Reading In The Flow - Cards in Combination: Emperor, 8 of Cups, 2 of Cups

This is the third edition of our series “Reading In The Flow: Cards in Combination”. If you missed the first two posts (can be found via Resources), “Reading In The Flow” is a term I use to describe taking a bird’s eye view of a spread in order to observe all the ways in which the cards interact.

Similar to the last combination, I will be working with my partner Tim to break down the possibilities within a set of 3 cards. We will explore elemental distribution, note-worthy observations, how the cards Qabalistically correlate, and what the message may be with all things considered.

The three cards we’ll be using for today’s exercise came about through “random” shuffle. They are The Emperor, the 8 of Cups, and the 2 of Cups (again!). I have arranged them sequentially in a horizontal manner and have not ascribed a question or positional meanings. This is a general reading where the cards are meant to be read in tandem.

Similar to the last time, I am asking readers to take a step back and observe the landscape at large. Consider what is similar about the cards, what is different, how they interact, what the figures are posturing, the colours, repeated imagery or anything else that stands out! There are no right or wrongs about this approach. Bring in any elements you personally work with (numbers, astrology etc.) whether I’ve mentioned them or not. This isn’t about guessing what I’m going to see, it’s about expanding your own unique vision. So, take a look at the image below, and using the prompts above, note what you observe!

Here are our notes. Keep in mind, there are endless possibilities - this is just what popped out for us! This is also a whole lot of theory. When reading in practice, it is wise to combine learned meanings and intuitive hunches for the best results.

Majors Vs. Minors:
1 Major, 2 Minors

This is a reasonable ratio given there are more minors in the deck than majors. Statistically, this makes sense and likely points to some balance in terms of the overall vibration of the reading. It is concerned both with the day-to-day and perhaps bigger life lessons.

Elemental Distribution:
Emperor = Fire
8 of Cups = Water
2 of Cups = Water
What is missing? Earth & Air

The landscape here is most heavily influenced by water - the realm of emotions, feelings, relationships, and the subconscious. However, Fire occupies the Major card which also gives it a good deal of weight. I picture this a bit like heat beneath a pot. The main source of energy is coming from the heat which is causing a reaction in the other element, being water. That said, this matter could have to do with inspirations and passions that are fueling emotional reactions (good or adverse).

Basic Numerical Breakdown:
The primary numbers represented are 4, 2, and 8. I’m not sure what else to add except to say that the numbers seem to relate as 2+2 = 4 and 4+4=8. This may indicate a pattern - literally and figuratively!

The total number is 5 (4+2+8=14 and then 1+4=5). The number 5 falls in the middle of the 1-9 sequence and may be viewed as a turning point. Energetically, it is often ascribed associations related to change, reconfiguration, and expansion.

Repeated or Notable Imagery:
-Mountains are visible in all 3 cards. This could indicate initiation of sorts; elevating oneself to higher levels, even if there is some degree of challenge in that task.

-The red garment shared between The Emperor and the figure in the 8 of Cups is striking. We would see these as the same person in a different setting. Because the position, body language, and environment are so distinctly different, we would read this as a pretty serious departure from one state of being to another.

-Each figure in all 3 cards holds something in their hands, which could give an indication as to the transition we see taking place. The Emperor holds a scepter (a sign of rule/authority), the 8 of Cups holds a walking stick (a sign of will) and the 2 of Cups hold cups (a sign of love and emotional healing).

-Following the trail, it looks like The Emperor starts in a place of command, then walks into the landscape of the 8 of Cups which seems to connect directly to the 2 of Cups. This flow, unlike some others, really does pave a distinct path!

-Will is represented in 3 ways, though differently among these cards. We have the will to rule, the will to wander and then the higher will represented in the 2 of Cups.

-We discussed numbers up top, but something else that caught our eye was the 8 and the 2 of the same suit. If you add them together you get 10, and the 10 of Cups, while not present, could add another layer of understanding in terms of what this seeker is moving toward.

-The temperature/weather is interesting to observe here as well. We have what looks hot and bright, moving to dark and presumably colder to then a nice balance where the sky is clear and the weather appears moderate. This could indicate moving from one pole to the other pole, to then finding the balance in the middle point.

Qabalistic Elements:
The letter associated with the 3 cards are as such: Heh, Beth, Cheth

This then equals the following, numerically: 5+2+8=15 (15= Yah [ יה ])

This would give the combined energy of the cards the divine name of Chokmah, which is archetypal masculinity. It specifically speaks to the primal man's objective in union, which is to seek emotional fulfillment through the actualization of his inner (feminine) life. It also speaks to the bravery it takes to experience, live, and understand one’s emotions rather than avoid them.

The Emperor card is associated with the Hebrew letter Heh, which is considered quite feminine. This may imply the balance required to be a fair leader. The significance of the letter heh to this reading is further solidified, because not only is the Emperor Heh, but the two pip cards add up to 10, which is the value of the letter name of heh spelled out הה.

(For those who are not familiar, in Qabalah, one looks for numerical links, and words of a similar value are considered to be related in some spiritually significant way)

Possible Message:
To us, this looks like a “de-throning” of oneself. It is as if someone in a position of authority or command took a conscious step away from that post to opt for the “road less traveled”. In this sense, The Emperor trades his scepter for a walking stick, choosing higher will over earthly structures or the authority they have so far been able to attain. Perhaps the power or position was empty, which could be indicated by the 8 Cups our figure moves away from in the middle card. Either way, a decision has been made to reestablish oneself; to give up a seat of power in place of an unknown (but hopeful) future. Because the final result is the 2 of Cups, it could be said that the seeker is putting true love above all else. Or, it could be that themes of balance and union are what ultimately fuels this journey. Joining together in the 2 of Cups we see what I assume to be an increase in harmony and the following of one’s heart over the expectations set by others or one’s former self.

So, what did you think? What did you see? What popped out!? While this is a fairly objective and rational approach, also consider that your intuition will have a way of bringing forward the aspects that are key! In this way, you may consider a “missed” connection to be irrelevant to the seeker involved. And also consider, what you noticed today, may not be what you notice tomorrow - context and situation mean a lot! Ultimately, I love this approach because of its versatility and I hope you too can see the value in the bird’s eye view. I’d love to hear your thoughts or if you have card combination suggestions for future posts, leave them in the comments!

You can also find my collection of card meanings here, which you may find helpful if you’re new to tarot!

Julia