The Meaning of
the "Three of Cups" Tarot Card

Three women dance in a celebration, their arms entwined about each other; their cups raised in a toast. A bountiful harvest of fresh fruits and vegetables lies on the ground at their feet.

The three women reference the mythological Three Graces, or the Three Fates, depending on your point of view. Garlands adorn the hair of two of the women, and the third's is secured into a ponytail. All are the picture of feminine beauty.

One gown is white, one pink, and one red. Signifying two extremes and one middle position.

The Three of Cups does not represent the traditional celebration of the Four of Wands, but a natural, relaxed celebration among friends.

When the Three of Cups appears in a reading, it's often a reference to a gathering of besties. The card hits notes of laughter, high spirits, and like-minded people.

It's often a reference to a gathering of good friends. The card hits notes of laughter, high spirits, and like-minded people.

In most cases the Three of Cups references an informal gathering, but it may also represent a more formal event: A birthday, a baby shower, a wedding or an event with an organization or club.

This Minor Arcana card is also a very creative one: It often symbolizes a gathering around some new project or creative endeavor.

Generally speaking, the card is a very positive one. It represents solid friendships, and the ability to share both emotionally and spiritually with those around you. Healthy, well-rounded individuals are indicated here, who openly celebrate their desires and achievements rather than suppressing them.

The card is strongly feminine — but may also represent feminine energies at work, and not women specifically.

The Three of Cups Inverted

The Three of Cups reversed can have a few different meanings:

In most cases this reversed card indicates a pulling back from socializing, and a period of alone time or more solitary activity.

The reversed position is still very creative, but it typically represents a solo-endeavor or a personal project of some kind.

In some cases, the card may serve as a gentle warning — perhaps you've spent so much time thinking of your group that you've forgotten yourself. Perhaps a period of self-focused activity is in order.

Perhaps you've spent so much time thinking of your group that you've forgotten yourself.

Lastly, in a relationship reading or love reading, the Three of Cups may occasionally indicate the influence of a third person — either positively or negatively. For more insight into who this third person is, be sure to draw a clarifying card or examine the surrounding cards in the tarot spread.