In esoteric Tarot, the Water element is associated with emotions, intuition, the subconscious mind, and the realm of the soul. It represents the flow of feelings, the depth of human experience, and the ability to connect with the inner world and the mysteries of existence. Water is linked to the suit of Cups (or Chalices) in the Tarot, which embodies the Water element and its esoteric meanings.

Esoteric Meaning of Water in Tarot

• Emotions and Feelings: Water symbolizes the realm of emotions and feelings. It represents the depth and complexity of human emotions, including love, joy, sorrow, and compassion. Water signifies the ability to connect with and understand one’s own feelings and the emotions of others.
• Intuition and Psychic Abilities: Water is associated with intuition, psychic abilities, and the subconscious mind. It signifies the capacity to access inner wisdom and receive insights from the higher self and the spiritual realm.
• Sensitivity and Empathy: Water represents sensitivity and empathy, the ability to tune into the needs and emotions of others. It signifies the capacity to offer emotional support and nurture relationships.
• Dreams and Imagination: Water is linked to the world of dreams, imagination, and the creative power of the mind. It symbolizes the flow of ideas, artistic inspiration, and the ability to manifest through visualization.
• Spiritual Connection: Water signifies the connection with the spiritual and mystical aspects of life. It represents the soul’s journey, purification, and the quest for spiritual enlightenment.
• Healing and Renewal: Water has the power to cleanse and purify. It symbolizes emotional healing, renewal, and the release of emotional burdens and past traumas.
• Flow and Adaptability: Water is fluid and adaptable. It represents the ability to go with the flow of life, navigate change, and embrace the natural cycles of existence.

The Suits of Cups

• Ace of Cups: The Ace of Cups represents the pure, overflowing energy of love, compassion, and emotional connection. It signifies a new emotional beginning or a profound spiritual awakening.
• Two of Cups: This card represents harmony, partnership, and emotional balance. It signifies the union of two souls in love or a deep emotional connection.
• Three of Cups: The Three of Cups symbolizes celebration, joy, and community. It represents the sharing of emotions and the bonds of friendship and support.
• Four of Cups: This card signifies introspection and contemplation of one’s emotions. It may indicate a need to explore inner feelings or reassess emotional satisfaction.
• Five of Cups: The Five of Cups represents grief and loss. It signifies a period of emotional challenge and the need to find healing and renewal.
• Six of Cups: This card is associated with nostalgia, childhood memories, and innocence. It signifies emotional connections from the past and a sense of nostalgia.
• Seven of Cups: The Seven of Cups represents imagination, choices, and dreams. It signifies a time of multiple possibilities and the need to focus on one’s emotional priorities.
• Eight of Cups: This card signifies the quest for deeper emotional fulfillment. It represents a journey of self-discovery and a search for spiritual and emotional meaning.
• Nine of Cups: The Nine of Cups is known as the “Wish Card.” It signifies emotional contentment, satisfaction, and the fulfillment of emotional desires.
• Ten of Cups: This card represents emotional harmony and fulfillment in family and relationships. It signifies a deep sense of happiness and emotional abundance.

The Water element in Tarot represents the realm of emotions, intuition, and the soul’s journey. It is deeply connected to the human experience and the capacity to understand, express, and heal emotions. Understanding the esoteric meanings of Water and its associated cards can enhance your Tarot readings, particularly in matters of the heart, relationships, and emotional well-being.

The Court Cards

In esoteric Tarot, the Court Cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King) within the suit of Cups (or Chalices) also carry esoteric meanings related to the Water element. These Court Cards represent different aspects of the Water element, including personality traits, qualities, and roles in the realm of emotions, intuition, and spiritual insight.

• Page of Cups (Earth of Water): The Page of Cups represents the budding of emotions, intuition, and creativity. This card embodies the qualities of a receptive and imaginative soul, often symbolizing a messenger of intuitive insights and emotional expression. The Page of Cups may signify the beginning of an emotional or intuitive journey.
• Knight of Cups (Air of Water): The Knight of Cups combines the elements of Air and Water. This card represents an individual who possesses both emotional depth and intellectual understanding. The Knight of Cups is often seen as a romantic and poetic figure, guided by intuition and driven by a sense of idealism.
• Queen of Cups (Water of Water): The Queen of Cups embodies the purest essence of the Water element. She is highly intuitive, empathetic, and deeply in touch with her emotions and the emotions of others. This card represents a nurturing and compassionate soul who offers emotional support and wisdom.
• King of Cups (Fire of Water): The King of Cups combines the elements of Fire and Water. He represents a balanced and mature individual who is emotionally stable and in control of his feelings. The King of Cups is often seen as a wise counselor and a source of emotional strength and healing.

These Court Cards within the suit of Cups reflect the various expressions of the Water element in human personality and behavior. They represent the stages of emotional development and mastery in the realm of feelings, intuition, and spiritual insight. When interpreting these cards in a Tarot reading, one can consider both their elemental associations and the specific qualities and characteristics each Court Card represents within the context of the reading.

Reversed Cards

There are many ways to read reversed Tarot cards. If we decide to include reversed cards, there are many authors who describe them in great detail. Personally, I read them as blocking the energies of the card to the right: forces that are not expressing themselves consciously or unconsciously. This is where we have to use intuition and the context of the reading.

Reading the Tarot

Esoteric Tarot serves as a powerful tool for self-discovery, personal growth, and spiritual insight. Its purpose for an individual can be multifaceted and deeply transformative. You can select a card or spread of cards, focusing on a specific question or intention, and interpreting the cards’ symbolism and messages in the context of their personal journey. It’s a highly intuitive and introspective process that can provide valuable guidance and illumination for one’s life path and spiritual growth.

Learn to use the Celtic Cross in a reading.

The Other Suits

• The Suits of Wands
• The Suit of Swords
• The Suit of Pentacles
• The Major Arcana