Two of Cups - Revelations Tarot
First impressions
Under the sea – I like it ! (and the book even backs me up ! that isn’t always the case.)
From the book
Upright
Together they entwine in an understanding of partnership and commitment.
The Two of Cups represents the harmony that can be found in partnerships. Here the bond and understanding between two individuals exemplifies their symbiosis. The connection can be on both a mental and an emotional level. This card can also herald the arrival of a new partner in your life, engaging you in a loving and romantic relationship.
In terms of work and career, this card indicates a fantastic partnership between two people. Positive and productive mergers and arrangements will blossom under this card as both parties are passionately driven in the same direction. Relationships with loved ones and friends will also experience a deeper connection in this period of time.
Reversed
They can't see eye to eye and stand to lose everything if they continue this way.
There will be distrust and a failure of communication. Egos will be bruised and resentment will be felt between partners. Difficulties will seem to be the special of the day every day. The balance that was once experienced will seem to have left in the middle of the night, leaving both parties in a vicarious juggling act of emotions.
In situations, this card warns of a possible separation arising from these difficult times. Contracts may be dissolved, and time will be wasted mending fences. Disharmony will shadow over the atmosphere around you. In relationships, this card highlights the highly emotional time that both parties may be experiencing. Feelings are not expressed and moods swing from high to low.
Images and Symbolism
This card has always been viewed as the lesser version of the major arcana's the Lovers.
Here the partnership seems less about two people being together for love and more for an object or project.
The cups symbolize their commitment to be together. In the background a guardian/sentinel watches over their union. The sentinel represents a higher level or force that played a role in forming the partnership.
In the background on the reverse the sentinel has his hands up in the air in a gesture of appeal to a higher power for the sake of the union.
The merpeople have their backs turned to each other. They are so caught up in their own pride and egos that they couldn't care less for the cup, the symbol of their partnership. Color: pastels and blues, associated with Cancer.
Traditional meanings
Upright:
Love, understanding, sympathy, harmony, coming together of opposites, co-operation, an end to rivalry
Reversed:
Separation, divorce, deceit, unfaithfulness, betrayal.
My impressions:
Upright
Two merpeople hold a cup between them; it is perfectly balanced. She looks shyly down a bit for some reason – head lowered, hair flowing. But both are beautiful. Behind them an underwater mountain carved into a face and floaty seaweed – and a crab.
Reversed
The crab is now pronounced, the weedy background, looking down on the two people and throwing its claws in the air, as if in desperation. The people are an angry reddish gold, they have their backs to one another, and the cup is falling to the side, ignored.
My take
Upright – all is going well in a relationship. Communication is good and equal, there is affection; things are relaxed. Both partners value what they have. It’s a good time to look forward to a constructive future. Reversed is – well, the reverse ! No-one is talking, no-one is listening; the business at hand is forgotten; there is anger, resentment; maybe it’s time to call it quits and pack it all in.
All the cards from this deck can be viewed
here.