Three of Cups Keywords

Upright Keywords	Reversed Keywords
friendship, community, gatherings, celebrations, group events, social events	gossip, scandal, excess, isolation, loneliness, solitude, imbalanced social life
Skip to Upright Meaning	Skip to Reversed Meaning

Three of Cups Tarot Card Description

When you draw the Three of Cups, you will see three women lifting their cups up in the air in a celebration of some sort. Good times are in the air, for the three ladies have wreaths made of flowers in their hair. Wreaths are often associated with success and victory, so their happiness is well deserved. The ladies are also seen standing on top of a field of flowers and fruit, further adding to the joyful feelings in this card. There are feelings of beauty, growth, compassion and happiness that the women share between each other.

An interesting note though, in the Rider-Waite the woman in the middle is turned away from the reader and her face hidden from view. However, the two other maidens are seen smiling.

Upright Three of Cups Meaning

The meaning behind the Three of Cups represents a period of happiness. You will be able to forget the worries of your daily life and spend quality time with family and friends.

To see the Three of Cups can indicate a happy reunion with a long lost friend, relative, or loved one. It can also mean a celebration, whether it is your own or for someone who you love. The event can be a birthday, wedding, or any other happy occasion. In general, it is about spending quality time with people you cherish in your life. 

The Three of Cups is about spending quality time with people you cherish in your life.

The three maidens represent your circle of friends who you turn to for love, compassion, and support when you need them the most. It can be old college buddies, colleagues at work, or people you have shared a special bond over the years.

If you've had problems with your social life, this card can signal the end of those hardships. You will be able to resolve differences and learn how to deal with the problem.

Upright Love Meaning	Upright Career Meaning	Upright Finances Meaning
friendship turning to romance, social gatherings leading to romance	planning a celebration at work, happy and joyous office environment	spending on social life, financial stability, reaching financial milestone

Upright 3 of Cups Tarot Love Meaning

The 3 of Cups tarot love meaning signals celebrations, friendships, and gatherings. If you’re single, you may have luck finding love in your social life. A close friendship may also turn into romance. If you’re already in a relationship, social gatherings will bring the two of you closer together. When you go into the world together as a couple, it may make it easier to see just how well the two of you get along together. Being around friends and family can have a strong effect on the two of you, reminding you of why it is you two have chosen each other. Your love can feel deep and gratifying now.

Career Meaning - Upright 3 of Cups

The three of cups signifies celebrations in all aspects of your life. If it appears to relate to your career, it may be that a number of work-related events are on the horizon. These parties will be joyous occasions. These can take many forms. You may be celebrating a graduation, a change in position or a promotion. If you are launching a business and planning a release, these events are likely to go particularly well. Outside of these engagements, your office environment can be very positive right now. You might find that group work and collaboration is easier now that it has been in the past. It is a good time to enjoy these celebrations and supportive relationships.

Finances Meaning - Upright 3 of Cups

If you find the three of cups in a financial tarot reading, it might signify that you may have a lot to celebrate financially. All of this can be very exciting, but it is important to not get too carried away. You may find that your social life is more important to you than ever during this time, and while you may be in the position to be generous, make sure that your good fortune lasts. Be joyous, but also responsible.

Interpreting the 3 of Cups as Feelings

As a feeling, the 3 of Cups suggests a sense of joy, camaraderie, and emotional fulfillment. This card signifies happiness in relationships, celebrating connections with loved ones, and feeling a deep sense of belonging and unity. If you're drawing this card to represent your emotional state, it indicates a period of shared joy, mutual support, and genuine emotional connections that bring satisfaction and contentment. How lovely!

Interpreting the 3 of Cups as Actions

When it comes to actions, this card encourages you to engage in activities that promote socializing, bonding, and celebrating with others. The Three of Cups prompts you to reach out to friends, participate in group gatherings, and express your appreciation for the bonds you share. It advises you to spread positivity, engage in teamwork, and foster a sense of community, promoting harmony and togetherness.

Interpreting the 3 of Cups as Yes or No

In a yes or no reading, the 3 of Cups typically indicates a positive and affirming answer. This card suggests that the situation at hand will bring joy, fulfillment, and positive outcomes, especially in social or relationship matters. If you're seeking a simple yes or no answer and draw the 3 of Cups (though we still don't recommend it), it often can signify a resounding yes, indicating that things will work out favorably and that you'll experience happiness and harmony in the situation.

Three of Cups Reversal Meaning

When the Three of Cups is reversed, it means that you may have no time to socialize or go out with friends. You may be too busy with school or work that you can’t spare some time to have fun. The Three of Cups reversed can also mean losing touch with some of your friends. As time passes, you may find that you are growing apart from one another. When we grow older, we must put in effort to make sure that our friendships are not neglected.

Alternatively, the Three of Cups reversed can mean that there is a lack of balance and harmony within your social circle. Gossip and scandal can rear their ugly heads. Perhaps there is envy hidden within this circle, and as a result, you are feeling isolated. 

Reversed Love Meaning	Reversed Career Meaning	Reversed Finances Meaning
short but exciting romance, third party coming in between you	work events not going as planned, destructive office environment	over spending on social gatherings, giving beyond your means

Reversed 3 of Cups Tarot Love Meaning

Should you be single, the 3 of Cups tarot love meaning indicates that your romantic life may be fun and exciting, but perhaps short lived. Relationships started at this time can quickly fizzle once the two of you get to know one another better. If you’re already in a relationship, be wary of any third party that is trying to do harm to your partnership. Sometimes, this can come in the form of nasty gossip, or perhaps someone attempting to insert themselves between the two of you.

Career Meaning - Reversed 3 of Cups

When reversed, the events and celebrations that the three of cups normally represents may not go as planned. If you were planning a launch or other event, it might happen but will not bring the success and result you intended. Sometimes, this card can signal that these events will be delayed or canceled. If none of these situations apply to you, it may be likely that your work environment can be particularly toxic right now. There is likely gossip and other forms of undercutting that are destroying the camaraderie. There may be conflicts all around; some of this may be directed at you, but you may also simply have to deal with being caught in between the crossfire. Try your best to not be a part of this negativity. Do not add fuel to the fire as it will only burn you in the long run.

Finances Meaning - Reversed 3 of Cups

The reversed three of cups can signal financial stress, usually in a social context. If you’ve been spending a lot on your social life, or some kind of event or party of some kind, you may need to rein in your budget. For example, if you’re planning a wedding or a birthday party, be wary of what the strain that it can cause on your financial situation. There may be more things to pay for than you had anticipated. The upright three of cups also indicates this concern a bit, but reversed, the warning is more severe. Be wary of spending and giving beyond your means. It is easy to get swept up in celebration, but it will not serve you well in the long-term to lose track of your financial progress this way.

Interpreting the Reversed Three of Cups as Feelings

When the Reversed Three of Cups appears in the feelings position, it suggests feelings of discord, isolation, or a lack of emotional fulfillment. This card may indicate a sense of disconnection from others, jealousy, or strained relationships. You might be experiencing conflicts within your social circle, feeling left out, or struggling to find joy in shared connections. It's a sign to address any underlying issues and work towards resolving emotional conflicts to regain a sense of harmony and belonging.

Interpreting the Reversed Three of Cups as Actions

In the actions position, the Reversed Three of Cups advises you to avoid overindulgence, gossip, or spreading negativity in social situations. This card warns against excessive partying, engaging in unhealthy social dynamics, or prioritizing superficial connections over genuine relationships. It prompts you to focus on resolving conflicts, mending broken bonds, and fostering positive interactions rather than engaging in activities that may lead to misunderstandings or discord.

Interpreting the Reversed Three of Cups as Yes or No

In a yes or no reading, the Reversed Three of Cups typically suggests a no or a delay in achieving desired outcomes. This card indicates potential conflicts, emotional setbacks, or challenges in social or relationship matters that may hinder progress. There's never going to be a straightforward yes or no answer in tarot, but this card signals a need to address underlying issues, improve communication, and resolve conflicts before moving forward positively.

Three of Cups: Reinforcing Cards

We won't be able to list each and every reinforcing card in the deck, but here are some of the first ones that come to mind, as they are often dependent on the reader's interpretations and experiences. The appearance of the Three of Cups alongside any of these cards could intensify this card's themes.

Six of Pentacles: The 6 of Pentacles alongside the 3 of Cups emphasizes themes of generosity, sharing, and mutual support. The Six of Pentacles signals giving and receiving help, often in a spirit of kindness and balance. As a combination, this pair suggests a time of shared abundance, mutual appreciation, and harmonious exchanges. These two cards together encourage you to share and support others in their celebrations; as this is how we cultivate a sense of loving community.

Three of Pentacles: These two cards reinforce themes of collaboration, teamwork, and shared goals. The Three of Pentacles represents working together towards a common purpose. When combined with the celebratory energy of the Three of Cups, your social interactions and celebrations may evolve into group projects and cooperation. You are being encouraged to appreciate the value of teamwork, recognize the contributions of others, and enjoy the rewards of collective achievements in your social circles.

The Hierophant: Together, these cards underscore themes of interconnectedness, social gatherings and collective energy. The Hierophant symbolizes the kinds of social structures we build in service of spiritual wisdom. When these cards appear together, they suggest coming together in support of common values and ideals.

Three of Cups: Opposing Cards

Five of Pentacles: The Five of Pentacles represents feelings of scarcity, financial struggles, and the isolation that arises from these circumstances. This directly opposes the communal joy, emotional abundance, and social connections celebrated in the Three of Cups. Without many resources, you may be feeling left out or disconnected.

• Social connections vs Isolation and exclusion
• Celebrating with others vs Feeling left out
• Shared happiness vs Financial or emotional struggles

The Hermit: In contrast to the joy and celebration in the Three of Cups, the Hermit signifies introspection, solitude, and inner guidance. This card highlights a need for reflection, seeking answers within oneself, and withdrawing from social interactions to find wisdom and inner truth. It suggests a time for inner exploration, soul searching, and personal growth, which may conflict with the external social connections and festive atmosphere of the Three of Cups.

• Outgoing social interactions vs Solitude and introspection
• Celebrating with others vs Withdrawal from social settings
• Shared joy and connection vs Inner reflection and seeking answers

Nine of Wands: The Nine of Wands symbolizes resilience, strength, and defensiveness. This card suggests a sense of distrust, vigilance, protection, and being on guard, which may clash with the joyful interactions, shared happiness, and harmonious relationships represented by the Three of Cups. It indicates a need to be cautious, stand your ground, and protect your emotional boundaries, even in the midst of social gatherings and festivities.

• Carefree celebration vs Vigilance and defensiveness
• Trust vs Guarded and defensive stance
• Shared joy and harmony vs Feeling the need to protect oneself

Three of Cups Tarot Cheat Sheet