The Two of Cups is one of the Minor Arcana of a traditional tarot deck, and is packed with symbolism, meaning and potent imagery. In divinatory tarot, the Two of Cups is usually interpreted as a symbol of love, mutual nurturing, deep compassion, and empathy. It is typically considered to be a pleasant tarot card associated with partnership and cooperation.
In the Rider-Waite deck, the most popular tarot deck in the English speaking world, the Two of Wands displays a man and a woman, both of whom are surprisingly androgynous, each holding a golden chalice. Both of them are wearing wreaths as crowns. A caduceus rises between their cups, and the winged head of a lion rests at the top of the card. The landscape behind them is peaceful and green, and includes a cottage on a hilltop.
The selection of colors in the Two of Cups itself speaks for the meaning of the tarot card. He wears orange and she wears blue; his wreath is red while hers is green-- a pattern known in art theory as the use of complimentary, or opposite, colors. This, along with the union of masculine and feminine principles, indicates that the Two of Cups represents harmony and love rising from the union of opposite forces.
The caduceus formed between the exchange in the Two of Cups can be interpreted as another expression of the union of opposites, creating a beautiful entwining of energies; not surprisingly, it has also been viewed as a symbol of sexuality. The head of the lion, a traditional symbol of courage, is seen by some tarot readers as a sign of the bravery involved in falling in love.
The Two of Cups is usually viewed as a very pleasant tarot card that symbolizes the passion of falling in love, and the harmony associated with reconciling differences. Usually interpreted as an expression of romantic love, it can also be seen to indicate unity and forgiveness between two past foes. The specific meaning of the card will likely depend on the question being posed by the tarot reading's subject.
When reversed, the Two of Cups is viewed as a signal of unhealthy or obsessive love-- often, a romantic relationship that began too fast or excluded all outsiders. The reversed Two of Cups is often associated with a romantic attraction so passionate or obsessive that it drains all time and energy away from friends, family, and past goals. It is a warning to alter the current path of the relationship. While the Two of Cups is generally a pleasant card, it also presents a dire warning when it is drawn in reverse.
