Love Tarot for Beginners
Page 6
What is truly wonderful about the promise of the Ten of Cups is that it signifies not only pleasure, prosperity and happiness, it is a promise of lasting pleasure, prosperity and happiness.
Yes, life is about change, for sure, and rolling with the punches of this change is a beautiful skill we all need to have to thrive, but this is a kind and gentle nudge from the universe that says this is something that is not only going to pan out in an ideal way, but is something you get to keep for a while.
Lucky, lucky you!
If the Ten of Cups shows up with any of these cards, expect your happiness to be even more grounded and rich in expression: Sun, Ten of Pentacles, Three of Pentacles, The Star, Three of Wands, Strength, Temperance, Two of Cups, and yes, even the tricky and fun Nine of Cups. (That is a rare combination.)
Pair this card with ANY of the Aces and you are even luckier. Any of the Court Cards, and you know who is responsible.
Even dark cards are strongly lightened. The Nine of Swords? Turns out your worries are just worries, rather than reality. The Three of Swords? The sad news you receive turns out to be one of the best things that can happen to you, in the end. The Tower? The overdue clearing away of garbage to make way for new prosperity.
There is no downside to this card whatsoever.
POSSIBLE OUTCOME
No, really, you are a lucky, lucky duck. Enjoy that.
COURT CARDS OF THE SUIT OF CUPS
While Court Cards are often symbols of actual people, they too are symbols of experience, and most especially so with the Cups.
PAGE OF CUPS
TRADITIONAL MEANING
Young, sensitive person. Love letters, romantic news. A proposal.
ROMANTIC READING
While the Page of Cups can often be easily seen as a young and idealistic person in your life, I have found that far more often this particular Page is more about an experience you are having or are about to have.
The Page of Cups is a charming symbol of new love rushing in. Sweet, tender, open, giving and innocent, this romance is sincere, mutual and loving. How glorious this is in a modern world that seems to be made of hookups and chill.
This is mushy text messages and three-hour phone calls and infatuation and kindness. You walk around with little clouds on your feet (to quote my sweetie at the beginning of our romance), bouncing along with each step. Good stuff, and genuine, rather than mere seduction.
POSSIBLE OUTCOME
Oh how nice. New romance. GREAT placement for this card, as it means you might be on the precipice of an Awfully Big Adventure. Enjoy!
KNIGHT OF CUPS
TRADITIONAL MEANING
Swift action and change. Romantic young man, dashing and poetic. Seduction.
ROMANTIC MEANING
Okay, Star Pirate, time to put your Reality Goggles on, because it’s very, very easy to get swept up right now.
Of all the Knights this one is the most dangerous, because he is the most charming. The Knight of cups is the Seducer, the Handsome Cad, the Wounded Poet, the Talented Yet Perpetually Unemployed Musician, and every other rogue-ish stereotype you can imagine.
And YES, he could ALSO be a tender, loving, genuine, warm dollface you should snatch up like the smartypants you are and never let go. Absolutely. He is rare and to be cherished. At his best the Knight of Cups is a romantic and tender lover, a great communicator, a true romantic, and a real mensch. He tends to be dark haired and light skinned, but this is only a traditional interpretation and certainly should be low on “traits that are true” list.
POSSIBLE OUTCOME
Keep those shiny eyes wide open, and pay attention. Sometimes this Knight swoops in with speed, seduces with skill, and then is gone in a puff of confusion and surprised disappointment. This applies to all knights but one: the Pentacles. Keep your wits about you!
QUEEN OF CUPS
TRADITIONAL READING
Gracious, charming, creative woman. Romantic experiences.
ROMANCE MEANING
Ah. She’s a charmer. At her best, the Queen of Cups is a sort of magic pixie dream girl, full of wit and delight and creative expression and sensuality and playfulness and whoo, she’s fine.
At her worst, she’s a bit moody and petulant and self absorbed and overly sensitive, and whoo, she’s a little crazy.
It’s that kind of crazy that makes men nuts (in a good way) and other women confused, but she is certainly attractive in a big way.
This queen is the artist and seducer of the Tarot. Delightful, quick, witty and sweet, she is intoxicating and sexy and you are dazzled by her many talents.
As a situation, think of her as romance personified. She is the great date that seals the deal, the “taking it to the next step” moment, the sparkling romance that is full of light and sensuality and sex.
Not that she’s all pink and glitter, mind you. She can be gothy or nerdy or the smoldering sexpot behind the cat eye specs. Her looks don’t matter. How she makes you feel does. And making you feel is what she does best.
POSSIBLE OUTCOME
Oh this is luscious and heady stuff. A very sexy, romantic time is in store. Downsides are few, but as always, keep your head! This is an exciting partner in crime. Enjoy!
KING OF CUPS
TRADITIONAL MEANING
Charming, intelligent and creative man. Romantic person. Gracious and kind. Poets, artists and writers.
ROMANCE READING
What happens to the bad boy when he’s all grown up? Usually they go one of two ways. They either never grow up and slowly stagnate and eventually degenerate into middle aged lotharios who wonder why they just don’t quite draw the crowd they used to, and are reduced to being a seductive but ultimately disappointing episode in a number of women’s lives, or, they smarten up and become a pretty tasty catch.
The best and worst of the King of Cups is revealed in these two outcomes, but let’s assume the best, shall we? We can spot a playboy easily, because we are savvy and sharp, and so know to avoid them easily. Right?
Right?
So, on the plus side we have a very, very charming, attractive, creative, sensitive creature who might finally, finally be ready to settle down. The nice part is that when he does choose to do this, The King of Cups is a marvelous partner indeed: devoted, romantic, and loyal. Just watch out. Your friends will still flirt with him and he might flirt right back. Harmlessly. Be of secure stuff.
The best way to keep the King of Cups happy is to make him feel desired, attractive and appreciated. Notice the little things he does for you, and he will reward you with devotion.
POSSIBLE OUTCOME
Hey, Girl. Looks like you have landed Mr. Dreamy McDreamboat. Way to go. Just make sure he isn’t a Colin Ferrell in a Ryan Gosling costume.
THE SUIT OF SWORDS
Image copyright J. Daniels with elements used with permission.
Okay. There is really no way to spin this. The Swords in love are melancholy indeed. Other than the clean cutting and fervent Ace, and the brilliant and intellectual Court Cards, the moody and dark Swords are always less than welcome in a romance spread.
All is not lost, though. Forewarned is often forearmed, and sometimes knowing the pricklier aspects of a situation is a marvelous way to side step it entirely!
ACE OF SWORDS
TRADITIONAL MEANING
“Cutting through the dross”. Surgery. Truth spoken bluntly. Honestly. Swift change. Strength.
ROMANCE READING
Blunt speaking does have a place in romance. Yes, sweet nothings and ardent compliments are to be treasured and savored, but there are moments when shiny, bright truth is needed. This is where the Ace of Swords comes in.
On the plus side, The Ace of Swords very often represents PASSION. Like the Ace of Wands, this Ace is a phallic symbol, though with, quite literally, an edge.
On the more challenging side, need to have a talk? This is the moment when feelings previously hidden come to the surface with force and everyone soon
comes to know where they stand. When this card appears, know you are getting the truth, even if it stings a little. After the confrontation promised by the Ace is over, the air will be clear. This can only be good, no?
POSSIBLE OUTCOME
Hot stuff. Serious infatuation. Strong lust. Look for these exciting feelings to come your way… at least in the mind. This is an interesting aspect that can be found in this suit in general. While the Cups are all heart, the Swords are pure intellect. Without other suit cards to propel these feelings into real world action, they might remain only thoughts, played with as a mental exercise.
Remember: Words are not deeds.
TWO OF SWORDS
TRADITIONAL MEANING
Truce. Stalemate. Temporary peace. Can mean balance in a difficult situation.
ROMANCE READING
There is just no way around this, Star Pirate. This card is a bummer in a love reading, straight up.
The Two of Swords in a love reading is love offered… and rejected. When you have found yourself in love with an emotionally unavailable or avoidant type, or if you find yourself acting out in this way, this card will often turn up in a reading.
This is especially painful if your romance started out ardent and warm. Why the change? Why can’t they be like they were in the beginning? Some people just have a short shelf life. They can only handle so much closeness before panic and pulling back sets in. This can be particularly cruel in that this panic tends to show up when things would naturally become deeper in expression, such as after sex, or a particularly great date, or a wonderful weekend together.
Painful stuff.
Maybe it is YOU who is panicking? Be aware of how painful that can feel to be on the receiving end of that. Maybe it’s time to feel the fear…and show up anyway? The rewards can be great, in spite of how vulnerable and scary the intimacy can feel. Only you know how ready you are for love, so just be careful not to use someone else for emotional support, sex, ego strokes, and other goodies while you figure it out.
On a gentler note, as is often the case in an otherwise very positive reading, this card can sometimes show up when one of you simply needs some space.
I know. I know. Feels pretty miserable when mutual energy shifts into what feels like a pursuit and avoidance dynamic, but everyone needs time to do their own thing, and it’s good to give the gift of letting someone miss you. You know what to do, right? Pull back, let go, focus on friends, hobbies, interests, and truly know that this other person is NOT your Moon and Stars, and you have a rich full life without them. Don’t ask about it, just let go and do your own thing. And yes, this means seeing other people, if you can.
Very often this rather quickly results in the return of the beloved…but…
POSSIBLE OUTCOME
…sometimes it doesn’t. The Two of Swords in this position suggests the emotional unavailability of your romantic partner will grow more apparent over time.
Just know in your heart that “winning over” the one who is “hard to catch” isn’t really a testimony of your value and lovability. You are absolutely lovable right now. You deserve someone warm and open and really, really into you, so don’t settle for Mr. or Ms. Unavailable.
So. Do your life, spend time with people who love you, and remember that your newly limp lover is not the only person who will ever make your heart thump.
THREE OF SWORDS
TRADITIONAL MEANING
Painful Revelation. Heartbreak. Loss. Melodrama.
ROMANCE READING
While the Three of Swords looks like the Worst Card EVER, it’s actually not that bad. Ok, it’s bad, but it’s not the worst. The Three of Swords is the epitome of “sound and fury, signifying nothing”.
What do I mean by this? I mean that yes, it is a card that can signify a breakup, but one that feels intensely painful at the beginning, but from which you rather surprisingly and quickly recover. That perfect person you thought would be the great love of your life? Meh! A few weeks later you realize this one is actually sort of a weenie, and hey, look at that cutie over there!
The Three of Swords can also mean that you are blindsided by upsetting news, such as finding out your romantic interest is actually married, or a drug user, or has an upsetting criminal record.
Regardless, the worst has passed. Even if in the future position, this is a card of hot, fast pain, shocking and over quickly. You will survive.
POSSIBLE OUTCOME
Bad spot for this one, I’m sorry to say. Try, if you can, to sidestep or prevent a blow up of an argument, a painful surprise, or a mean and callous little breakup. The nice news is, again, as painful as it might feel, you will right yourself quickly like the cool cucumber you are, because you are well rid of that experience.
FOUR OF SWORDS
TRADITIONAL MEANING
Rest, repose, and a break in the midst of battle.
ROMANCE READING
Two possible meanings here, depending on the cards that surround Four of Swords, as well as the querent’s specific circumstances. The Four of Swords more commonly can be a simple expression of emotional and physical rest and withdrawal. Time to yourself, a break from dating, an emotional retreat. Love is easy; dating can be hard.
There is another aspect to this card, though, that can be important. This card represents someone who is emotionally shut down. This could be an emotionally unavailable partner, who is cool in tone and lacking tenderness, or it can mean that being in an emotionally, or, heaven forbid, physically volatile relationship has caused one of you to shut down emotionally in an attempt to protect the self.
If this is the case, rest is not what is needed; action is your next move. By action, I mean the swift removal of yourself from this toxic situation. Please take very good care.
POSSIBLE OUTCOME
Assuming all is well otherwise, you need some downtime and possibly alone time. Sometimes in the quest to find love it is good to take a break, and it looks like this is the moment for that. Rest a bit and refresh yourself, so you can jump into the fray again!
FIVE OF SWORDS
TRADITIONAL MEANING
Conflict and stress. Fighting dirty. Winning at the great cost of reduced respect from others.
ROMANCE READING
Ugh. This is ugly fighting. Mean and selfish. This is the kind of fighting a certain type of person actually enjoys. This is bringing a cannon to a knife fight.
There are people in the world who simply can’t stand a win/win outcome. Someone needs to lose, and it must be the other person, even to the point of being willing to take oneself down with the ship to achieve that dark victory.
Be very careful here. This is very toxic behavior, and the type of person who desires to “win” at all costs is someone that can cause permanent damage to both their victims and certainly the relationship.
Sounds pretty grim, eh? I won’t kid around here: I hate this card. Sure, it might show up as just a snarly little exchange, but pay attention. Someone who is entirely willing to cause deliberate damage with words is someone you don’t want to press to your heart.
If YOU are the “win at all costs” fighter here…please become aware of your deep need to damage in order to suppress and conquer. You might get over what you said in the imagined heat of battle, but I promise you that your victim is still shaking, and they WILL remember.
POSSIBLE OUTCOME
BAD. The outcome is one of suppression, manipulation, and toxic behavior. If it’s one nasty, mean little fight, work hard to communicate better than you have been, and maybe you can both quit treating the other like an adversary. If not, please consider this a bad fit and move on.
Remember: misery really and truly has no place in love and partnership. It does not make it more passionate or “real”. It simply makes it heartbreaking.
SIX OF SWORDS
TRADITIONAL READING
Travel near water. Moving to a safe place. Escape.
ROMANCE READING
The Six of Swor
ds is a tiny island of calm in the sea of sharks that are the Swords.
This serene card is a representation of blue skies after a storm, or a moving towards a safer, quieter space. It can even mean a literal move to a new home.
This can manifest in a number of ways. It might mean that you find that the break up of your relationship turns out to be a very lovely thing, because you soon realize how unhappy you were, and now you are open to something much sweeter that is now coming your way. Wonderful. Way to take care of yourself!
OR, it can mean that in an existing relationship, you finally decide that both of you are doing this all wrong, and you are committed to the slow deliberate growth that comes with changing hurtful behavior. Maybe you both go into counseling and learn a different style of communication. Maybe you resolve to change how you handle money problems or allocate housework. Maybe you simply decide to let go of a problem that is more about having control over another rather than actual resolution.
There are some problems that have no solution. You can choose to accept and live in peace with that. The adage, “Would you rather be ‘right’ or happy?” really applies here.
POSSIBLE OUTCOME
In this position it is strongly suggested that a stormy time in your life is now passing and you are moving to a much more tranquil and pleasant place. Thank goodness. More of this, please!
SEVEN OF SWORDS
TRADITIONAL MEANING
Deception, manipulation, and playing both sides to achieve an outcome. Cleverness wins.
ROMANCE READING
Tricky card, the Seven of Swords. In spite of the fact that it traditionally means what you see above, it can also have a somewhat positive meaning as well, which I will get to in a moment.