Eight of Cups as Hopes and Fears (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 Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Eight of Cups, it means that you are ready to move on from what no longer serves you, seeking deeper meaning and fulfillment. This decision reflects a courageous step towards self-discovery and personal growth, indicating that you have recognized the necessity of leaving behind certain aspects of your life to pursue a path more aligned with your true self. It highlights the importance of listening to your inner voice and following your heart, even when it means stepping into the unknown.

The Eight of Cups as fears can represent the fear of leaving behind the familiar, even when it’s necessary for your growth. This fear arises from the uncertainty of the future and the comfort of the known, even if it no longer brings happiness or satisfaction. It underscores the natural human tendency to resist change, reminding us that the journey towards personal growth often requires embracing the discomfort of leaving behind the familiar to find greater fulfillment and purpose.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Eight of Cups in the hopes and fears position means you might be considering whether it’s time to walk away in search of something more fulfilling. This contemplation signifies a critical juncture where you weigh the value of your current relationship against the potential for greater happiness alone or with someone else. It suggests a deep introspection about what you truly desire in a partner and whether your current relationship can evolve to meet those needs or if it’s time to let go.

If you are asking about an ex, the Eight of Cups in the hopes and fears position means you are contemplating fully letting go and moving forward with your life. This reflects a readiness to close the chapter on a past relationship, acknowledging that holding on may hinder your emotional recovery and growth. It represents a significant emotional turning point, where the desire for healing and progress outweighs the comfort of clinging to memories, paving the way for new beginnings.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Eight of Cups in the hopes and fears position means you are ready to distance yourself from toxic or unfulfilling relationships. This decision is rooted in the understanding that your well-being is paramount and that sometimes growth requires creating boundaries with those who drain your energy or hinder your happiness. It signifies a bold step towards prioritizing your emotional and mental health, affirming that it’s okay to walk away from relationships that no longer contribute positively to your life.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Eight of Cups in the hopes and fears position means you are contemplating leaving a current path or job that no longer aligns with your inner values. This indicates a deep reflection on your professional life and the realization that fulfillment comes not just from financial success but from work that resonates with your personal beliefs and passions. It highlights the bravery in considering a significant career change or pivot, driven by the desire to find work that is not only rewarding but also meaningful on a deeper level.

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Reversed Eight of Cups as Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Eight of Cups reversed, it means that you are struggling with the decision to return to a situation or resolve unfinished business. This indicates a period of reflection on past decisions and the possibility of re-engaging with aspects of your life you thought you had left behind. It suggests that something unresolved is pulling you back, urging you to reconsider or heal unfinished emotional or situational work before you can truly move forward.

The Eight of Cups reversed as fears can represent the fear of being unable to move on or escape a cycle that holds you back. This fear is rooted in the concern that despite efforts to progress and grow, you might find yourself repeatedly drawn back to old patterns, situations, or relationships that do not serve your highest good. It highlights an internal struggle between the desire for new experiences and the comfort of the familiar, even when it is known to be detrimental.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Eight of Cups reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are considering revisiting a relationship to see if it can be salvaged or improved. This reflects a hope that past issues can be resolved and that the relationship may still hold potential for happiness and fulfillment. However, it also indicates apprehension about whether reopening this chapter will lead to healing or further heartache, underscoring the complexity of romantic entanglements.

If you are asking about an ex, the Eight of Cups reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are hesitant to close the door completely, wondering if there’s more to be resolved. This hesitation speaks to a deep-seated belief that some aspects of the relationship were left unfinished, and there might still be a chance for closure or even reconciliation. It represents a delicate balance between the desire for finality and the hope for resolution, reflecting the emotional nuances of ending relationships.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Eight of Cups reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are contemplating mending the relationship despite previous desires to leave it behind. This reconsideration indicates a belief in the value of the bond and the possibility of healing past hurts. It signifies a willingness to explore forgiveness and understanding, aiming to restore harmony and connection where there was once a desire to detach.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Eight of Cups reversed in the hopes and fears position means you are considering giving a job or project another chance before moving on. This suggests a reevaluation of your current professional situation, pondering whether there might still be opportunities for growth or improvement within the existing framework. It reflects a nuanced approach to career decisions, weighing the potential for success against the risk of stagnation, and underlines the importance of thorough assessment before making significant changes.

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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.