--By Hyperion Night, of Beanblossom's Tea and Tarot
Contentedness, Emotional Completeness, Master of Emotions, Gratitude.
I’m not happy as often as I’d like. Yes, I'm a generally cheerful guy and am all about seizing the day. But I'm rarely truly happy. True happiness has only happened a few times in my life. Once on vacation at the Grand Canyon, I stood on a cliff, muscles weary from a hike, and as the sun set in dusty roses and tangerines, a sense of completeness descended on me. I was confident, whole, and happy. Maybe even joyful. Yes, I’d definitely transcended happiness into joy.
I can remember that feeling now, but only distantly. Maybe I’m not meant to feel it day-in and day-out. Maybe that feeling is reserved for saints and mystics. I don’t know.
But that’s the feeling of Tarot’s Nine of Cups. It depicts a wealthy man seated beneath an arch (a rainbow?) of cups. His stance is confident, contented. He’s got it all. And in numerology, nines symbolize completion and attainment. The man in this card has both of those qualities. But he’s not hanging out in a lush garden like the woman in the Nine of Pentacles, he’s surrounded by simple blue curtains. I think this simplicity is one of the keys to this card. True happiness isn’t found in things. Its foundation is much simpler.
If this card appears in a reading, depending on its position, it could indicate that good things are coming. That rainbow–shape represents good fortune, after all. But when the card turns up, it’s interesting to consider if you’re taking time to enjoy the simple pleasures or overcomplicating things. Of course, it could also be a call to reflect on your accomplishments and feel gratitude for all the wonder in your life. What dreams have come true for you? How can you approach the situation with a sense of abundance?
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