Nine of Cups
The gent featured in Robin's "Nine of Cups" seems to be quite a controversial and complex character; someone who can be interpreted in many ways! He even seems to evoke loathing in some, with that pinched smile of his. On reading about this guy in Robin's book, I found it interesting to note that Robin "...decided to show this man close up so it would be easy to see the expression on his face, even though that means it's harder to tell that his arms are outspread in welcome." After studying the remarks of others regarding the man's demeanor depicted on the Nine of Cups, perhaps if we had seen his arms outspread on the actual card, as Robin intended them to be, maybe his smile would look overall less smug and more jolly...rather like the Burl Ives' snowman in the 1964 claymation special, "Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer". BUT, what's truly important is what the reader sees in the card during the reading, whether the creator/illustrator intended it to be so or not. Robin, as she related throughout her book many, many times, has said to go with what strikes you at the time of the reading...THAT'S how it should be read AT THAT TIME. But I'm quick to remind myself that I may see the man in any number of ways, depending on the querent, the question asked, the spread and where the card falls in the spread.
The figure in the Nine of Cups is ample of body, pleased/contented over something(s), and perhaps just so full of glee he can hardly hold it in. Given that the suit IS Cups, often representing emotions, perhaps he's overflowing with whatever emotion the reader feels he's giving off. Too much enthusiasm; even to the point of being phoney or irritating? The reader would have to decide that for himself/herself...ie. Is his happiness is genuine and/or pure? The guy certainly doesn't seem to be lacking of material wealth, given his rich clothing and nine gold cups on the "horseshoe-shaped" shelf behind him (trophies?). The horseshoe shape itself reminds me of luck, and maybe this guy has been a lucky fellow for all (or at least some) of his life. Whether such a guy would be generous with his wealth...be it material or otherwise...would depend on how you read him. Robin did point out that all the cups were the same and that "...the fact that they are identical may imply that this fellow doesn't have much variety in his life." How many times have we met folks who were materially wealthy, but lacking in many other attributes/riches; afraid to make a move or a change lest they lose what they consider valuable?!
Reversed, the emotions of this gentleman may be blocked or could demonstrate the opposite demeanor of how you'd read him upright. I could see him popping up reversed when the querent was indulging in smugness over one thing or another and it backfired, causing him to rethink his position. Makes me think about how just when I get overly-confident (ie. cocky) about something...plop...down I go on my backside. Or, I can also personally relate when I get one of my good-time-migraines from too much enthusiasm, albeit even an excess of happiness (Yes, for me there is such a thing!). Reversed, the Nine of Cups also could point out that your time to sit back and take a breather from work is NOT now, if you want to reap any benefits in the future. Another thought on this card reversed would be that it's time to stop waiting for that rich sugar daddy/mama to bail you out...