Old English Tarot: 3 of Cups

In today's blog entry, Helen Howell continues her exploration of cards from the Old English Tarot by Maggie Kneen (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.)

Old English Tarot

3 Cups

by Helen Howell

At first glance at the image on the Old English it is not that clear to see how to interpret it. Unlike the traditional Rider Waite image, which clearly indicates to us, by the picture of three women coming together and raising their goblets in a toast, that the card is a celebration of sorts, the coming together of friends or an indication of a happy time. So what can we surmise from the Old English image?

 

Let’s take a closer look at what we’ve got, which is not a lot. Three cups are spread evenly across the card in a diagonal line. In the bottom left hand corner is a figure of a woman who is banging a tambourine that hangs from a cord. It’s a hard one to decide, but let’s see. First the cups are in perfect balance with each other. Cups being the element of Water which is expressed through emotions and feelings, imagination and inspiration, we can see that this may well symbolise a balance in emotions, no extremes in this image. The figure holds the tambourine out towards those cups. A tambourine is a drum of sorts and drums are often used in spiritual rituals and maybe indicate allowing the higher self to come through. We’ve all heard the term ‘Banging a Drum’ used to illustrate when someone is speaking passionately about something. Also there is a rhythm involved when banging a drum and this can be used at a ceremony or celebration. 

 

Putting what we have together, we get someone who is enthusiastic about something, maybe a celebration or a ceremony - like a wedding for example. We have balance of emotions in the image, illustrated by the cups. Perhaps this figure bangs her drum to announce a sense of wellbeing and achievement.

 

So although the image is not as clear as the Rider Waite one, it does tell us that this is a time for celebration and happiness. You may or may not agree with me. If you do see something different then please do share it with us.

 

LWB says:

Healing, resolution, solace, compromise, satisfactory conclusion.

Reversed: Excessive pleasure, overabundance.