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Like the other three Pages, the Princess (Page) of Cups also shows impulse, opportunity, chance. In this case, either an invitation to a fun event or a gesture of love or peace. In all cases, the impulse comes from others, it is about our feelings and we are grateful and satisfied. The card represents a peace offer after a period of quarrels and insults, compassion from others in painful times, and last but not least the moment of loving contact when we fall in love with someone. The impulse is generally positive and sincere, and it is only necessary to accept healthy doubts if the other cards are predominantly unfavorable.

PRINCESS OF CUPS

The Princesses represent the He’ final of the Name. They represent the ultimate issue of the original Energy in its completion, its crystallization, its materialization. They also represent the counter-balancing, the re-absorption of the Energy. They represent the Silence into which all things return. They are thus at the same time permanent and non-existent. An audit of the equation 0=2.

The Princesses have no Zodiacal attribution. Yet evidently they represent four types of human being. They are those numerous “elemental” people whom we recognize by their lack of all sense of responsibility, whose moral qualities seem to lack “bite”. They are sub-divided according to planetary predominance. Such types have been repeatedly described in fiction. As Eliphaz Levi wrote: “The love of the Magus for such creatures is insensate, and may destroy him”.

The Princess of Cups represents the earthy part of Water; in particular, the faculty of crystallization. She represents the power of Water to give substance to idea, to support life, and to form the basis of chemical combination. She is represented as a dancing figure, robed in a flowing garment on whose edges crystals are seen to form.

For her crest she wears a swan with open wings. The symbolism of this swan reminds one of the swan in oriental philosophy which is the word AUM or AUMGN, which is the symbol of the entire process of creation. [See, for a full analysis and explanation of this Word, Magick, pp. 45.]

She bears a covered cup from which issues a tortoise. This is again the tortoise which in Hindu philosophy supports the elephant on whose back is the Universe. She is dancing upon a foaming sea in which disports himself a dolphin, the royal fish, which symbolizes the power of Creation.

The character of the Princess is infinitely gracious. All sweetness, all voluptuousness, gentleness, kindness and tenderness are in her character. She lives in the world of Romance, in the perpetual dream of rapture. On a superficial examination she might be thought selfish and indolent, but this is a quite false impression; silently and effortlessly she goes about her work. 

In the Yi King, the earthy part of Water is represented by the 41st Hexagram, Sun. This means diminution, the dissolution of all solidity. People described by this card are very dependent on others, but at the same time helpful to them. Rarely, at the best, are they of individual importance. As helpmeets, they are unsurpassed. 

PRINCESS OF CUPS

Astrology: Venus in the Water signs Element and world: The Earth in the Waters of Briah Tree of Life: Malkuth

The Princess of Cups represents the earth in the waters of Briah, an island floating in the groundless seas. She is far from her father's flames and her mother's depth, and she lacks the researching spirit of her brother. She is of endless tenderness, kindness and lovingness, living on her isle of romance and joy. 

Therefore, an uneffected spectator might take her as childish or selfish, but the island of the princess can be so fertile and rich. Artistically inclined talents can be detected and supported, medial abilities can rise and deeper insights can be gained. 

On the dark side, the island can turn out to be a castle made of sand, sinking in the seas of irrationality and daydreaming. The Princess of Cups, unwilling to leave her realm outside the 'common' world, may sink with it and at its worst might seduce others to follow her.

Drive: The exploring of the inner worlds 

Light: Intuition, sensibility, tenderness, fantasy, dreamy imagination 

Shadow: Faking, abuse of feelings, selfish, luxurious, deviation, a flatterer

THE PAGE OF CUPS - (Knave / Princess of Chalices) - Venus 1st / 5th House - Peace

Keywords: earthly aspect of water, emotional freedom, overcoming jealousy, self-confidence

Advice: Trust your feelings and values, you are on the right track.

Questions: Is there anything else that prevents you from being completely free? Now is the time to go beyond that.

Suggestion: Imagine being surrounded by water and dancing the salvation and freedom with light, floating movements.

Revelation: The more I love myself, the more I can share with others.

Analogies:

Ji-Ching: 57. Sun (The Gentle - The Transparent - The Wind)

Mythology: The Peace-maker (Esau)

Keywords: pacing impulse; gesture; offer; playful fun

Everyone chooses to treat the world as friends or enemies.

PAGE OF CUPS

General Meaning

This card is traditionally entitled the Page, but in some modern decks appears as a Princess. In this suit this card represents a poetic, mystical, emotionally open young person, still tender and idealistic, given to flights of imaginative fantasy.

This energy is exquisitely refined and fine-tuned. It may be that a sense of being grounded in reality has not yet entirely set in, such that he or she is easily tossed about by external forces and events. This person must work to achieve a stronger will and a more calculating mind, to balance and protect all that wonderful sensitivity.

In the Reversed Position

When the Page of Cups card is reversed it suggests that those around this Page, or Princess, have been tolerant of his or her self-indulgent feelings. In reality, they don't owe you this service.

If you impinge upon their good nature too much, you may be unpleasantly surprised by the results. Be sure you start making their desires and well-being a higher priority.

In the Advice Positon

The Page of Cups (in some decks, a Princess) in this position advises you to study the best ways to be of service. Strive to discern what would give more pleasure, comfort and emotional security. Then, provide it. Understand that what is happening has little or nothing to do with you personally. The best you can do is to offer support and listen closely.

Make sure you understand what is needed and serve the situation with loyalty. Look at individuals around you as the embodiment of the Divine, and try to fulfill each one's needs. Be unconcerned with the outcome. Later you will understand why you needed to be in this position.

Read more:

• » The Book of Thoth - A Short Essay on the Tarot of the Egyptians by Aleister Crowley.
• » Liber LXXVIII - On the Tarot - A complete treatise on the Tarot giving the correct designs of the cards with their attributions and symbolic meanings on all planes. - A description of the Cards of the Tarot, with their attributions, including a method of divination by their use.
• » Manuscript N - The Tarot - A Golden Dawn Manuscript - A Theoricus Adeptus Minor Paper.