Dec 20, 2020
Seven of Cups: Dreams and Illusions
As we approach the holidays, I have mixed feelings. I think the optimist in me, the romantic in me, makes me cling on to hope that it will be a wonderful time despite everything this year has been. I look forward to holiday traditions that I can create even if it’s just the few of us that are around town this year.
The other side of this, is that annoying pessimistic sad-sack, who would rather sulk and mope and put a damper on things. Perhaps, I need to try to control that side better because honestly I’m fed up with it. So there. I will be happy despite everything, because I am fortunate and should be grateful!
What you see: A man in the shadows with his back turned looks at seven cups filled with various things, floating on clouds. There is a head, a person covered in a shroud and glowing, a snake, a castle, jewels, a laurel wreath with a skull below it, and a red dragon.
What it means: The man is contemplating various goals or motivations — they are illusions as represented by clouds: the fair maiden’s head signifies love or a relationship, the jewels offer material wealth, the wreath of victory, the castle of security and luxury, the serpent of rebirth, the red dragon offers spiritual magic and the veiled person symbolizes unknown desires.
The story: The Seven of Cups represents searching for purpose; it could also mean daydreaming but still signifies the things in life that we want or seek.
Reversed meaning: Reversed, the card represents being overwhelmed by choices or having a lack of purpose.
Reflection: The card reflects dreams and the things that keep us going and make life worthwhile. Though the various things within the cups may seem shallow or don’t represent all human motivations, it does capture the big ones: security and comfort, a sense of belonging, money and power, love, immortality, self actualization and nirvana.
My research sources:
A Complete Guide to the Tarot, Eden Gray, 1970
Tarot Card Meanings, Biddy Tarot
Card Meanings, Labyrinthos
Root Lock Radio: A Tarot Podcast
