EXPLORING THE TWO OF CUPS
TODAY'S CARD is THE TWO OF CUPS (2C). This first version is from The Thoth Tarot, the third deck I ever studied and read with decades back:
I've always had a special fondness for the Thoth 2C, even making the below little sketch (way back in the day) for the upper left hand corner of my "Tarot Consulting & Teaching" business card. I had it printed on white stock that had a rather parchment like texture. This scan is the only thing I have left of that old card and was done on an old not so hot scanner I had back then, and "blown up" today for this posting, so please forgive the quality:
The below 2C is from the brooding and rich Bohemian Gothic Tarot:
And next below is the 2C from a decidedly odd deck whose designs can make me smile and sometimes shiver, a deck I return to every once in a while, The Terrestrial Tarot:
Last, for COMPARISON, here's the 2C in the well-known Rider/Waite/Smith deck:
THE TWO OF CUPS: After this post about the 2C I have only one left of the 78 cards on which to make an in-depth post. I kept hoping to accumulate some "meanings" for the 2C but -- as with the King of Pentacles just recently covered here -- it just wasn't happening. Of the 78 cards there are many others I might have imagined not making notes on over the years I've been doing this blog. However, not having amassed "meanings" doesn't indicate it didn't appear in my readings. Just that it did not offer up any new twists or leanings when it did. BTW, I used the same approach to garner "meanings" for the 2C as I did with the recalcitrant King of Pentacles: I pulled cards at random asking for 2C aspects. That process then seeded a later spontaneous rising of more "meanings." Lastly, I find it interesting that this card of positive partnering (a traditional 2C meaning) should be up for posting at this time. This aspect of the 2C is particularly crucial for me right now with respect to working with myself. There are many ways in which this is true. The most obvious being my on-going health project. E.g., I've lost 70 lbs. to date and am still going, slowly and steadily.
MEANINGS/INSIGHTS/READINGS FOR THE TWO OF CUPS, SOME LESS COMMON OR EVEN QUIRKY -- Please note: The below is not intended to be an exhaustive exploration of this card; a quick google will produce a wider variety of takes should you not be familiar with it. (Given my heavy reliance on projection of my feelings and experiences onto the cards, I recognize that I may very well reveal more about myself here than I do about any particular card. However, this is exactly my point: I use the cards as a path to self-discovery and healing. I hope what I post here that comes out of that process will be useful in some way to other seekers.):
Sometimes referred to as the mini-Lovers (VI) card. Though I've far more often had it indicate an alliance, partnership, friendship, or collaboration.
Are the possible negative consequences of cheating on or betraying this partnership worth the emotional thrill that will only burn out?
You can have the emotional balance you seek. If you are willing to give up on controlling what it should be like. Meet each moment as an equal partner and not as something to be micro-managed or molded.
It's important to have your own back right now. Others have not been and won't be very supportive (to say the least) around this project/issue. And you need to shore yourself up in your own most positive fashion.
Is this a real situation? Or just a compelling emotional scenario you're creating for yourself?
Important to be as clear as possible on your mental attitude toward this new partnership, as well as that of your possible partner. The emotional highs being shared could distort crucial information.
Just say "no" to the offer. It may be scary or hard for some reason to do so. But it's much better than backing out later.
Don't be hoodwinked by smiles and flowers -- and even other people's honest belief. If it's not right for you, it's not.
Yes, they are asking too much of you. But don't worry that saying no will be a hardship for them. Needy people have a way of getting their needs met, one way or another. Just take care of yourself right now.
Be prepared. This partnership may not work out. Especially if a third party becomes too present in the process. No shame, no blame. Just maintain your integrity no matter what you decide to do.
One way to deal with this confusion is to partner with a new understanding of it as a creative ferment.
Reflect on what it would mean to partner with someone. There are advantages and disadvantages, and many unknowns. Are you ready for the risky ride?
Things are rarely 50/50 in a partnership. A trust needs to develop on part of both that each is doing their best, with the varying skills and talents each brings to it. And that what most counts are the results of their mutual focus and effort, not keeping a balance sheet.
Do you really want a partner in this effort? Partnering will require energy and time you might better put to use on the work itself.
You do not need a partner for this work. You have all you need in yourself. What you may lack, however, is a will to work hard. However, it's an illusion that a partner would make it any easier.
It may be time to let go of some emotional belief(s) you have about yourself. (Surrounding cards may offer clues as to what this/these may be.) This will make room for a new, more creative relationship with yourself and many other folk.
Stay conscious of both yours (and your partner's, as much as possible) inner life during this complicated effort. It will lighten the load for yourself and possibly your partner as well.
Collaboration/partnership has more to do with a fluid sharing and developing of skills and insights, than clinging to pre-established "job descriptions." A collaboration/partnership is in itself a creative process.
There may be no concrete reward/result from all the hard work you and your partner put into this project. However, lessons about balance and sharing should not be minimized. In fact, they could be the underlying purpose of the work.
Listen to your better half. No, not your spouse, but that still small voice within you.
You have the opportunity to develop your ability to collaborate, while working on a project that means a lot to you both.
Nostalgia: lifting cups in a toast to times past.
This is a very promising project. Think long and hard about it. This should eventually trigger your intuition as to whom you might best approach to work on it with you.
Be open to pleasant surprises at this time. Things big and small that may lift your spirit.
Reach out to others and the world as if you were a very young child, with no fear of rejection and with the same joy and curiosity. See how the world begins to glow!
Harking back to the idea of the Two of Cups as a mini-Lovers card, I'll close with the opening line of a poem in e.e. cumming's collection, 100 Selected Poems: "love's function is to fabricate unknownness..."
And a last quick aside: the newest deck in my collection is the delightfully surprising Ghost Tarot, which I look forward to posting samples from soon.
[aka: Patricia Kelly]
****If you wish to copy or use any of my writing, please email me for permission (under "View my complete profile")**** SEE ALSO: United Haiku and Tanka Society (UHTS) (charter member); Roswila's Dream & Poetry Realm for Tarot poetry; Roswila's Taiga Tarot for taiga (illustrated tanka); Trying to Hold A Box of Light for digital photos only.
I've always had a special fondness for the Thoth 2C, even making the below little sketch (way back in the day) for the upper left hand corner of my "Tarot Consulting & Teaching" business card. I had it printed on white stock that had a rather parchment like texture. This scan is the only thing I have left of that old card and was done on an old not so hot scanner I had back then, and "blown up" today for this posting, so please forgive the quality:
The below 2C is from the brooding and rich Bohemian Gothic Tarot:
And next below is the 2C from a decidedly odd deck whose designs can make me smile and sometimes shiver, a deck I return to every once in a while, The Terrestrial Tarot:
Last, for COMPARISON, here's the 2C in the well-known Rider/Waite/Smith deck:
THE TWO OF CUPS: After this post about the 2C I have only one left of the 78 cards on which to make an in-depth post. I kept hoping to accumulate some "meanings" for the 2C but -- as with the King of Pentacles just recently covered here -- it just wasn't happening. Of the 78 cards there are many others I might have imagined not making notes on over the years I've been doing this blog. However, not having amassed "meanings" doesn't indicate it didn't appear in my readings. Just that it did not offer up any new twists or leanings when it did. BTW, I used the same approach to garner "meanings" for the 2C as I did with the recalcitrant King of Pentacles: I pulled cards at random asking for 2C aspects. That process then seeded a later spontaneous rising of more "meanings." Lastly, I find it interesting that this card of positive partnering (a traditional 2C meaning) should be up for posting at this time. This aspect of the 2C is particularly crucial for me right now with respect to working with myself. There are many ways in which this is true. The most obvious being my on-going health project. E.g., I've lost 70 lbs. to date and am still going, slowly and steadily.
MEANINGS/INSIGHTS/READINGS FOR THE TWO OF CUPS, SOME LESS COMMON OR EVEN QUIRKY -- Please note: The below is not intended to be an exhaustive exploration of this card; a quick google will produce a wider variety of takes should you not be familiar with it. (Given my heavy reliance on projection of my feelings and experiences onto the cards, I recognize that I may very well reveal more about myself here than I do about any particular card. However, this is exactly my point: I use the cards as a path to self-discovery and healing. I hope what I post here that comes out of that process will be useful in some way to other seekers.):
Sometimes referred to as the mini-Lovers (VI) card. Though I've far more often had it indicate an alliance, partnership, friendship, or collaboration.
Are the possible negative consequences of cheating on or betraying this partnership worth the emotional thrill that will only burn out?
You can have the emotional balance you seek. If you are willing to give up on controlling what it should be like. Meet each moment as an equal partner and not as something to be micro-managed or molded.
It's important to have your own back right now. Others have not been and won't be very supportive (to say the least) around this project/issue. And you need to shore yourself up in your own most positive fashion.
Is this a real situation? Or just a compelling emotional scenario you're creating for yourself?
Important to be as clear as possible on your mental attitude toward this new partnership, as well as that of your possible partner. The emotional highs being shared could distort crucial information.
Just say "no" to the offer. It may be scary or hard for some reason to do so. But it's much better than backing out later.
Don't be hoodwinked by smiles and flowers -- and even other people's honest belief. If it's not right for you, it's not.
Yes, they are asking too much of you. But don't worry that saying no will be a hardship for them. Needy people have a way of getting their needs met, one way or another. Just take care of yourself right now.
Be prepared. This partnership may not work out. Especially if a third party becomes too present in the process. No shame, no blame. Just maintain your integrity no matter what you decide to do.
One way to deal with this confusion is to partner with a new understanding of it as a creative ferment.
Reflect on what it would mean to partner with someone. There are advantages and disadvantages, and many unknowns. Are you ready for the risky ride?
Things are rarely 50/50 in a partnership. A trust needs to develop on part of both that each is doing their best, with the varying skills and talents each brings to it. And that what most counts are the results of their mutual focus and effort, not keeping a balance sheet.
Do you really want a partner in this effort? Partnering will require energy and time you might better put to use on the work itself.
You do not need a partner for this work. You have all you need in yourself. What you may lack, however, is a will to work hard. However, it's an illusion that a partner would make it any easier.
It may be time to let go of some emotional belief(s) you have about yourself. (Surrounding cards may offer clues as to what this/these may be.) This will make room for a new, more creative relationship with yourself and many other folk.
Stay conscious of both yours (and your partner's, as much as possible) inner life during this complicated effort. It will lighten the load for yourself and possibly your partner as well.
Collaboration/partnership has more to do with a fluid sharing and developing of skills and insights, than clinging to pre-established "job descriptions." A collaboration/partnership is in itself a creative process.
There may be no concrete reward/result from all the hard work you and your partner put into this project. However, lessons about balance and sharing should not be minimized. In fact, they could be the underlying purpose of the work.
Listen to your better half. No, not your spouse, but that still small voice within you.
You have the opportunity to develop your ability to collaborate, while working on a project that means a lot to you both.
Nostalgia: lifting cups in a toast to times past.
This is a very promising project. Think long and hard about it. This should eventually trigger your intuition as to whom you might best approach to work on it with you.
Be open to pleasant surprises at this time. Things big and small that may lift your spirit.
Reach out to others and the world as if you were a very young child, with no fear of rejection and with the same joy and curiosity. See how the world begins to glow!
Harking back to the idea of the Two of Cups as a mini-Lovers card, I'll close with the opening line of a poem in e.e. cumming's collection, 100 Selected Poems: "love's function is to fabricate unknownness..."
And a last quick aside: the newest deck in my collection is the delightfully surprising Ghost Tarot, which I look forward to posting samples from soon.
* * * *
'til next time, keep enjoying The Tarot, in whatever ways it comes to you in your life,
[aka: Patricia Kelly]
****If you wish to copy or use any of my writing, please email me for permission (under "View my complete profile")**** SEE ALSO: United Haiku and Tanka Society (UHTS) (charter member); Roswila's Dream & Poetry Realm for Tarot poetry; Roswila's Taiga Tarot for taiga (illustrated tanka); Trying to Hold A Box of Light for digital photos only.
Labels: Bohemian Gothic Tarot, The Terrestrial Tarot, The Thoth Tarot, Two of Cups
posted by Roswila at 10:43 AM
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