MAAT Study Group- 4 of Cups

juliecucciawatts

Week of the last quarter moon in Capricorn
“The last quarter moon phase symbolizes the power of an acute awareness of ideals and high standards and implementation of these standards into daily life. Disappointment can occur if these standards are not met.”

4 of Cups
Planetary ruler Mars

The image for the 4 of Cups is Lancelot du Lac asleep beneath a tree. There is an Arthurian story that suits this card's meaning perfectly.
One day Lancelot wandered into the realm of Morgana Le
Fay. Unknowingly he fell asleep beneath an apple tree. Morgan and three queens rode up and saw him sleeping there.
The queens began to quarrel about who would sleep with him. Morgana went up to the sleeping Lancelot and insisted he decide between them offering herself to him first.
Lancelot whose heart would always belong to Gwenhwyfar refused all four queens.
The first thing I noticed from this story was that each of the queens seemed to represent a compass direction. Morgana imprisoned him when he would not decide among them. A girl who served him his meals freed Lancelot from prison; it was his kindness to her that made her free him. This seems to say you do not have to choose a direction dictated by an external force, even though the external prompting may be very attractive, or because not to do so may have undesirable consequences. Stay centered, be true to yourself, be kind to everyone and eventually you will be set free.

Traditional tarot meaning: obsession, depression, the refusal of an offer

In a Reading: To thine own self be true! This card suggests that regardless of what others may offer you, or what they will think about your refusal of their offer it is best to stick to your original plan. Listen to your heart, disregarding the distractions, remembering that you have to live with your decisions.
 

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annik

It is not like the more "traditional" four of cups. But, in a sense, it have similarity. He don't look bored but he is unmoved by the women. He also seem to have a bit of a free spirit. He sleep under a tree without any worry of the owner of the land.
 

SolSionnach

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