Two of Cups
Two hearts meet as equals. A bond of mutual respect and affection forms.
- Card
- Minor Arcana · Cups (Water)
- Upright keywords
- Mutual love, Partnership, Harmony, Union
- Reversed keywords
- Misunderstanding, Discord, One-sided feelings, Imbalance
- Yes or no
- Leans yes
Traditional correspondences Golden Dawn: Lord of Love / Thoth: Love / 1st decan of Cancer · Venus / Sephirah: Chokmah (Wisdom)
Upright meaning
Feelings are mutual. A harmonious partnership forms.
A young man and woman exchange cups, and above them rises a winged lion’s head over the staff of Hermes. The Two of Cups is the card of connection between equals: mutual attraction, partnership, reconciliation, a friendship that clicks. Upright, the feeling is shared. It is a lovely card for romance, but also for business partnerships built on trust.
Reversed meaning
Feelings are out of step. Check whether the relationship is balanced.
Reversed, the connection wobbles. One person may care more than the other, communication may break down or there may be a rift. Talk honestly about what each of you needs, and whether the balance can be restored.
For ways of reading reversed cards, see how to read reversals.
Love
Mutual love, a new relationship or a deepening commitment.
Imbalance, a misunderstanding or a break. Talk openly.
Work
A good partnership, a contract or teamwork.
Disagreement with a partner. Clarify roles.
Money
Shared finances or a fair deal.
Unequal arrangements. Rebalance.
Relationships
A close friendship or reconciliation.
Falling out. Reach out to mend things.
Health
Support from someone close helps.
Stress from relationship issues.
Tarot does not diagnose physical conditions. If you have symptoms that worry you, please see a doctor.
Mind and spirit
Union of opposites within you.
Inner conflict between head and heart.
As a person
A partner, soulmate or close friend.
Someone you are out of step with.
Timing
A meeting or deepening bond comes within weeks. In the calendar, late June to early July is also a guide (roughly June 21 to July 1).
Advice
Meet the other person as an equal.
Restore balance through honest talk.
Questions to ask yourself
- What does this relationship give me?
- Do I give and receive equally?
- What do I need to say?
A common misreading
The Two of Cups isn’t only romantic. It means any relationship of mutual respect and affection.
The story of this card
Two brings the Ace’s love into relationship. The single cup becomes two, exchanged between people.
The Waite deck’s picture and symbols
In the Waite deck a young couple exchange cups. Above them the caduceus of Hermes is topped by a winged lion’s head, a symbol of passion and harmony.
History and differences between traditions
Many older decks show only two cups with decorative flowers. Waite and Smith turned it into a scene of pledging love.
Words for today
I welcome relationships of equals.
I speak honestly to restore balance.