Page of Cups Tarot Meanings
The card of sensitivity, creativity, and intuitive messages.
Last Updated: April 23, 2024.
The Page of Cups is the eleventh card in the Suit of Cups (also known as the suit of Goblets or Vessels) and one of the fifty-six suit cards from the minor arcana. In divinatory tarot, the Suit of Cups is typically associated with the element of water.
It traditionally represents emotions, intuition, relationships, and creativity. Each card of this suit can provide insight into different aspects of our lives such as love, friendship, family, and emotional well-being.
The Page of Cups is the youngest of the Cups court cards, and like the other Page cards, there is an element of immaturity, innocent naivety or newness to a journey with this archetype. If we view this card as a youth learning themselves, what their dreams are, what their imagination can do for them – we can utilise this energy as an introspective, intuitive card that brings the message that love will save most things; our relationships, our emotions, our creative endeavours and ourselves.
Divination practices such as cartomancy can help us make decisions, offer guidance, and help us tune into our intuition when we are at a crossroads in our lives. Understanding the meanings of each tarot card can help you sharpen your interpretative skills so you can get the most out of your readings.
In this article, we will discuss the meanings of the Page of Cups in various tarot reading contexts as well as the different symbols and nuances that can be found within this court card.
Pictorial Symbolism in the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck
The artworks from the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck contain deeper esoteric meanings that tarotists love to decipher.
A young person standing on yellow sand in front of a blue sea, holding a cup with a fish in it, and feet pointing in different directions. This initially describes the groundedness when faced with our emotions (the sea), and remaining balanced when pulled in multiple directions, which in it’s own way supports discoveries.
The Page is wearing a tunic covered in the lillies we see in the Ace of Cups, indicating again a start to a journey or a pause before continuing, the beauty in growth and softness with your soul.
The Page themselves look to be ready to have a passionate discussion with you, with one hand on their hip indicating they are firm in their ideas. The whiteness of the background suggests themes of innocence and purity, whilst the fish in the cup is a nod to not only fables about kindness, about creativity and about imagination – it’s also a representation of being in flow with these themes abundantly too.
The Page of Cups key correspondences
Upright Keywords | Artistry, beauty, style, dreamer, sensitivity, intuitive, psychic ability, spirituality, relationship news, proposals, marriage, births, children, inner child work and overall happy news. |
Reversed keywords | Unhappy child, difficult childhood, emotional immaturity, broken dreams, broken proposals, inner child work, vanity, obsession and envy, escapism as well as unfortunate news. |
| Yes or No | Yes |
| Numerology | 11 |
| Element | Water |
Ruling Planet | Venus, Neptune |
| Astrological Sign | Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio |
Tarot timings | February 19th to February 28th, June 21st to June 30th, October 23rd to November 2nd |
What does the upright Page of Cups mean in the Tarot?
The upright Page of Cups suggests themes of innocence, imaginative dreaming and future potential. This card is a reminder to allow yourself to explore your imagination freely and to trust your intuition – often when this card appears, it suggests that we are about to enter a period of learning and growth where our emotions will be our best guide.
It tells us that now is the perfect time for us to turn retrospectively into our dreams and ambitions, to discover what we really love and to advocate for it. The messages associated with the Page of Cups would be a good sign if you are looking to make a big decision, as it can indicate an influx of new information and an urge to explore the unknown.
In terms of relationships, this card often indicates that happy news is coming in the form of proposals, marriage, pregnancies or births. It also suggests that all relationships will be enriched by creating space for imaginative play and lightheartedness. In a nutshell, the Page of Cups indicates that it is time to start taking steps towards creating your dreams, staying true to yourself and listening to your inner voice as a guide for moving forward.
This card will bring you many opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
What does the upright Page of Cups mean in a love reading
I love this card for love readings tbh! In a love reading, the upright Page of Cups often indicates that there will be some kind of happy news for you in the form of proposals, marriage, pregnancy or births – so this is definitely something to look out for!
If you are single, then this card suggests that it is time for you to start exploring your imagination and trusting your intuition – get into nature where there is plenty of water, express yourself creatively, explore what you really love and what you love will start to flow naturally towards you – it’ll find it’s own way. The bond you have with yourself should be full of love first.
If you’re in a committed relationship, then it would suggest that this is a great time to start reconnecting with your partner – so if you feel like your relationship is starting to become a bit stale or it’s not been as fun as you’d like, this card could be an indicator that it might be time to start playing, rebuilding intimacy and creating fun together again. I have a fab “date ideas” page for tarot you should check out!
It can also suggest that all your relationships are being enriched by creating space for playfulness, fun projects and lightheartedness.
What does the upright Page of Cups mean in a career reading?
In a career reading, it’s a good time to start building on those workplace relationships! The Page of Cups indicates that your creative energy is high and now is the perfect time to express yourself. This card can suggest taking on new projects or working in creative ways – it could be a great time to explore (vision board, day dream, etc) different career paths and reflect on what you want out of your work life.
The workplace relationships you build on with the creativity edge working for you in the background can bring better news in the future for you – so take those opportunities to connect with colleagues and bosses. Being mindful of the relationships you build in your workplace as they may open up doors for the future!
The Page of Cups as feelings/emotions
If you are asking the tarot how someone feels about you, pulling the Page of Cups means that the feelings are likely to be one of gentle adoration, love and admiration.
This card often indicates that a person is drawn to you, but they may need some time to express this in a meaningful way. It’s likely that the person is being gentle and sweet towards you – so don’t worry, the love is there! Just be patient.
The Page of Cups can also indicate that your feelings are entirely innocent – and you may be feeling a sense of lightness, joy and innocence in a connection. This card can also acknowledge that feelings of nostalgia and longing for “the times gone by” can also be present. If this is the case, it could suggest to me that although the person may not be able to wholly express how they feel.
The Page of Cups as a person
As a personality archetype, the Page of Cups represents someone who is filled with love and sweetness for those around them. They are typically someone who is kind, gentle and sensitive to the energy and emotions of those around them. They may also be quite innocent, and often start “passion projects”, not for profit but because it’s fun.
This person typically loves creative activities such as music, art and writing and will express themselves in a very gentle, childlike way. They are often extremely affectionate and can be quite protective of those they love.
The Page of Cups as a job/career
As a vocation, career or job role, the Page of Cups represents someone who may be an Art Student, a relationship Matchmaker or a Beautician. This is because the Page of Cups is all about creativity, gentleness and innocence.
The card also suggests that you may benefit from working in a creative role, such as in design or photography. Working with children – either through teaching or child care – is also indicated by this card, and you may flourish in a role that allows you to combine your creative skills with nurturing and caring for others. From facepainting at kids parties to working with luxury beauty brands in retail stores, a beautician as the Page of Cups also opens up doors for the future! You never know who you may meet…
Bringing news of love is a perfect nod to a matchmaker, and yes this is a very real role – so don’t be afraid to look into it! You should not forget to bring love and tenderness to whatever work you are doing however.
Finally, this card can also suggest potential for spiritual work or teaching – especially when it comes to working with emotions. There may be childhood traumas that you can impact in a loving and nurturing way, and this will always be needed in our world.
The Page of Cups as advice
If you are asking the tarot for advice regarding a specific situation in your life, pulling the Page of Cups means that it is time to take things slowly and gently. This card encourages us to remember our innate innocence, and reminds us that we can still be gentle and loving even in the face of adversity.
The Page of Cups suggests that you should take some time out to nurture yourself, and to practice self-care. This may mean taking a break from any difficult conversations or relationships, going for a walk in nature and allowing your body to get proper hydration. Any concerns you may have should be taken with a grain of sand, as the Page of Cups is telling you that love and affection are still present.
Remember to take things slow and easy, and trust your intuition – there’s something special in store for you if you just take the time to listen. The Page of Cups can also represent that it’s time for you to take a break and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
You don’t have to feel guilty about taking some time out for yourself, or from indulging in activities that bring you joy – it’s actually necessary!
What is the zodiac or astrological sign associated with the Page of Cups?
The Page of Cups is related to the Water signs, especially the start of the time periods. For Pisces, the Page of Cups symbolizes someone who is gentle and caring, but can also be quite sensitive. It’s the time for intuition, for different perspectives, and for exploring the imagination.
For Cancer, this card points to a compassionate individual that may need extra attention in order to feel secure and nurtured. It’s the time for tenderness, for a strong emotional connection and the need to build a safe environment.
Lastly, for the start of Scorpio, this card suggests deep emotionality and a powerful connection to one’s intuition before taking action. The Page of Cups represents someone who is passionate and creative – they may be very intense in their feelings but can also be quite protective if needed.
So it’s the time for deep emotions, for discovering new ways of expressing oneself and exploring the depths of the heart.
Is the Page of Cups a yes or no card?
The Page of Cups is definitely a resounding YES card in it’s upright position, as it’s associated with the energy of love and creativity. It indicates the presence of a gentle, real and honest emotion that is available for you to draw upon.
This card for us to be open to new opportunities, care deeply about our relationships and trust in our intuition when faced with difficult decisions.
If reversed though this card is a NO. When the Page of Cups appears in its reversed position, it warns us to be careful of our emotions and that we should focus on being balanced instead.
This card can suggest emotional imbalance or overindulgence, as well as irresponsible behaviour when it comes to our relationships.
Below are some of my interpretations, as an experienced tarot practitioner, based on different types of questions:
Querent Question: “Will I get the job?”
- Card interpretation: The Page of Cups brings good news! It may be new connections, and whilst you may not get THIS job, the people you meet may provide you with a new opportunity.
Querent Question: “Is this new person in my life good for me?”
- Card interpretation: If the Page of Cups appears, it’s a sign that they may be good for you. This card is associated with gentleness and caring, but don’t be too naive and do things with them that make you uncomfortable. Trust your heart on this.
Querent Question: “Will I achieve my current goals?”
- Card interpretation: The Page of Cups can suggest that you will achieve your goals but you should take it slow and steady. Don’t be afraid to be creative to get there and always follow your heart’s lead on this.
Querent Question: “Should I start my own business?”
- Card interpretation: The Page of Cups suggests that this is the right decision for you. It could indicate that if you listen to your heart, something involving your loved ones to help support you and guide you (they’ll have wisdom beyond your experiences here maybe?) that can be a great idea. Utilising your imagination too will help you on this journey. Good luck!
What does the reversed Page of Cups mean in the Tarot?
When the Page of Cups appears in its reversed position, it is warning us to be careful with our emotions and focus on being balanced. Emotions like envy and obsession and vanity all can be rearing at the front at this time.
So this card can suggest emotional imbalance or overindulgence, as well as irresponsible behaviour when it comes to our relationships – but also with ourselves. It’s a sign that we need to nurture ourselves and cultivate healthy habits before moving forward.
We should also watch out for making rash decisions based solely on our feelings – it may be best to take a step back in order to gain some clarity. Be wary of manipulation from others as this could lead you down the wrong path, so try and trust your own judgement instead, and be wary of being too naive.
With the inner child aspect here, it may be that there is a time for healing; this may emotionally look like forgiving yourself and others, speaking honestly and to take care of the inner child. It’s a sign that we need to exercise balance in our emotional approach to life right now. And definitely forgive yourself, and speak your truth in a gentle tone.
Ultimately, the reversed Page of Cups encourages us learn from our experiences in order to make better decisions moving forward and to stick to what is important to us, to our dreams and our creative passions, versus worrying about what other people are doing.
What does the reversed Page of Cups mean in a love reading?
For love readings, if the Page of Cups came up in a reversed position, I would ask you if you’ve been struggling with stagnation at the moment. Whether in your single and dating life, in your new relationship or even in your long term relationship, this Page indicates a lack of play and lack of romance.
In terms of relationships, it can mean that you are overly focused on something in the relationship, such as an obsession with one person. It’s important to remember that a healthy balance is key for any relationship to flourish – both parties must be able to give and receive love in order for it to work. This Page of Cups reversed therefore brings a message of “hey, love yourself too”.
For those who are single, the reversed Page of Cups may indicate a fear of commitment or a lack of trust when it comes to potential partners. If this is the case, then you will have to take steps towards learning how to build bridges and embrace vulnerability with someone new.
Looking in to your own history and previous relationships, were there any patterns that stand out for you that you can learn from? Indulge in some date activities that bring you inner child serious joy, such as dancing, art classes and music too.
What does the inverted Page of Cups mean in a career reading?
In a career reading, the reversed Page of Cups suggests that you may have been going through a period of feeling uninspired or unmotivated in your current role, and it is time to take a step back and reassess the situation.
Perhaps there are ways to inject more creativity or playfulness into what you are doing. This card usually comes up like this when there has been reservedness when you’ve not really been engaging with what you want.
You may need to go beyond the usual boundaries and explore new possibilities. Don’t be afraid to trust your intuition here – it is likely to lead you towards something that will make you happy. If a new career path is emerging, consider it an opportunity for self-exploration and growth; learn from every experience and don’t be scared of taking risks.
The reversed Page of Cups indicates that now is a good time for a change, so if this is something that feels right for you I’d encourage you to pursue it!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Page of Cups card is a powerful symbol of artistry, beauty, style, dreamer, sensitivity, intuitive, psychic ability, spirituality, relationship news, proposals, marriage, births, children, inner child work and overall happy news. When this card appears in your reading, it is often a sign that you may be receiving fantastic news in relation to your loved ones, and that sometimes it is just fun to explore things creatively for no other purpose than joy. With the Pages typically bringing a youthful energy to whatever situation you are in, I’d recommend taking pause for a moment to check in with how you’re feeling… really feeling.
Despite its association with mysticism and occultism, the tarot has grown to become much more than a simple “fortune-telling” tool. For many tarot practitioners, it is a complex system made of symbolic imagery and psychological considerations (Jungian archetypes for example) that can be used for self-exploration, meditation, and personal transformation.
The 56 lesser arcana cards relate to the day-to-day events of our lives, the more mundane aspects of our existence. Even though that part of the tarot is about the “smaller picture”, it symbolizes the constant choices we make that shape our lives, our characters, and ultimately our destinies.
Have you ever had a reading where the Page Of Cups appeared? What was the outcome? What does that card mean to you personally? How do you interpret this card in your own tarot practice?
Share your thoughts and experiences with me in the comments below. Additionally, If you want to know more about the different tarot cards, feel free to check out my complete list of all 78 tarot cards and their meanings.
I have been reading Tarot for more than 15 years. I have always enjoyed using my intuition to provide clarity and insights to others. Tarot is one of my favorite forms of divination, and I love sharing that passion with like-minded folks.
Learn more about the Suit of Cups
This page is part of our comprehensive list of the 56 minor arcana tarot cards & their meanings. If you enjoyed the read, then you’ll love the following articles.