Introduction
The Three of Cups is a card of emotional accomplishment. The difficult teenage years have been navigated, so this is a place of being comfortable with our true selves. If this card represented a particular age, it would be the early twenties, when we are forming bonds and have yet to experience the extremes of emotion that may lie ahead. Emotional connections are very important, as we learn to relate to others and give and receive support. This is the age of innocence and beauty.
Imagery
Three young ladies dance together, holding their golden chalices high above their heads. The girls wear flowing dresses of white (for purity), deep orange-red (for vitality) and yellow (for joy). They are surrounded by flowers, fruit, and produce. It is a very happy scene.
General Meanings
As a Three, this card indicates the end of a life cycle. However, it is a happy end and a joyous new beginning. There may be a celebration, a graduation ceremony or just a girls’ night out to release tension and have fun. The Three of Cups is about harmony, shared experiences, emotional support and the growth we feel when creating new friendships and reinforcing established ones. This card advises us that we need to take time out of the daily grind and let our hair down with some good company.
The reversed Three of Cups can indicate a party getting out of hand, a dreadful hangover, or a falling-apart of friendship. It could also reflect that one person is dominating the group, and there might be an element of bullying taking place. If it turns up in a relationship reading, infidelity could be a factor to consider.
Interpretations in Various Areas of Life
Work
Work doesn’t feel like work. You are waking up in the morning and looking forward to your day, being with your colleagues and achieving your daily tasks. Some office or work party may be on the agenda.
Job searches can be rewarding if you approach them with a light heart. Don’t take it too seriously. Yes, finding a job is important, but you need to be able to enjoy it as well. Ask around with people you know; they may have heard of a suitable vacancy.
Should this card appear with the Eight of Pentacles, then a training course with co-workers may be likely. Expect to have fun.
Love
Love is in the air — although it might be connected to friendship, rather than a new romance. You could be meeting lots of new potential love interests, but it’s all about fun rather than commitment. You spend time discussing your love life with friends.
If you are in a long-term relationship, you could need a night off. Go somewhere with a close friend. Enjoy yourself, and your partner should do the same. Everyone needs a bit of breathing space now and then.
This card is wonderful for a struggling relationship. Let go of your bickering and quarrels for just one night. Go out with the simple goal of having fun. This is not “working at it”; it’s about letting go and seeing where it takes you.
Finances
Money hardly figures at this time. It’s flowing in nicely, and you don’t have to think about it too much. You can ignore your investments; they are doing fine without your close supervision.
If you are sticking to a budget because money is tight, then you will find wonderful opportunities to have fun at little cost. Family barbecues, drinks at a friend’s place, pot-luck dinners, picnics and even thrift store shopping sprees are great fun when shared with a bunch of people you love.
Health
The Three of Cups tells you to get up and dance. Doesn’t matter if you can only sway to music — get that energy going and put a big smile on your face. A glass of wine will do wonders; make sure not to over-indulge.
Spirituality
The Three of Cups tells you to expect company on your next spiritual adventure. It could be that you meet a guide or angel during meditation. Perhaps you are involved in a church-like organization? You will feel a deep kinship with the people who are sharing this path with you. Anticipate everything to be lighter and more joyful.
