The Card of the Day: The Nine of Cups (Reversed)
"Nothing in Excess."
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The Nine of Cups represents the fulfillment of wishes and the enjoyment of life’s luxuries. It calls you back to your body, and into the realm of your senses. The Nine of Cups represents satisfaction and pleasure. Life is offering you abundant opportunities to accept good things. Every day you have a choice: to feel passion for your life… or be numb to its wonders. The table is set for you to savor your blessings. It’s time to take your place at it.
Do you allow yourself to partake in the pleasures of life? Do you feel like there are too many things to worry about, so you couldn't possibly enjoy yourself now? Do you feel good about what your life is currently offering you? If not, it’s time to start.
The jovial merchant pictured on this card has a passion for living, feasting and tasting. Sure, he's chubby… but in 1909 when this card was drawn, being plump meant you were eating well! The satisfied merchant knows he's lucky. He dreams big, and always seems to get his wish. His red hat and stockings represent his vitality and boldness. The successes he's acquired are symbolized by his nine golden cups. These successes weren't just given to him, he went out in the world to achieve them. However, before he acquired them, each success began as a wish. For his wishes to come true, the merchant had to know that he deserved them. The merchant can sit back and truly enjoy what he has manifested. He felt good about his prospects before they ever fully materialized… and materialize they did.
You can have your wishes too, but you must first feel good about your life its prospects now.
To turn the tide of worrying, you must allow yourself present happiness. The golden cups are laid out for you, ripe for the taking. When the Nine of Cups appears, open yourself to feeling good about this moment. Feel it, taste it, smell it, luxuriate in it and smile! Become aware of where you are, and savor all that is already laid before you. If you can find enjoyment in your life now, even more will come.
This Nine of Cups always reminds me of Rosalind Russell's 1958 performance as "Auntie Mame." Anyone in a depressed or discouraged mood about life should watch it. Auntie Mame gets it when she exclaims: “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!”
When the Nine of Cups appears reversed, it still indicates you should enjoy the good things in life but warns of excess. Even beneficial things, when done excessively, can lead to imbalance. This card also calls your attention to other excesses in your life. Perhaps you need to monitor if you worry excessively or change a behavior that you engage in too much. The Delphic Oracle had two famous sayings above the temple: "Know Thyself," and "Nothing in Excess." It was believed that if people followed these two tenants, they would be blessed with balanced and fulfilling lives.
Sometimes the "excess" in question isn't looked upon by others as a vice. For example; someone who works excessively is often admired by others, even if it isn't good for their personal health or balance. Look upon your life from high above, and with the perspective of an eagle. What behavior is taking up most of your time? What other aspects of your life are you neglecting? Are you using an excess to avoid something that scares you? Take back control and choose balance. Other cards in the reading may reveal what is being done too much at this time.
*Nine of Cups (Reversed) in a Love Reading
New Relationship
The Nine of Cups reversed will advise that too much of a good thing can lead to imbalance. Love is the most intoxicating drug. If you have been without romance for a while, a new attraction can quickly overtake your reason. Beware of getting obsessive or addicted to a person you are physically attracted to. Stay grounded and maintain self-control.
Long Term Partnership
The Nine of Cups reversed can represent a partner who indulges too much in drinking, eating, or a particular substance. Although this isn’t usually apparent at the beginning, it could be an issue that compounds over time. You may need to have a conversation about self-restraint or seek other support.
Seeking Romance
You are excessively focused on one part of your life such as work, school, or spirituality. This is distracting you from indulging in romance and pleasure. It is time to consciously reinvest in making yourself feel desirable again. You don’t need a partner to begin feeling good in your own skin. Accept invitations for socializing and fun with friends.
*This excerpt is a sneak peek at my upcoming book “Tarot in Love: Consulting the Cards in Matters of the Heart” from Llewellyn Books and available for preorder Fall 2022!
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