In tarot, the Three of Cups card stands for celebrations, sharing joy, uniting in celebratory spirit, and joyous reunions, gatherings, and friendships.
The Three of Cups has different meanings when interpreted upright as it does reversed (upside down, not the same as face down).
The table below shows a brief summary of interpretations, followed by more in-depth analysis of the card in both positions below.
| Upright | Reversed |
| Celebrations, rejoicing, social gatherings. Sharing feelings of beauty. | Gossip, scandal. Loneliness or social isolation. |
| (Yes/No?): Yes | (Yes/No?): No |
The Three of Cups drawn in the upright symbolizes collaboration, celebrations, and social gatherings.
When drawn in the reverse, the Three of Cups could indicate the lacking of those things.
Number 3 Meaning
Numbers have various associations in numerology.
The meaning of the number 3 represents expansion and development.
Like other odd numbers, the number 3 is considered to be a masculine number.
Threes can indicate stability and they are the product of one and 2 coming together.
The number three can also represent an emerging manifestation and growth.
Threes can also signify projects and planning.
Three Cups Description
In the original Rider-Waite tarot deck, the Three of Cups is depicted by three women, raising their individual cups into the air, in "cheers".
All three women appear happy, joyous and in celebratory moods.
It almost appears as though they know their joy was well-earned and deserved.
There are many different versions of this card in many different decks today, so always pay close attention to the imagery when interpreting the card.