Two of Cups: Modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
‘Two of Cups’, Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.
Upright 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.
‘The Two of Cups’ Reversed
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?
