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Nine of Cups Meaning - Tarot Card Meanings

By Tina Gong

Published

Nine of Cups Keywords

Upright Keywords Reversed Keywords
wishes coming true, contentment, satisfaction, success, achievements, recognition, pleasure unhappiness, lack of fulfilment, disappointment, underachievement, arrogance, snobbery
Skip to Upright Meaning Skip to Reversed Meaning
Nine of Cups Meaning - Original Rider Waite Tarot Depiction

Nine of Cups Tarot Card Description

In this card, a middle-aged man is sitting on a wooden bench while his arms are crossed, and his face are showing quite a level of contentment. He is dressed elegantly and has the look of the true satisfaction. The head-dress on his head is red, and is a depiction of his active mind. At his background, you will notice there are nine golden cups, structured and arranged in an orderly manner. The Nine of Cups symbolizes a representation of fulfillment and success, both spiritually and materially. The man shows that expression of success after achieving his innermost desire.

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Upright Nine of Cups Meaning

After a long journey, the Nine of Cups symbolizes the finding of self-satisfaction. The emotional journey of the cups is starting to come to a close after the volatile ups and downs you faced in the earlier numbers of this suit. You have struggled to find purpose and joy after loss, you have tasted the different things that life offers, and you have left comfort in order to find greater heights. Here, you have found them, and you are indulging yourself as you celebrate this new stage of your life.

When we look at the Nine of Cups, it can initially seem like one of the most pleasant cards that may appear during a reading. This is also referred as the wish card, which means that the things that you desire for, or your most perfect dream is bound to happen. The Nine of Cups is normally associated with extreme happiness and satisfaction. 

The Nine of Cups is normally associated with extreme happiness and satisfaction.

With regards to your work, there is a good change that something wonderful will happen in your workplace. It is time for you to push on your stalled project or if you have a something that you desire greatly, there is a possibility that you will finally achieve it. It also holds a positive meaning when it comes to love. Your romantic relationship with someone is destined to reach a new level. In case you are still single, this is the time to socialize with new people.

In terms of finances, the Nine of Cups is also a positive messenger. It can mean that the financial state that you are hoping for will soon be achieved. In your health, the test that you have to undergo will lead to positive result. The good energy that you are receiving at the moment should be used to improve your health habits.

Upright Love Meaning Upright Career Meaning Upright Finances Meaning
appreciating current love life, positivity leading to romance, cheerful romance satisfying career, recognition and respect at work, avoid being overconfident abundance, financial comfort, financial security, material rewards

Upright 9 of Cups Tarot Love Meaning

Appreciate what you have when the 9 of Cups appears in a love tarot reading. Wishes here are meant to come true, and it is best to look forwards to the future with gratitude. There is much to celebrate, and if you’re single, love can be found at parties and other happy gatherings. Go and enjoy yourself; now is not the time to be calculating or strategizing about your goals, but instead simply have fun. Lightheartedness can draw others to you. If you’re in a relationship, you’ll find that your love life will feel more cheerful and sweet. This can be a great moment to feel closer with your partner.

Career Meaning - Upright 9 of Cups

When it comes to your career, the nine of cups signifies that you may be able to find respect and recognition in your field. Whatever projects you start now may be easy to finish, and the skill you demonstrate in completing them can also earn you much praise. If you’re looking to advance in your career, this can be an excellent time to ask for a raise or promotion. People will likely be more receptive to these requests now than in the past or, potentially, in the future. Take advantage of this moment. Overconfidence is never wise, but do not be shy or bashful now. You have worked hard for this recognition. 

Finances Meaning - Upright 9 of Cups

The nine of cups signifies wishes granted, and when it comes to your finances, this card can suggest that you have everything that you need. This card signals fortune, feeling content and financial security. If you’ve been working hard, you’ll find that you can be generously rewarded. Take the time to enjoy this moment; you have earned it.

Nine of Cups Reversal Meaning

When the Nine of Cups is reversed, you need to think more carefully about the things that you really want in your life. The Nine of Cups reversed can signify that you are looking for a more authentic feeling of fulfillment.

Your path has been a hard one, and you've arrived at a period where you may have the appearance of fulfillment, but something else is missing. This may outwardly appear as smugness, and can indicate your desire to receive attention and recognition for all that you have achieved. But you personally still feel dissatisfaction in yourself - it seems as though your desires are never-ending, a black hole. Where does this stem from? In what parts of yourself are you lacking confidence?

The Nine of Cups reversal denotes that it is time for you to stop placing a value on all your blessings, and instead pay attention to the quality of your life. The true treasures lie in your relationships with your family, friends, and community.

Reversed Love Meaning Reversed Career Meaning Reversed Finances Meaning
lack of deeper connection, superficial relationship, inner work needed dream job not what you expected, career expectations not met failed financial goals, no returns on investing your resources

Reversed 9 of Cups Tarot Love Meaning

With the reversed 9 of Cups tarot love meaning, you may find that you your relationship ticks all the boxes, and looks great on paper, but it still feels as though something is missing. Perhaps you and your partner haven’t been as close as you would have wished; maybe there is a lack of a deeper connection. There’s no reason to fret, as this can be solved with earnest and intimate conversation. On the other hand, you may have been so wrapped up in getting into a relationship, that you haven’t noticed that it was you that needed to grow. Sometimes, we can get into a romance in order to distract us from the inner work that we must do in order to be happy. Without doing that inner work, regardless of the wonderful romances that come our way, that dissatisfaction will always stay.

Career Meaning - Reversed 9 of Cups

The reversed nine of cups can be an upsetting card for your career. As the upright card is considered the “wish card” of the tarot, in reverse, it can signify that something you’ve always dreamed of is quickly not turning out like how you imagined. You might have hoped that by opening a business or starting this new job that everything would be better, when the reality is as far from this as you could imagine. You may find that the work is harder, more tedious, or simply too much to handle. There may also be a lack of rewards, you may not be recognized for your efforts. Instead of feeling overjoyed about your new career path, you may instead feel disillusioned and disappointed. You may need to go back to the drawing board to make some changes.

Finances Meaning - Reversed 9 of Cups

When it comes to your financial situation, the reversed nine of cups can signal that your expectations were not met. Sometimes this can signal that something you’ve put your money towards did not turn out as hoped. If you made any big purchases, invested in something, or used that money to help a family member, the results weren’t quite what you had thought they would be. Alternatively, the reversed nine of cups might signal that your hopes for financial stability may not have yet happened. Be patient. Remember that you will have to earn those dreams. Focus on what you do have and how you can better work towards your goals.

Nine of Cups Tarot Cheat Sheet

Nine of Cups Meaning - Tarot Card Meanings Cheat Sheet. Art from Golden Thread Tarot.



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