Three of Cups as a Person (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Three of Cups is the card of joy, friendship, community, gatherings, and celebrations. The card features three women dancing in a circle, raising their cups in the air in a toast. There is something to celebrate today, and they are determined to party hard. In addition to having fun, they are building connections with each other. 

The Three of Cups reminds us that no relationship is complete without joy and celebration. There is a time to work hard, but there is also a time to party hard. We build relationships with others by celebrating the wins, big and small, of our lives. The Three of Cups reminds us to take the time to celebrate with the people we love. Community creates meaning.

Upright Three of Cups as a Person

If the Three of Cups appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person is communal. This person is very community centric, but not in a negative, conformist way.  This person still has a strong sense of self, but a large part of their identity is about dedicating themselves to their community and being part of something bigger than themselves. It is astrologically associated with Mercury in Cancer, which can be a selfless energy. Because Mercury and Cancer carry both masculine as well as feminine energy, this card carries both active, assertive as well as passive, receptive energy. We all have a little bit of both energies expressed in a balanced way, regardless of which gender we identify as.

For physical characteristics, the Three of Cups as a person represents someone who is community-focused, but not a conformist. In fact, the way they incorporate and express their affiliation with a certain group is also an expression of their individuality. For example, if this person might celebrate their interests, hobbies, and heritage through their fashion choices. They love building a sense of community. 

For emotional characteristics, the Three of Cups as a person represents someone who celebrates life. They appreciate the little things. Much like the Four of Wands, this person always treats life like a party because they know how short life can be. They’re always the life of the party. They love going to all kinds of social events. If you’re romantically involved with this person, the relationship will typically be very laid back, especially if you’re still casually dating and not exclusive. Alternatively, this may indicate that your love interest also considers you a good friend, which is always a good thing.

For careers, the Three of Cups can represent someone who works as a party organizer, an event organizer, or a wedding organizer. This person is in the business of bringing people together in celebration. If this person doesn’t work in the entertainment industry, this card can indicate this person really enjoys their job. They can make even the dullest job seem fun. With them, a boring business trip turns into a fun road trip. They enjoy the social side of work–they love happy hours! Because this card is associated with Mercury in Cancer, this person may excel at their job because they have a unique ability to communicate compassionately. Cancerian energy can also be extremely selfless, so this is an excellent card to draw if you’re curious whether this person will be a team player.

The Three of Cups as a person represents someone who makes you feel like you’re being heard. This person is a kind speaker and a good listener. You may have your most vulnerable and open moments with this person when you are having a private conversation. This person may be a mother figure to you, or they may teach you parenting skills. With the Three of Cups, there’s always a sense of camaraderie. This is the type of friendship where you’re not in it just for the good times and partying, you’re also there for each other during difficult times.

Reversed Three of Cups as a Person

If the Three of Cups reversed appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person is overly dependent on their community. They take conformity to the extreme by imposing their ideals onto others. Alternatively, this person may have difficulties getting along in a group setting. Because this is a Minor Arcana card, some of these traits will not be inherent aspects of their identity. If they are behaving unfavorably, they might just be going through a temporary phase. It may be a behavioral pattern that they can still unlearn, if they choose to. Good or bad, nobody is perfect, and people can use their free will to change for the better.

For physical characteristics, the Three of Cups reversed as a person represents someone who overindulges. This may signify somebody who parties way too hard, putting a strain on their body and health. It may indicate substance abuse or overeating. In terms of self-expression, this person doesn’t have their own individual style. They dress to conform and fit into a certain community. They stay in their comfort zone because it is safe. 

For emotional characteristics, the Three of Cups reversed as a person represents someone who may lack personality, individuality, and authenticity. This is the type of person who is very vulnerable to being recruited to a cult or a pyramid scheme. They may have unhealed childhood wounds that make them desperate for approval from others. This is your classic people pleaser. Alternatively, this could be somebody who just never seems to get along in any group they join. It always ends in drama, and the common denominator is them.

For careers, the Three of Cups reversed can represent someone who may work in the same field as the Three of Cups in the upright position. However, this person may mistake being a workaholic for having genuine love and passion for their work. They work non-stop, at all hours of the day, and they don’t know when to stop. Alternatively, they could be addicted to something else that negatively impacts their performance. This person may lack the ability to communicate compassionately. 

The Three of Cups reversed as a person represents someone who makes you feel like you are overindulgent. The fun can get out of hand with this person. When you are with them, they make you feel out of control. Perhaps they pressure you to do things you wouldn’t have done otherwise. This card is a reminder to assess whether or not this person is a good influence in your life. Perhaps it is time to set some boundaries. 

Conclusion

For love readings, the Three of Cups represents joy and celebration. No relationship is complete without it. There is a time to work hard, but there is also a time to party hard. When you win, celebrate that win with the people around you. When the people you love win, cheer them on as their biggest supporter. The Three of Cups shows us that by building our communities and support systems, we grow stronger in love. 

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.