The Page of Cups, also known as the Jack or Knave of Cups, is one of the Minor Arcana of a traditional tarot deck, and is full of detailed imagery and symbolism. In most forms of tarot deck, the Page of Cups is viewed as a symbol of imagination, reflection, and generous revelation of wisdom and insight.
In the Rider-Waite tarot deck, the Page of Cups stands in front of an ocean, wearing a fanciful pink and blue outfit. His tunic is adorned with images of pink lotuses, and holds a golden chalice in his hand. A blue fish rises out of the cup, making eye contact with the Page of Cups. The character appears content, and may seem to be in conversation with the fish.
In many tarot cards, including a few in the Suit of Cups, lilies and lotuses appear as symbols of divine light and spiritual awakening; the fruits of Heaven's waters growing on Earth. The Page of Cups wears the pink lotuses as signs of spiritual enlightenment and deep, profound wisdom. The fish, also an aquatic life form, also represents the waters of spirituality, and is in communication with the character in the tarot card.
The Page of Cups is seen as an omen for a time or pensiveness, self-seeking, and spiritual awakening. It also commands the querent of the tarot reading to be generous and loving with any foresight or wisdom that he or she might have. The Page of Cups is associated with the eager giving of important advice, in a friendly (not parental or condescending) manner.
Like all the Court Cards of the Minor Arcana in tarot, the Page of Cups might indicate an actual person-- an individual, not just a state of being. The context of the Page of Cups tarot card in a spread will usually reveal whether it refers to a person or a state of mind. When it indicates an individual, the Page of Cups almost always refers to a youthful woman or girl. She is most likely an Aquarius, or has the traits of one, and she is creative, loving, and generous.
The negative aspects of this card, which are pronounced much more strongly when the Page of Cups is drawn in reverse, include immaturity or excessive generosity. The Page of Cups gives freely and openly, often to those who are undeserving of trust, and may do so in a way that indicates an unreasonable expectation that the generosity be reciprocated. The Page of Cups can also indicate the abuse of sexual or emotional power to gain control over other people.
Despite its few negative aspects, which are rarely important matters unless the card is drawn in reverse, the Page of Cups is viewed as a positive and influential card. The subject of the tarot reading should carefully consider the importance of creativity, giving, and sharing in his or her life. The tarot card has likely appeared as a warning that these gifts are out of balance.
