Three of Cups tarot card — Rider–Waite

Three of Cups

Minor
Element
Water
Zodiac
Cancer
Number
3

The Three of Cups shows three figures raising their cups in a joyful celebration. This card is all about friendship, community, and coming together to share happiness and support. When the Three of Cups appears, it’s a sign to cherish your connections, enjoy time with friends, and celebrate milestones, big or small. Let yourself feel gratitude for the people who uplift you and create moments of joy. This card encourages you to embrace the spirit of togetherness, honor your achievements, and share laughter. Support and happiness grow stronger when they’re shared, so open your heart to the love around you.

Three of Cups — General meaning

Upright meaning

The Three of Cups upright brings celebration, friendship, and joyful gatherings. You may be attending a party, reuniting with loved ones, or simply feeling grateful for the support in your life. This card is about savoring good times, expressing gratitude, and letting your heart open to happiness. Take time to nurture your friendships, honor your accomplishments, and share your journey with others. When you lift others up and let them celebrate with you, happiness multiplies. The Three of Cups encourages you to say yes to invitations, let yourself have fun, and appreciate the blessings of connection.

Reversed meaning

Reversed, the Three of Cups may signal feeling disconnected, left out, or facing tension within your social circle. Misunderstandings, gossip, or lack of communication could be creating rifts. Sometimes, it warns against prioritizing parties over meaningful connection, or letting old hurts linger. The advice is to be honest about your feelings, reach out to those you miss, and seek genuine companionship. Healing happens when you communicate openly and make space for forgiveness. Focus on building deeper, more authentic connections that bring real happiness and comfort.

Upright keywords: Celebration, Friendship, Community, Support, Joy

Reversed keywords: Isolation, Misunderstanding, Gossip, Disconnection, Superficiality

Three of Cups — Love meaning

Upright meaning

In love, the Three of Cups upright signals shared joy, positive social experiences, and harmonious relationships. If you’re single, you might meet someone new through friends or at a celebration. For couples, it’s a time for happy times together, strengthening your bond with shared experiences, or celebrating milestones as a team. The energy is light, playful, and full of mutual support. This card encourages open-hearted communication and being present for your partner, friends, or loved ones. Focus on the joys you share and create new memories together.

Reversed meaning

In love, the Three of Cups reversed can point to third-party influences, jealousy, or tension among friends affecting your relationship. There could be misunderstandings, secrets, or difficulty finding time for each other. If single, you might feel alone in a crowd or question the authenticity of new connections. The message is to be clear about your intentions, address issues honestly, and avoid getting caught up in drama. True love thrives on trust and mutual support, so nurture your connections and let go of anything that doesn’t serve your happiness.

Upright keywords: Shared joy, Good times, Harmony, Reunion, Happiness

Reversed keywords: Jealousy, Tension, Third party, Drama, Distance

Three of Cups — Career meaning

Upright meaning

For career, the Three of Cups upright means teamwork, successful collaborations, and feeling valued in your professional circle. Projects may come together smoothly, or you may achieve a collective goal worth celebrating. Recognize the people who help you succeed and show appreciation for their support. This is a great time for networking, creative partnerships, or building camaraderie at work. Positive energy and encouragement lift everyone up, making even challenging projects more enjoyable. Celebrate your successes, big or small, and keep the spirit of cooperation alive.

Reversed meaning

For career, the Three of Cups reversed suggests teamwork problems, office politics, or feeling excluded from important projects. Collaboration may not flow smoothly, or there could be unspoken tension among colleagues. The card advises you to communicate openly, resolve misunderstandings, and focus on building trust at work. Seek out supportive people, don’t engage in gossip, and work on restoring harmony. When you prioritize honest connection, you help create a more positive environment and set the stage for future success.

Upright keywords: Teamwork, Success, Recognition, Collaboration, Camaraderie

Reversed keywords: Conflict, Exclusion, Politics, Lack of support, Disharmony

Three of Cups — Spiritual meaning

Upright meaning

Spiritually, the Three of Cups upright is about connecting with like-minded souls, joining groups, or finding community on your path. You may be inspired by group meditations, rituals, or gatherings where people share wisdom and support. This card encourages you to seek out spiritual companionship, celebrate shared milestones, and nurture the bonds that help you grow. True fulfillment comes from belonging and participating in something bigger than yourself. Enjoy the magic of community and let it inspire your personal growth.

Reversed meaning

Spiritually, the Three of Cups reversed can mean feeling isolated from your spiritual community or struggling to find people who resonate with your beliefs. You may be withdrawing, doubting your place, or finding group activities unfulfilling. The card encourages you to reflect on what kind of support you need, reach out to new circles, or spend time in solo practices until you feel ready to reconnect. True spiritual growth happens when you honor your need for both connection and self-reflection.

Upright keywords: Community, Companionship, Support, Belonging, Growth

Reversed keywords: Isolation, Withdrawal, Disconnection, Doubt, Reflection