Eight of Cups as Past (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 Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Eight of Cups, it means that there was a period of walking away from something that no longer served you, a time of introspection and seeking deeper meaning in your life journey. This signifies a brave choice, where you opted to prioritize your well-being and personal growth. It was a transformative period where self-discovery played a central role, guiding you to paths that promised greater satisfaction and a more authentic self.

The Eight of Cups as the past can represent a courageous choice to leave behind unsatisfying situations to pursue a more fulfilling path, an earnest search for deeper emotional fulfillment. This transition was likely filled with contemplative moments, where a genuine desire for contentment and happiness directed your steps. It was a time of fostering inner strength, as you dared to abandon what was familiar yet unfulfilling, nurturing a hopeful vision for your future grounded in self-respect and personal insight.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Eight of Cups in the past position means there was a moment of deep reflection where one or both parties decided to walk away to find their true happiness, even if it meant facing the unknown. This stage in the relationship involved brave and perhaps painful decisions, moving away from stagnation to find a more joyous and fulfilling connection. It was a significant juncture, driven by a desire for true happiness and a realization that it might be found in new beginnings and explorations.

If you are asking about an ex, the Eight of Cups in the past position means that the relationship reached a point where one or both of you understood the necessity to walk away, seeking a path with more potential for personal happiness. It showcases a mature understanding of the relationship’s dynamics, where you recognized the value of personal happiness over an unfulfilling relationship. This stage was marked with a profound understanding that sometimes, parting ways can open doors to personal growth and deeper joy, choosing self-love over the comfort of familiarity.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Eight of Cups in the past position means there was a pivotal time of personal growth and perhaps distance as you or they sought out more fulfilling paths individually. This moment could have involved mutual understanding and support, as both parties recognized the need for personal development. It was a stage where the bonds might have been tested, but the ultimate goal was to foster personal growth and self-realization, acknowledging the importance of individual pathways in life.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Eight of Cups in the past position means you might have left a job, project, or financial strategy that was not fulfilling anymore, choosing to pursue a path more aligned with your deeper desires and values. This choice signaled a dynamic shift in your career trajectory, driven by a deep-seated desire for satisfaction and a role more in tune with your values. It was a crucial time of reflection and courageous decisions, as you chose to chase opportunities that promised a deeper sense of fulfillment and aligned more harmoniously with your goals and aspirations.

Reversed Eight of Cups as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Eight of Cups reversed, it means that there was a time of hesitation in leaving an unfulfilling situation, or possibly a return to something you previously walked away from, despite knowing deep down that it might not be the best choice. This period might have felt like a loop, where you kept revisiting old grounds hoping for a different outcome. Despite the inner conflict and the acknowledgment of the unsuitability of the circumstances, there was a part of you that was holding on, perhaps driven by fear of the unknown or an emotional attachment that was hard to sever.

The Eight of Cups reversed as the past can represent a period of indecision and reluctance to forge ahead on a new path, potentially leading to stagnation and feeling stuck in unfulfilling circumstances. This phase was characterized by an inner tug-of-war, where the longing for something more fulfilling was frequently overshadowed by fear and apprehension. It was a time where you might have found yourself going in circles, unable to fully commit to a decision, which hindered your progress and growth during this period.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Eight of Cups reversed in the past position means there might have been second thoughts about leaving, or a period where you or your partner couldn’t quite let go, possibly leading to a prolonged ending or hesitation in ending things fully. This could have brought about a series of heartbreaking goodbyes and reconciliations, as both parties grappled with conflicted feelings. It was a turbulent time marked by uncertainty and the inability to fully release something that was no longer serving your highest good, drawing out the inevitable conclusion and potentially causing further hurt and confusion.

If you are asking about an ex, the Eight of Cups reversed in the past position means that there might have been multiple attempts to leave the relationship before it finally ended, indicating a complex ending period with potentially on-again-off-again dynamics. It portrays a time of heightened emotions and difficulty in cutting ties, a period where the boundaries might have been blurred, fostering a cycle of reunion and separation. Despite the love and connection that might have been present, the relationship faced struggles rooted in indecision and a lack of definitive actions, which ultimately stretched the ending process.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Eight of Cups reversed in the past position means there was hesitation in taking decisive steps forward, possibly leading to a period of feeling stuck or repeatedly returning to old issues instead of moving forward. This period could have manifested as a series of misunderstandings and inability to move past previous grievances. It was a time where growth felt stalled, with recurring issues preventing a healthy progression in the relationship, as both parties found it challenging to forge a new path free from the burdens of the past.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Eight of Cups reversed in the past position means there were missed opportunities to advance due to hesitation or a lack of confidence in pursuing a more fulfilling path, leading to a stagnation in progress. This stage in your career could have been marred by self-doubt, preventing you from seizing opportunities that could potentially lead to personal and financial growth. It was a period where you might have felt trapped in a loop of indecisiveness, unable to break free from a comfort zone that no longer served your higher goals, thus hindering your progression in the professional realm.

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.