"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 Huets
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
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
tarot
