symbolism
A.E. Waite’s Two of Cups depicts a young man and woman exchanging cups in a gesture of mutual offering and respect. Above them floats the Caduceus of Hermes, a symbol of commerce and negotiation, capped by a winged lion's head, representing passion and fire. This suggests that the connection is not just emotional, but is a balanced exchange. The scene is an allegory for the beginning of a partnership, the harmony of opposites, and the power of mutual attraction.
Meditations On The Two of Cups
Are my key relationships in a state of balance and harmony?
Am I open to forming a new, meaningful connection?
Is there a partnership in my life that needs more honest communication?
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