Eight of Cups

 Eight of cups is a card that has a so many various symbols that it can take a few times reading before you truly grasp the depth. While all cards tend to be filled with symbolism, this card calls for a discerning eye to really get them all and interpret them in relation to one another.

The first thing I notice is the eclipse in the dark night sky. It hangs low over the water filled with rock outcroppings. The water is mainly calm, except for that which hits the rocks, but still doesn’t produce any white caps. We see a person, in a red cloak with a walking stick walking away from our view. Directly in the foreground is a stack of 8 cups, 5 on the bottom and three on top, with what seems to be an open space for an additional cup. Clearly this person is going on a journey, but we can assume they’re coming back, because they’ve left their cups on the shore. Perhaps they’re coming back with the 9th cup? It is hard to say because with the eclipse, we know something is hidden from plain sight. We can definitely tell this person is looking for something, or is traveling in search of something. The red robe is a symbol of the physical realm, as it correlates with the root, or Manipura chakra. This further supposes they are most likely looking for something physical but also perhaps that they are taking something physical with them to keep them grounded while their search for something intangible. 

In a reading this card often shows that someone will is going to be leaving something, a job a relationship, etc., but they will be back. Additionally it suggests they are leaving on good terms, and are leaving to fulfill something they feel they are lacking or missing. This thing may be hidden, or subconscious, as suggested by the eclipse. This person may need the time and space to heal or rest so they can come back more refreshed and ready to participate in their work, partnership, or relationship. Basically someone is in search of something they feel they’re missing, and are going to look for it, regardless of their current situation. 

Ultimately it is a sign of a temporary absence, whether yours or someone else’s close to you. Personally I’ve experienced this card being pulled for a specific relationship I was in, where my partner at the time kept breaking up with me and coming back. This card gave me the opportunity to ultimately choose myself instead of this person who couldn’t find what they needed and kept searching, but to no avail. So while this card is traditionally seen as somewhat positive, I posit it is neutral and depends on the other card surrounding it.