#tarottraditionalqabalahelitarot2strikingly.com

Rider-Waite-Smith – Eight of Cups: The Lord of Abandoned Success

The Rider-Waite-Smith Eight of Cups portrays the esoteric title of this card: The Lord of Abandoned Success. The figure depicted has meticulously arranged the cups—an image of accomplishment—yet the structure is imbalanced: five below, three above. This visual discord symbolizes emotional fulfillment that lacks true symmetry or spiritual satisfaction. Despite the material or emotional efforts invested, the figure turns away, striding into the unknown, driven by a quiet sorrow or divine discontent.

This scene reveals the numbing influence of Saturn acting upon the fluid element of Water—producing detachment, melancholy, and a waning interest in worldly attachments. It is not failure that leads this one away, but the heavy realization that what once brought joy now rings hollow. The seeker leaves behind the cups of past pleasures, recognizing that no external vessel can permanently contain the evolving spirit’s need for deeper meaning.

Here walks one who has tasted of success but now seeks the sacred unknown. It is the beginning of a spiritual pilgrimage beyond the realm of familiar emotion, toward the ineffable Source. This is not abandonment from despair, but from awakening—the soul’s turning away from the temporal toward the eternal.

Archeon Tarot – Eight of Cups: The Call of the Soul's Departure

The Archeon Tarot Eight of Cups echoes the archetypal motif of departure born from emotional disillusionment. The once meaningful vessels of experience—eight cups—now lie in scattered disarray, mirroring the inner unrest and fragmentation of purpose. This card portrays a veiled woman, shrouded in twilight mystery, sensing a silent yet profound calling from within. Her discontent is not merely emotional—it is existential. It stirs the soul like a distant drumbeat heard across the veil, beckoning her toward uncharted terrain.

Here, the path is unclear, perhaps obscured by fog, fear, or fatigue. And yet, the necessity for change is undeniable. The journey ahead may require a break from what was once comfortable, but it promises clarity after the storm. The unknown may appear arduous at first, but like a stream that straightens after the bend, the way becomes smooth once true alignment is found.

Therefore, this card marks a spiritual threshold—the departure from the known toward the Real. It is the soul’s quiet revolt against stagnation, and the embrace of the pilgrim’s road. The quest may not yet be defined, but the need to seek it is. What lies ahead is not escape, but initiation.

There is a Gnosis that is in the Gnostic Text of the Nag Hammadi Library in the Gospel of Thomas (¶ 1-2) that states:

"Whoever finds the interpretation of these sayings, shall not experience death."

(1) Let him who seeks continue seeking until he finds. When he finds he will become troubled. When he becomes troubled, he will be astonished, and he will rule over the all."

In Western Hermetic Qabalistic Tarot this card is assigned Saturn in Pisces.

When Saturn is in Pisces, it combines the disciplined, structured energy of Saturn with the intuitive, empathetic nature of Pisces. Here are some key characteristics of this placement:

Key Characteristics of Saturn in Pisces

1. Emotional Discipline:

   • Saturn in Pisces often indicates a need to develop emotional boundaries and discipline. This can manifest as a cautious approach to emotional expression and a preference for solitude or privacy in emotional matters.

2. Sensitivity and Compassion:

   • Despite Saturn’s often restrictive and serious nature, when placed in Pisces, it can bring a deep sense of compassion and a desire to help those in need. This placement can foster a strong sense of duty towards caring for others, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized.

3. Spiritual Responsibility:

   • Saturn in Pisces can indicate a karmic duty or a structured approach to spirituality. This placement often emphasizes the need for practical, disciplined engagement with spiritual practices or metaphysical studies.

4. Creative Discipline:

   • Pisces is a highly creative sign, and Saturn's presence can bring structure and discipline to artistic or creative pursuits. This can result in a methodical approach to creative endeavors, with a focus on refining and perfecting one’s skills.

5. Overcoming Fears:

   • Saturn in Pisces may highlight fears and anxieties, especially those that are nebulous or difficult to pinpoint. This placement can signify a lifelong journey of confronting and overcoming these fears through discipline and perseverance.

6. Boundaries and Escapism:

   • Pisces' tendency towards escapism and Saturn's need for boundaries can create tension. This placement often requires finding a balance between escapist tendencies and the need for structure and reality.

7. Service and Sacrifice:

   • There is often a strong sense of duty and service with Saturn in Pisces. Individuals with this placement might feel a deep sense of responsibility towards humanitarian causes or may be drawn to professions that involve care and service to others.

Challenges and Growth

• Escapism vs. Reality: Individuals with Saturn in Pisces may struggle with the tendency to escape from harsh realities. Learning to face challenges head-on and developing coping mechanisms is crucial for growth.
• Emotional Vulnerability: Balancing emotional sensitivity with the need for emotional boundaries can be challenging. Establishing healthy boundaries without becoming overly guarded is essential.
• Spiritual Doubts: This placement can bring periods of spiritual doubt or confusion. Developing a structured spiritual practice can help ground and stabilize these uncertainties.

Opportunities for Development

• Structured Creativity: Channeling creative energy into disciplined practices can lead to mastery in artistic fields.
• Healing Professions: This placement is often well-suited for careers in healing, counseling, or other professions that require empathy and care.
• Spiritual Leadership: The combination of Saturn’s discipline and Pisces’ spirituality can create strong, grounded spiritual leaders who approach metaphysical topics with a practical mindset.

Overall, Saturn in Pisces represents a blend of discipline and intuition, responsibility and compassion, structure and spirituality. This placement offers the potential for profound personal growth and the ability to bring practical solutions to emotional and spiritual challenges that are emphasized in the 8 of cups.

In Tarot, numerology and gematria, the number 8 holds significant meanings, often associated with power, balance, and material success. However, the interpretations can vary depending on the specific cultural or esoteric context. Here's an overview of the meanings of the number 8 in these two systems:

Numerology

In numerology, the number 8 is often associated with:

1. Power and Authority: The number 8 is linked with ambition, leadership, and the ability to achieve material success. It is seen as a number of strength and discipline.
2. Balance and Justice: The shape of the number 8 (∞) is reminiscent of the infinity symbol, suggesting balance and the flow of energy. It symbolizes the balance between the material and spiritual worlds, as well as the concept of karma — what goes around comes around.
3. Material Success: People with the number 8 in their numerology charts are often seen as hard workers who are focused on their goals, especially in terms of financial and business success. This number is often associated with wealth and prosperity.
4. Practicality and Realism: The number 8 signifies a pragmatic approach to life, emphasizing efficiency, organization, and the ability to manifest goals into reality.

Gematria

Gematria is a Kabbalistic/Qabalistic method of interpreting Hebrew scriptures by computing the numerical value of words. In Hebrew and Western Hermetic gematria:

1. The Letter "Het" (ח): The 8th letter of the Hebrew alphabet is "Het" (ח), which has a numerical value of 8. This letter can represent life ("Chai" - חי), and its numerical value is often associated with vitality and dynamic energy.
2. Symbolism: The number 8 in gematria can symbolize new beginnings and transcendence beyond the natural order. It represents a step beyond the perfection of the number 7, indicating a realm beyond the physical and into the metaphysical.
3. Spiritual Aspects: In the context of the Kabbalah/Qabalistic, the number 8 can also be linked with the sephiroth (emanations) on the Tree of Life, particularly Hod and Yesod, which involve aspects of humility, acknowledgment, and foundation.

In summary, both numerology and gematria view the number 8 as a powerful symbol, though their interpretations focus on different aspects of power, balance, and transcendence. In numerology, the emphasis is on material success and balance, while in gematria, the focus is on spiritual life and new beginnings.

When this card shows up in a reading it is time to depart from seeking happiness in things and events. It is time to free yourself of all burdens and take the journey within. Here is a closing affirmation aligned with the Eight of Cups’ initiatory theme of spiritual departure and soul-guided redirection, designed to aid your way:

When the 8 of Cups is thrown during a reading, the querent is:

• In a moment of creative birth of 8 weeks or 8 months, requiring the practice of physical caution, carefulness, and prudence. 
• Experiencing a type of physical wisdom radiating from an inner place of balance and integration.
• Making sure that all the bases are covered; every "t" crossed and every "i" dotted.
• Making intelligent choices, like taking small steps instead of trying to do everything at once, thus making the material world more closely conform with one's needs. 
• Experiencing the possibility of turning a talent or skill into a profession.
•  Skill in work with energy and forms, such as fingers working on a manipulative substance.
• So focused on the minute they are unable to see the larger picture.

If reversed, it implies: 

• Focusing too tightly on the minute details and not seeing the big picture, causing them to never finish a project!
• Not seeing the forest for the trees. (Looking only at the idea of profit and not seeing the lies and plots that will bankrupt them),

Thank you for your interest, comments, and supportive donations. May you live long and prosper!

Traditional Tarot Card Comparisons blog and tarot readings store.

Home page-Tarot Store, Master Tarot Class, and nontraditional tarot card comparisons.

Western Hermetic Magick ritual and invocation website and magick blog.