Eight of Cups as External Influences (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Eight of Cups is the card of walking away, searching for truth, and letting go. The card shows a man walking away from eight cups in the foreground. The man has turned his back on these cups with a sense of loss and disappointment. He is leaving what he knows behind him. He is escaping at night, which suggests that there is an element of avoidance in his energy.  

The Eight of Cups reminds us that it is okay to let go and walk away when what is around you is no longer serving you or your needs. You do not have to stay out of duty or obligation. You have to do what is right for yourself. The Eight of Cups reminds us that there is no shame in walking away. 

Upright Eight of Cups as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Eight of Cups, it means that a journey towards self-discovery or the need to leave behind what no longer serves you is influencing the situation. This transition is marked by a deep inner calling to pursue a path that is more aligned with your true self, even if it means stepping into the unknown. The influence suggests that now is the time to assess what aspects of your life are no longer contributing to your growth and to make the brave decision to move on from them, trusting that this is a necessary step towards fulfilling your potential.

The Eight of Cups as external influences can represent people such as guides or therapists who encourage you to seek deeper truths and abandon unfulfilling pursuits. These individuals play a crucial role in your journey, offering insights and support that empower you to make difficult but necessary changes. Their guidance can help illuminate the path forward, encouraging you to leave behind situations or relationships that have become stagnant or detrimental to your well-being in favor of more authentic and rewarding experiences.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Eight of Cups as external influences means that one or both partners may be feeling the need to walk away from the relationship in search of personal growth or fulfillment. This influence suggests that the relationship may no longer be meeting the emotional or spiritual needs of one or both individuals, leading to a realization that parting ways could be the healthiest option. It’s a difficult decision that often comes after much soul-searching, reflecting a desire for more meaningful connections and experiences.

If you are asking about an ex, the Eight of Cups in the external influences position means that the desire to move on to more meaningful connections is becoming more pronounced. This shift signifies a turning point where you or your ex are ready to leave the past behind and embrace new opportunities for love and happiness. It’s a process of releasing what was in order to make room for what could be, driven by a deeper understanding of one’s own needs and desires.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Eight of Cups in the external influences position means that they are seeking a path that may diverge from yours, driven by a need for personal development. This decision is rooted in a quest for self-discovery and the realization that their current circumstances or relationships, including possibly yours, may not be conducive to their growth. While it can be challenging to see a loved one embark on a separate journey, it’s important to respect their need for self-exploration and personal evolution.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Eight of Cups in the external influences position means that leaving behind unfulfilling work or financial strategies in pursuit of a more satisfying career path is influencing your decisions. This movement reflects a deeper yearning for work that not only meets financial needs but also brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It’s a call to reevaluate your professional life and financial goals, and to make the courageous choice to step away from the familiar in search of a path that truly resonates with your aspirations and values.

Reversed Eight of Cups as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Eight of Cups reversed, it means that an unwillingness to move on or a return to a situation previously thought resolved is affecting your current circumstances. This could manifest as a persistent attachment to the familiar, even when it no longer serves your best interests, or as a cycle of returning to unresolved issues instead of seeking closure. The influence suggests a need to confront these patterns of behavior, recognizing that true progress requires the courage to leave certain things behind for good.

The Eight of Cups reversed as external influences can represent people such as those who refuse to let go of the past or who are coming back into your life, insisting on revisiting old issues. These individuals may be friends, family members, or former partners whose presence reopens old wounds or complicates your efforts to move forward. Their influence calls for setting boundaries and making a conscious choice to prioritize your well-being over remaining entangled in past dynamics.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Eight of Cups reversed as external influences means that one or both partners may be reconsidering their decision to leave or are struggling to fully commit to moving forward. This hesitation can stem from fear of the unknown, comfort in familiarity, or unresolved feelings that keep you anchored to the past. It highlights the importance of honest communication and self-reflection to determine whether the relationship truly holds the potential for growth or if it’s time to let go.

If you are asking about an ex, the Eight of Cups reversed in the external influences position means that unresolved feelings or a reluctance to let go is preventing both parties from fully embracing new beginnings. This can lead to a cycle of reconnection and separation that hinders emotional healing and personal growth. Recognizing this pattern is the first step towards breaking it, allowing both individuals to release the past and open up to the possibilities of the future.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Eight of Cups reversed in the external influences position means that they are holding onto past grievances or unable to progress beyond old conflicts, impacting your relationship. This stagnation can strain your connection, creating an atmosphere of resentment or misunderstanding. Addressing these issues directly, perhaps with the help of a mediator, can pave the way for reconciliation and a healthier relationship moving forward.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Eight of Cups reversed in the external influences position means that a reluctance to leave behind an unfulfilling job or financial security, despite its drawbacks, is influencing your career path or financial decisions. This fear of change can limit your opportunities for advancement and personal satisfaction. Considering the long-term implications of staying in a stagnant position may inspire the necessary courage to pursue more fulfilling and prosperous avenues.

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, the Eight of Cups represents walking away and letting go of the past. Sometimes it is necessary for us to move on from what no longer serves us, in order to find our greater good. What may seem like a curse now may prove to be a blessing in disguise. The Eight of Cups reminds us that it is okay for you to let go of what is no longer serving you. You are not beholden to obligation and duty if it is not right for you. 

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.