The 3 of Cups appears as the third card in the suit of Cups, and while its predecessor, the 2 of Cups, focused on a connection between two people, the 3 of Cups focuses on groups and how they make us feel.
This is a beautiful card for friendship and community. It is a card to celebrate and forge connections with others that bring joy and happiness.
Cups are emotions, so when the 3 of Cups appears it is a sign that these particular connections are stirring up some powerful emotions within.
What does the 3 of cups mean?
In Tarot readings, the 3 of Cups can have several meanings:
- Celebrations
- Friendship
- Getting together with like-minded people
- Trust others
- Be in a good mood
- Feeling on top of the world
- Feeling confident
- To share
- Form a group
- Connection with others
- Support groups
- Neighborhood groups
- To collaborate
What does the 3 cups mean in love and relationships?
The 3 of Cups is generally a positive sign in reading love and relationships.
If this card appears in the position of feelings, it indicates that the person feels a good connection with another. This isn’t necessarily romantic. The 3 of cups is a card of friendship, so the feelings can be platonic.
However, the foundation of a strong relationship always includes friendship, so this is a good card for someone’s feelings as it shows positive emotions and a sense of trust.
If the card appears in the position of how someone sees you, it shows that they see you as someone who makes them feel happy. When they are with you, they feel comfortable in your company and enjoy the atmosphere you give them.
For what someone wants from you, the 3 of Cups shows that they are looking for friendship from you. This may or may not indicate that there is something romantic involved, as they may just want something platonic. Drawing additional cards can help clarify the meaning of the 3 of Cups in this context.
Read this next: What is the Tarot trying to tell you in a love reading?
What does the 3 of Cups mean in a career reading?
In a career readingThe 3 of Cups indicates that you are in a good place in your life and that there is an excellent sense of teamwork.
This card indicates that you are most likely to flourish career-wise if you participate in group activities.
It sends the message that the more you embrace group activities and teamwork, the more success you will experience. A career talk emphasizes that one of your greatest strengths is the energy you bring to a group environment.
What about the 3 of Cups as an obstacle?
As an obstacle card is the 3 of cups indicates that there is a problem concerning you and others that is not being resolved properly.
There may be someone – you or someone else – who is not opening up. As an obstacle card, the 3 of Cups indicates problems with social connections, possibly due to social anxiety or a sense of inadequacy.
There is also the possibility that you may feel left out. If the card falls into the obstacle position and surrounding cards, such as the 5 of Pentacles or the 10 of Wands, are present, it strengthens this interpretation.
What about the 3 of cups in reverse order?
Like a reverse cardthe 3 of Cups indicates loneliness and a desire to do things alone.
If this card is drawn during a relationship reading, it indicates that the individual wants to withdraw. They feel like they need time and space for themselves.
Reversed in a relationship reading, this card can also indicate a love triangle and possibly infidelity. If cards such as the 7 of Swords or the Moon are present in the reading, the reversed 3 of Cups can highlight dishonesty in a relationship.
When this card is drawn in reverse, the energies are turned upside down. It could be cancellations, celebrations gone wrong, or negative feelings replacing positive ones.
Read this next: Everything you need to know about reversed tarot cards
How to make the 3 cups work for you
To make this card work for you, try these positive affirmations morning and evening to strengthen the energy in your life:
- Life has to be lived, and I am happy
- It’s not the years in your life that count; it is life in your years
- I am filled with joy and gratitude
- I like working in a team
- I am a team player and contribute to our success
- Nothing can bring me down
- I appreciate the little things in life
The power of celebration, joy and trust
Ultimately, this is what the 3 of Cups is about. It is one of the luckiest cards in the deck. Those moments when you’re chilling with friends or having a conversation with your colleagues that makes everyone giggle or those moments when you get good news and you’re jumping with joy – this is it 3 of cups energy.
Sometimes the little things in life bring us the most joy. One habit that we humans often fall into is the tendency to sink into the negative. But the truth is that we can change our own energetic vibrations from negative to positive, and sometimes all it takes is to focus on those little things in life that give us a boost of joy.
So spend some time talking to friends, hanging out at a local social group, writing poetry, and focusing on your dreams and ambitions – stay positive, and the energy of the 3 of Cups will continue to grow stronger!
Related article: You’ve drawn the 2 cups – what now?
