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The Three of Cups card is the triumph of joy, carelessness, and gratitude that is best expressed by the grace of the feast of harvest. It indicates that we have achieved something valuable, beautiful, or received as a gift, and therefore we are happy, satisfied and grateful. At the soul level, it shows joy and fulfillment, and can be a joy at external level.

THREE OF CUPS : ABUNDANCE

These cards are referred to Binah; in each of them is expressed the symbolism of Understanding. The idea has become fertilized; the triangle has been formulated. In each case, the idea is of a certain stability which can never be upset, but from which a child can issue.

The Three of Cups is called the Lord of Abundance. The idea of love has come to fruition; but this is now sufficiently far down the Tree to introduce a very definite differentiation between the suits, which was not previously possible.

This card refers to Binah in the suit of Water. This is the card of Demeter or Persephone. The Cups are pomegranates: they are filled bountifully to overflowing from a single lotus, arising from the dark calm sea characteristic of Binah. There is here the fulifilment of the Will of Love in abounding joy. It is the spiritual basis of fertility.

The card is referred to the influence of Mercury in Cancer; this carries further the above thesis. Mercury is the Will or Word of the All-Father; here its influence descends upon the most receptive of the Signs.

At the same time, the combination of these forms of energy brings in the possibility of somewhat mysterious ideas. Binah, the Great Sea, is the Moon in one aspect, but Saturn in another; and Mercury, besides being the Word or Will of the All-One, is the guide of the souls of the Dead. This card requires great subtlety of interpretation.

The pomegranate was the fruit which Persephone ate in the realms of Pluto, thereby enabling him to hold her in the lower world, even after the most powerful influence had been brought to bear. The lesson seems to be that the good things of life, although enjoyed, should be distrusted.

THE THREE OF CUPS - ABUNDANCE

Astrology: Mercury in the 2. decan of Cancer Tree of Life: Binah through Water

The Three of Cups will combine the qualities of both the Ace and the Two of Cups. The undirected love has found its goal, it will grow and blossom. The 3 (triad) as the number of synthesis and harmony will pour its riches into the seas of Binah, the understanding and realization. 

Therefore, the Three of Cups shows that we have found joy and fulfillment in love and devotion, we are aware of the worth and understand its meaning.

Drive: Pleasure, healing, sensuality, conception, fulfillness 

Light: Good luck, joy, satisfaction, passive success 

Shadow: Greed, raw lust, excessive pleasure, over-abundance

THE THREE OF CUPS - Abundance - Venus - Joy

Keywords: Mercury in Cancer, giving and receiving love, rare, valuable feelings and perceptions that can be passed on in confidence

Advice: You have something particularly valuable to share. Be open to the people with whom you can share these wonderful feelings. They are also gifts: you don't have to look for them.

Question: Are there any people, who you have not yet expressed the love you have for them?

Suggestion: What you want to give now is in full awareness of your boundless wealth.

Revelation: Life today gives me everything I need to be happy.

Analogies:

Ji-Ching: 58. Tui (Joy, The Cheerful - The Lake)

Mythology: The Three Chorita or Grazia - the Charming Goddesses (Aglaia, Euphrosyne, Thaleia)

Keywords: cheer, gratitude, joy, carelessness

The way to inspire others lies in emotions, both positive and negative.

THREE OF CUPS

General Meaning

The Three of this suit is often entitled Consent, or simply Yes. This card resonates with a spirit of agreement, mutual support, encouragement and teamwork.

Often pictured as three women celebrating their connectedness in a dance with lifted cups, it could also be called "sisterhood," a real mutual admiration society. It points to all the benefits of harmonious relationship.

In the Reversed Position

The Three of Cups reversed indicates that you may be frustrating the best efforts of those who love you most. You need to ask yourself what is so important that you would place it above the bonds of love and mutual support.

This card puts such a desirable face on maintaining the harmony in relationships that there is cause to wonder why you would deprive yourself of such a valuable asset. Try to find a way to let in some of the love and caring that comes to you. Don't turn away the possibility of harmony and enjoyable contact.

In the Advice Positon

The Three of Cups in this position advises that you tune in with your family and fully inform them about what's going on with you. Let them add substance to your ideas with their talent and imagination. Think of this occasion as a celebration, where their support helps you find success in your work. There may be something here for everyone to contribute. Put yourself in the loving hands of your family connections and your trust will be well rewarded. The synergy between you could enhance each individual's talent and creativity. You will love the results!

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.