Six of Cups

 Six of cups is probably one of the most innocent and cutest card in the minor arcana. Again, it is easy to see what is happening in the actions of the little boy and girl on the card, but there is a little more to it than just the picture…

The picture presented before us is one that immediately brings on a good feeling, the feeling of young love and the infatuation that comes with it. In the middle of the town square, we see a young boy offering a beautiful white flower in a vase, to a young girl. She is smiling, most likely feeling those butterflies for the first time, a feeling we all remember. There are 5 other vases surrounding them, and I’ve always felt each vase represented one of the six senses.  When we remember things from childhood it can be quite visceral and the sensory experience involved in nostalgic memories is a big part of this card. The children's heads are covered with kerchiefs, a symbol of psychic protection, and the knights shield perched against the post behind them bears the cross of st. Andrew which is another sign of protection. We also see the knight has his back turned from the children and is walking out of the town center unarmed, another sign that there is no danger here.

This card represents nostalgia and the feeling of innocence returned or remembered. Most often it is a positive feeling or experience, but sometimes it can be the feeling of sadness or remorse, remembering what was lost. Not all childhood memories are positive, and it is imperative that we allow ourselves the time to heal any old wounds around our childhood that may prevent us from feeling safe and cared for. It’s a reminder that we all have the right to our innocence, to the childlike wonder that is our birthright and that we can reclaim it, if it feels like we’ve lost it. Alternatively this card may signify a time is coming where we will be filled with this feeling of simple pleasure and affection. When it does come, all we have to do is lean into it, because we are safe.