2 of Cups
2 OF CUPS
Nickname - "Empathy"
Element - Air/Water
Temper - Sanguine Phlegmatic
Power - Wet
Timing - Short
Movement - Flexible
Direction - Northeast
In the cycle of a year - February/March
In the cycle of a day - Late Night
In the cycle of a life - Age 70~Death
Sex - Female
Similar Cards - 9 Coins, 5 Coins, 3 Coins, Knight Coins, 8 Cups, 6 Cups, Queen Cups
In the Pythagorean tradition, the Dyad (2) is considered a rather negative thing. Iamblichus calls it "anguish", "endurance", and "hardship". The traditional rank of the 2 of Cups in the game of tarot however is strong, or well dignified. That, coupled with the general positive nature of the suit of cups, relieves most of the negativity of the Dyad.
The energy here is moist, making it form-receiving, flexible, and receptive. The social nature of the Cups, and the inherent symbolism of the Dyad suggest compassion and empathy. While the short duration and conforming nature of the moist power is incapable of taking this compassion to the level of social reformer or activist, the card shows a sincere and gentle kindness toward others. If any negativity of the Dyad remains, it would be in over-identifing with the feelings and needs of 'the other'.
Short Sample Reading
The Querent asks: "Will my runaway cat return home?"
Card #1 (The Querent) = The Papesse
Card #2 (The Quesited) = The Wheel of Fortune
Card #3 (How they interact) = 2 of Cups
Judgement: Both the querent and the quesited are neutral in terms of 'goodness'. I assign the Papess as feminine/passive, and the WoF as masculine/active. The 2 of Cups is positive but passive.
The active nature of the WoF shows that the 'empathy' of the 2 of Cups is coming from the cat toward the querent. Hence, the cat will return home.