Courtesy of the Rider Tarot Deck© US Games Systems, Inc.

Today’s drawing brings us the 9 of Cups.

I see a two ways to interpret this card.

As a Cups card, this is tied to the element of Water.  Water represents emotions.  In this image from the Rider Waite Deck, we see a man sitting in front of nine cups.  His arms are crossed.  The cups appear to be on display on a decorated shelf or a stage.

My first interpretation – is very optimistic. I see a person proudly displaying all of their gifts.  This person has achieved one of their goals and is showing off their accomplishments.  This card represents an achievement, joy, happiness (mainly on a spiritual level, as Cups deal with emotions) – basically getting what you want.  In that sense, this person is a little smug with his rewards.

A different interpretation, I see this as a person guarding their emotions or being protective of their feelings.  He is sitting in front of the cups and appears to have a forced smile.  This may lead others to believe that he’s happy, when he’s not.

So when you see this card in a reading, it means that you’ve been given lots of gifts and you should be celebrating what you have.  Or you need to allow yourself to express your emotions more freely.

Reversed: With the 9 of Cups reversed, I see a person blocked – spiritually.  The Cups have been turned upside down, and everything is falling out.  This person may be so lost in their emotions, that they are unable to focus on day-to-day things.  There’s a sense of sadness.

I also see a person that isn’t getting what they wanted.  They aren’t getting the things they wish for… so in return, this person is throwing a fit.

When you see the 9 of Cups reversed, realize that things may not be turning out the way that you wanted them to be.  Things happen for a reason, and often, that is to lead us down greater paths.

Related posts:

1. Daily Tarot Card: 4 of Pentacles
2. Daily Tarot Card: Queen of Cups
3. Daily Tarot Card: 7 of Cups