Tristan and Isolt

 

"By the time they had finished drinking they loved each other so well that their love never more might leave them."


A youth and maiden are pledging one another, and above their cups rises the Caduceus of Hermes, between the great wings of which there apprears a lion's head. It is a variant of a sign which is found in a few old examples of this card. Some curious emblematical meanings are attached to it, but they do not concern us in this place.--A.E. Waite


A man and woman hold their cups toward each other in a toast. Their eyes meet, conveying a look of mutual trust, repect, and understanding. They both wear similar wreaths symbolizing the joining of opposites in a victorious celebration. Overhead a winged lion's head appears over a staff upon which two snakes entwine. The lion represents the animal nature, the wings holy origin. The snakes entwine to symbolize a pact or joint agreement. Together the image implies the union was heaven blessed, a fateful partnership.--Susan Hansson


The harmonious Two of Ghosts illustrates a happy, open flow of emotions and communication--a blossoming new friendship or love, or perhaps a reconciliation.
The winged cat reflects the traditional "lion of carnal desires," but also takes on the meaning of a winged messenger. This card could mean good news! The purple, two-headed snake represents a balance of good and evil, or simply the everyday push-and-pull, give-and-take of any relationship. In any case, no relationship worries here; this card spells nothing but harmony.--Karin Lee


The scene on the two of cups depicts the moment when two people discover passion between themselves. They may have been friends for a while; they may have just met. The future is unclear--and in this blissful moment, the lovers have no thought for it.
The two of cups can also signify the joyful beginning of a new friendship or the decision to commit to a relationship, whether business, romantic, or platonic.--Jean HuetsTristan and Isolt


The 2 of Cups can represent an engagement or commitment in a love relationship. Or, it also can mean less intensely, a friendship or business partnership. Harmony and good communication between two people are shown here, along with cooperation and unity. The querent will become more considerate of the other person in his life and compromises will be reached on issues that have been bothersome.--Janet Berres


The 2 of Cups also has a deeper meaning. Whenever two forces are drawn together, there is the potential for bonding. This card can stand for the union of any two entities such as groups, ideas, or talents. In readings, the 2 of Cups tells you to look for connections in your life, especially those that are one-on-one. Now is NOT the time to separate or stay apart. It is the time to join with another and work as a partnership. If you are in conflict, look for truce and the chance to forgive and be forgiven. If you are struggling with two choices or tendencies within yourself, seek to reconcile them.--Joan Bunning


In many way this card acts as a lesser version of the Lovers. While the trump shows the great power of mature sexual relationships the Minor card emphasizes the beginning of a relationship. ...
[T]he card shows how two people by uniting their separate qualities and abilities through love, produce something in their lives beyond what either would have achieved alone.

Reversed: In different ways the reversed card shows a breakdown of the ideals symbolized right side up. It can mean a love affair or friendship which has gone sour in some way, in particular because of jealousy and a breakdown of trust. It can mean simply the end of a relationship. ...
If we look at the card as signifying the self, then reversed indicates a split between what we do and what we feel, between action and emotion.--Rachel Pollack


It is important to be completely honest and to trust the other personwith your feelings. Only when we flow like the water around each other and really open up to each other's love can the intense trust develop that gives us all the freedom to be who we really are.--Alexandra Genetti



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Images: Tristan and Isolt by Lancelot Speed and Aubrey Beardsley, respectively.
For sources, see the Bibliography and Credits page.
http://www.moonchild.ch/Tarot/minors/cups/c02/c02vision.html