A white gloved hand emerges from a cloud holding a golden chalice. The absolute lack of color of the hand expresses that we are starting at the very beginning. The cup has five streams of water flowing outward into a calm, blue lake. The water is symbolic of cleaning the body, the baptism of Christ and the essence of life. According to Faith Javane and Dusty Bunker in their book, Numerology and the Divine Triangle, “It [five] might be called the pivotal point in which the ions, now encased in flesh and form, must decide upon their future in the rest of the cycle 6 through 9. (pg.11). The interpretation is that the Ace of Cups indicates the formation and now it’s time to decide where to take that formation.

Doves are universally a symbol throughout the entire world. The message of love, unity and peace connects the entire world. In the Ace of Cups, a white dove descends into the chalice with a wafer. These are mainly Catholic constructs, to represent the holy dove uniting with the flesh of Christ.

In the Bible, Noah sent the dove, Columba, out as a messenger to find if land was near. One day the dove brough back an olive branch and since then the olive branch has been a symbol of safety and peace. The United States took Columba from the Bible and made her a secret feminine counterpart to the American bald eagle.

Doves are symbolic to Muslims as having a direct connection to God, no doubt probably taken out of Christian documents. Muhammed was said to speak to doves in the form of the Holy Spirit. Purposeful dove nests are set up in Mecca since they have a direct link to Allah. The God of Abraham is threaded through out the traditional Rider-Waite tarot deck.

The constellation Columba is the Latin word for dove. It’s a small, faint constellation the famous astrologer, Lori Lothian of LunaticAstrology.com, knows a lot about. Her astrological work focuses on minor asteroids and stars. This is beyond the scope of this particular blog, but feel free to check out Lori’s YouTube channel and content.

Three bells are attached to the chalice. Bells are universal symbols that come up all around the world with the same meaning: To communicate with the spirit realm. Bells are used to call to God or for heavenly angels to ward off demons.

There are three bells in the Rider-Waite deck because in Christian churches the bells are rung three times to signal that the church is ready for worship, announcing to the spiritual realm to fill the church with its heavenly light and to calm the worshippers with the peaceful sound and the vibration the sound makes in a cathedral. Three is the holy trinity: The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit. 

Baby pink water lilies float that the bottom of the expansive water. We know they are babies because European water lilies start out as pink, but turn white as they age. Here is the nascent emphasizes placed on the Ace of Cups. The card is ripe for manifestation. Where will you take it? Source: https://www.britannica.com/plant/water-lily

The Ace of Cups represents the manifestation of our heart into the physical. There are 26 yods that resemble droplets of water. Twenty-six is the number associated with the Page of Wands. This reinforces the divinatory meaning of the Ace of Cups as a messenger, unlike the other Aces in the Minor Arcana.

The water represents our emotions, subconscious desires, and love. Think about how water takes representation in astrology. The High Priestess Tarot Card discusses water in length.

Many of the symbolism was found in Adele Nozedar’s book, “The Illustrated Signs and Symbols Sourcebook: An A to Z compendium of over 1000 designs.”

All Aces are about the possibility of something amazing happening. The universe is giving you a gift, but it’s up to you to take the lead and run with it. Do not take this moment for granted. When dealing with the Ace of Cup, it is the right time to get in touch with how you are feeling emotionally. Emotions are what manifestations are all about. Every manifestation starts with the feeling.

Ace of Cups speaks of unconditional love, acceptance and forgiveness. Self-love and self-care are part of unconditionally loving yourself. If you are having a hard time forgiving someone, this is the right time to release that burden. Don’t allow other people’s feelings to take you somewhere dark. Forgive, accept the person or situation won’t change and move on. The Ace of Cups with all its holy water is cleansing you.

The Ace of Cups can indicate a burst of over flowing new emotions. It can be any intense emotional feeling such as the love for a new baby, romantic love or the love you feel when you give a gift from the heart. You may even have a fantastic new idea or creative expression that leaves you with overwhelming feelings and emotions.

The Ace of Cups can also signal a new baby or the conception of a new baby. It’s the type of pregnancy that results from the love of two people.

Ace of Cups represents the feelings of love, not the action that we take when we feel love.

Physical Representation of the Ace of Cups 

Coming soon

In the traditional Celtic Cross Tarot Spread, often the card you place over the Situation Card will reveal whether the crux of the situation is an obstacle (hindering) or helping (strengtheing).  This placement is the second card drawn in a traditional Celtic Cross Tarot Spread. 

Ace of Cups as a Strength

When you get the Ace of Cups in a Celtic Cross as the crossing card to strengthen the dynamic in the reading, you need to use the full strength of your pure emotions. The Ace of Cups is pure, raw and unadulterated emotions. Emotions are the foundation of the human experience. Manifestation of desires are brought about by intense levels of emotional output. Use it wisely and the rewards will be plentiful.

Coming soon

If you happen to be in a situation where alimony, inheritance or any settlements are coming your way, they are yours for the taking. Money is a huge factor in the outcome of the Nine of Pentacles.

When asking about your life in general, the Nine of Pentacles connects to the Hermit and Empress. If we mix these energies, we see a woman who needs solitude, serenity and a tranquil environment. Just like the Empress, she is in total control of the world inside her physical reality. The garden is lush and fruitful, she has tamed any wild beasts (falcon), which represents taming any overly emotional feelings that could thwart her focus on her inner world.

Your inner world is changing and so must the physical world. You’ll find yourself in a world that you have manifested through self-love, self-value and dedication. Find this energy in yourself as would the Hermit in his guiding light of serenity.

This card really is about mastery over the physical world using Venus and Mercury as your guiding stars. Mastery will be obtained by trusting your inner guidance and perseverance.

Ace of Cups and Chariot
a. Containing your emotions even though they feel like they are over flowing inside.

Ace of Cups and Two of Swords
a. “No, I will not return your love.”

Ace of Cups and Two of Cups
a. Overflowing with reciprocated love. The beginning stages of love.

Ace of Cups and Three of Cups
a. Overflowing of emotions while talking or meeting with a friend(s). The three could indicate an angry, manipulative, libertine values and love triangles. The over flow of emotions is extreme when water combines with water.
b. Just wanting to drink with your friends.

Ace of Cups and Six of Cups
a. Having an overwhelming desire to be with your children
b. Meeting with a soul mate for the first time.

Ace of Cups and Knight of Pentacles
a. The love grows and swells. It is strong and enduring.
b. He plants the seeds of love with careful deliberation.
c. She decides that love must grow and flourish between them. It can last with careful attention to detail.