7 of Cups

 Keywords & phrases

• Choices
• Lack of focus
• Fantasy
• Escapism
• Illusory rewards
• Bright shiny objects & people
• Scattered thoughts/feelings
• Excess & addictive behaviour
• Keep your eye on the prize

First impressions

What strikes me here is that this is the only time we see our protagonist in silhouette, back-lit by the ‘shiny objects’.

What is happening in the card?

In the 7 of Cups, we see a person enthralled by an array of golden cups giving off a light so bright that he has been thrown into shadow.

The silhouette lacks detail which means that we can’t tell much about this character other than he’s rooted to the spot, transfixed. His body language suggests that his attention has been drawn away from something else. Also, that he is somehow startled or in awe of what he sees. He is lost in this scene, utterly distracted.

The cups themselves float before him on a fluffy cloud, holding a smorgasbord of enticing objects: treasures, dangers, knowledge, wealth, power and mystery.

Are any of them actually within his reach? Can he have it all or must he choose? 

Perhaps the whole thing is an illusion. Just temptation.

How can we relate to this card?

The 7 of Cups speaks to us of the distraction and allure of ‘shiny objects’. Who hasn’t at some point been seduced by novelty or the promise of quick rewards and instant gratification?

The phrases that come to mind when we see this card include ‘head in the clouds’, ‘living in a fantasy world’ and ‘building castles in the sky’.

I don’t know about you, but I get the feeling that if he were to actually grasp one of those cups, it might disintegrate into dust at his very touch, or that he might actually find it empty. This suggests that the 7 of Cups may offer a warning of empty promises.

This card seems to offer only temporary fun and reward followed by a distinct lack of fulfilment.

Message & affirmations

Today, I love respect and accept myself just the way that I am. Therefore, I care care of myself mind and body, heart and soul and I listen to the still small voice within and let it guide me to make healthy choices that are aligned with the highest good for myself and others.

My personal experiences of this card

For me, this is the first card I come across as I work my way through the 78 cards that points to excess and addiction.

It reminds me of indulging in self-destructive, escapist behaviours in the hope of filling some void. Behaviours, though fun in the moment, that ultimately only served to highlight what was missing and inevitably led to ‘fear and loathing’.

After all, ‘the drugs don’t work, they just make you worse’.

This interpretation comes through more strongly depending on the deck, but I think you can get a real sense of the debauched nature and toxic energy that the 7 of Cups can bring when you look at the Thoth and Urban Tarot renditions of the card.

In the first image below you can see the 3 and 7 of Cups with The Devil from the Urban Tarot. There’s a story in there that some will recognise. The 3 of Cups is suggestive of the true joy and emotional fulfilment that comes from spending time with friends and family, making meaningful connections. And the 7 acts as a warning for those who would stay too long and the party, chasing that initial high looking for that connection, perhaps in places where it doesn’t exist.

I threw The Devil in the mix to exemplify the murky energy this 7 can bring. Here he is, lurking in the shadows, supplying, facilitating and enabling, the very personification of debauchery and vice. His body language, the tilt of his chin, the way he casually drapes himself as he occupies the space, a toilet stall, seems to mimic the swamp-like scene of the 7 of Cups from the Thoth deck (see below). There’s something a bit rotten here and not very far beneath the surface.

The Devil serves as a reminder that we always have a choice and the 7 demonstrates how confusing that choice can be.

Events, situations & readings

In a relationship spread:
In a reading regarding relationships and friendships, this card might call you to examine how healthy some of your connections are.

Are you focusing on the people who really matter and who care for you, or are you being distracted by ‘bright young things’?

In a work/career/business spread:
Perhaps you are lacking focus right now at work or you are easily distracted from the task at hand. Or maybe there is a hint of a better offer elsewhere, something a bit seductive, and you’re feeling tempted. Be sure it’s for real and also that it’s what you really want before you make a move.

People & interaction with other cards

When the 7 of Cups appears with The Devil, it may be time to take a good look at your choices. What impact are they having on your wellbeing and on others?

Healing cards, such as Temperance and The Star, would urge you to be moderate and focus on self-love and care.

With action any manifesting cards such as The Magician, The Emperor and The Chariot the message is to focus on your path and not get distracted. While the more feminine or inward focussed energies of the Major Arcana would encourage you to look within for the answers when faced with difficult choices – cards such as The High Priestess, The Hermit of The Hanged Man.

Questions, prompts & insights

Are you lacking focus and direction right now? How can you turn your attention to the people and things that really matter to you? How can you keep your eye on the real prize?

Are you feeling tempted to go down a route or indulge in behaviours that you know in your heart are not good for you and those around you? How do your decisions affect others?

How can you ensure that you make healthier choices going forward?

Featured decks:
Main image from The Rider Waite Tarot. Also featured, images from Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot and The Urban Tarot by Robin Scott.