RWS Tarot 101 Two of Cups

PAMUYA

Comments always welcome!


Two of Cups

“I love others as I love myself” Greer

The first thing that pops out to me in the Two of Cups is the loins head with wings, a top a caduceus. Lion, sexuality and the wing as spirit, the caduceus as healing and wisdom. A tread with more information: Loins Head/Wings thread: http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=67411

The caduceus comes down between the couple sharing/exchanging their cups. The woman wears a dress of white (purity, innocence, peace) covered by a blue (sensitivity) smock. The man wears a white undershirt covered with yellow (contentment) over shirt. They both are wearing wreaths upon their heads (victors in this stage of their lives?). Tread on mans wreath: http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=23920

The back ground is a house tucked in between green trees, giving a sense of tranquility. I see this card as a watered down version of the Lovers card, an immature union, more likely to fail. I also see this as a card of self union, to love thyself.

Direct: Happiness, contentment, possible marriage, romance, sex, balance, soul mates, blending of minds, friendship, reconciliation, loving ones self.

Reversed: Breaking up, sex without love, false love, secret affair, infidelity, broken trust, conflicts, temporary relationship.

More threads on Twos:
Twos: http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=93810
Elements of Twos tread: http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=56221
 

rcb30872

I always thought that the snakes wound around the pole, or whatever, under the lions head is related to health and healing. For example, you know the medic alert bracelets, they have a very similar thing on them, etc.
Just checked, oh well, it is only one snake:
http://www.medicalert.org/home/Homegradient.aspx

Well, not only is it two people of the opposite sexes, but it could be finding the balance between your masculine and feminine qualities within yourself. You know finding the balance between feelings and actions, or more to the point waiting for things to happen and making things happen, if that makes sense. Also, it could be finding a balance between your earthly passions and your spiritual aspirations.

Just rambling, thinking out aloud.
 

PAMUYA

Ramble away, that's what this site it for ;).

A caduceus is used in the medical field, but also has many other meanings.

Quote:

Caduceus: According to alchemical lore, Mercury, messenger of the gods cast his magic want between two warring serpents. They coiled themselves around it, forming what is called the caduceus, a symbol of opposing forces held in balance.

You can see why there can be so many interperations...opposing forces..evil/good..love/hate..male/female-I hate to think of these as opposing but....it's all good!
 

Fragments

I am standing beside a couple, they extend their hands, each hand clasping a cup. The female's face is pulled tight whilst the man seems to be more relaxed in both expression and in body.

The female wears a formal white gown with a green over garment, her red shoes glimpse out from under her dress. A laurel wreath is pushed firmly onto her neat hair. Her hands are more firmly clasped around the cup she holds out. For her this exchange is more of a sacrifice.

The male figure steps forwards, his hand extends towards her cup. I wonder if he is going to take the cup from her and keep his own.

His clothing is far more outlandish than hers, he wears a tunic in what appears to be leopard skin and his wreath is made of red berries.

Above them there is the winged head of lion mounted on what appears to be a curling metal structure. I am not aware of this symbolism.

Behind the couple there is a small dwelling nested into the hills.