This week, I’m choosing joy. And there is no more joyous a card in the tarot than the Three of Cups.
Arthur Waite's description of the Three of Cups describes its energy as so: "Maidens in a garden-ground with cups uplifted, as if pledging one another. Divinatory meanings: The conclusion of any matter in plenty, perfection and merriment; happy issue, victory, fulfillment, solace, healing." Pamela Coleman Smith’s imagery focus on the celebratory aspect, the bounty and blessing of it, how we find a necessary joy in being with our circle of support, especially friends and other found family.
The Three of Cups from the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot — image by Pamela Coleman Smith
This is a card of community, specifically the close-knit circle of like-minded friends. People you are comfortable laughing with. Of course, these are the same friends who will be there during tears, but the Three of Cups symbolizes the happy times, the shared joy, that is also a part of relationships.
But there's a deeper octave to this card. Sure, it's good to take a break and celebrate life with your friends. It's hard to consider this a necessity. We writers are a solitary lot because there is so much work to be done — the inbox! the deadlines! the blogs that need writing! And since we're also upper management in this endeavor, allocating time to enjoyment seems frivolous. But it is vital to our work, and even more vital to our hearts (which, of course, are necessary for our work).
There is a sense of promise to this card as well. We humans raise our glasses for lots of reasons: to toast, to honor, but also to pledge. That's what our women are doing in this card — pledging and promising to be there for each other, and to hold each other to that pact. To help each other remember. And re-member.
The Three of Cups can appear in your life in lots of surprising ways — like three flowers in three vases — reminding you that meaningful connections are all around you.
Image courtesy Elena G @lelena_g
This week, re-member with your community, with the people who keep you sane and joyful in your work, who remind you of who you are, who toast your successes and console you on your losses. The people who are your connection to what matters: your own circle of belonging.
I raise my chalice to each and every one of you. Thank you for joining me on this tarot journey, however you have come to it. I am glad to have you.
PS: If you’d like to learn the basics of tarot or explore your own fresh start this spring, check out my tarot store for 20%-50% savings on select readings. Sale ends May 31st.