The Meaning of
the "Page of Cups" Tarot Card
Tarot Quick Info
What is the inverted meaning of
the "Page of Cups"?
The Meaning of
Tarot Card
The Symbolism of the Page of Cups
The Page of Cups could be called the "comic relief" of the Tarot. In this somewhat absurd, playful image, a young man dressed entirely in bright pinks and blues, holds a cup with a fish's head emerging from it.
Behind the page, we see ocean waves of the fish's natural home — which contrasts with the absurdity of the fish in his cup. On his head he wears blue which mirrors the blue of the waves, and reinforces the water-theme of this card.
On his tunic is a repeating pattern of pink lotuses, which symbolize creativity and new ideas.
NOTE: There is some debate over whether the floral pattern on the Page of Cups' tunic is meant to represent tulips or lotuses. Lotus flowers which also appear on the Ace of Cups, symbolize the creative spirit, while tulips represent happiness and joy. Since the overall meaning of the card is new ideas and new ways of thinking, and since the lotus images mirror those on the creative Ace of Cups, we throw our vote in with lotuses — but the final interpretation is up to you.
The element of water is most commonly associated with creativity, emotion and intuition. It is also typically associated with femininity, which helps to highlight the feminine side of this young man.
How to Interpret Page of Cups
Like all court cards, the Page of Cups may represent an actual person, and not just a concept. The Page of Cups typically represents a creative, artistic or humorous person. Someone who loves the unexpected, and who lives in a world of new ideas and new concepts. He may be an artist or an actor, or someone working in a creative field.
When the Page of Cups appears in a tarot spread, it references new ideas, new ways of thinking and "out of the box" solutions.
The card reminds us to open our minds to new ways of thinking, and new ideas.
The card reminds us to open our minds to new ways of thinking, and new ideas. If the answer to a problem isn't obvious, it's time to think more creatively.
If creativity doesn't bring answers, the Page of Cups suggests that we should trust intution over logic. Once we open our minds to new ways of thinking, and new ways of seeing the univers, new options abound.
The Page of Cups is generally a very positive card, and carries overtones of new beginnings, new solutions, and messages from afar.
The Page of Cups Inverted
Sometimes when we need to think creatively or come up with new ideas, our own sense of self-doubt can be our worst enemy.
When the Page of Cups appears in a reversed orientation, we are reminded to dismiss self-doubt which can block creative thinking.
The reversed Page of Cups may suggest that creativity and new ideas are being blocked somehow.
Alternatively, the reversed Page of Cups may suggest that creativity and new ideas are being blocked somehow. There are many causes of creative block which can prevent us performing at our best.
Remember to surround yourself with positive thinking, and to be open to new ideas, new concepts and new solutions.
As with all court cards, the Page of Cups reversed may also reference a person: In this case it may reference a person who is childish or whose ideas are simplistic and uncreative.
Common Symbols Found On the Page of Cups Card
Tarot cards often use a language of symbols to illustrate additional information about the meaning of the card. The Page of Cups contains at least four well-known, repeating Tarot symbols. Each of these common symbols can add additional dimensions of interpretation to the card.
The symbols which appear on the Page of Cups card are:
Fish
Fish symbolism appears on the Page of Cups card:
If water imagery in Tarot symbology represents emotion and creativity, then the presence of fish represents an individual who is suited to living in a world of creativity and emotional depth. When a fish or fish pattern appears on a card featuring a person (as is the case on 3 court cards in the Cups suit), it can help to reinforce the meaning of a strongly creative man or woman — or a natural empath.
Water
Water symbolism appears on the Page of Cups card:
In Tarot imagery, water comes in multiple forms — ranging from rain, to sacred pools, to meandering rivers and streams, to wide seas and oceans. Although each one of these representations of water may imply a more specific meaning, water in the simplest terms symbolizes nourishment, emotion and our intuitive nature. Interestingly, water is more common in the Minor Arcana, and is very often (but not exclusively) linked to Cups cards.
Turbulent Water
Turbulent water symbolism appears on the Page of Cups card:
While all rivers, pools and seas in Tarot symbology represent creativity, emotional energy, or a connection with the spiritual, the presence of turbulent water in Tarot imagery represents some kind of an physical, emotional or psychological disturbance. Another way to look at turbulent water, is that it's unsettling and chaotic — requiring greater skill to navigate successfully.
Grey skies
Grey skies symbolism appears on the Page of Cups card:
The types of sky in Tarot imagery often hide subtle clues pointing to the message of each card. Grey-colored skies typically reflect a degree of uncertainty. This neutral colored sky is not foreboding, nor very positive.
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