The essential meanings of this Minor Arcana card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

Upright: The Eight of Cups upright signifies walking away, leaving something behind in search of deeper fulfillment. It often appears when you realize that a situation (a job, relationship, or lifestyle) is no longer satisfying, even if it's comfortable or “okay” on the surface. Upright, this card shows courage in pursuing the unknown for the sake of personal growth – a journey toward something more meaningful. It encourages listening to that inner call that says it's time to move on, even if it means leaving behind what’s familiar in order to find true emotional or spiritual fulfillment.

Reversed: The Eight of Cups reversed can imply sticking with a situation out of fear of change or returning to a previous situation. Perhaps you left something only to go back again, or you're considering walking away but hesitating. It might also indicate aimless wandering – leaving one thing after another without finding what you seek because the issue might lie within. The reversed card asks you to consider if you’re running away from your problems rather than solving them. Alternatively, it could suggest that you've done your soul-searching and are ready to re-engage with life or a situation from a wiser perspective. Be clear on your intentions: are you moving on for the right reasons, or just escaping?

Three Possibilities

The secrets of this card for heart, mind and soul.

Love: A lone figure walks away from familiar cups, seeking something more. This is the bittersweet departure—a love left behind, not out of anger, but because the soul craves deeper meaning. Whether leaving a relationship or an old emotional pattern, this is a necessary journey toward fulfillment.

Career: Walking away from an unfulfilling job, an old goal, or a career path that no longer aligns with your heart’s purpose. The Eight of Cups marks the quiet but resolute decision to seek something more meaningful in your work. The road ahead is uncertain, but your heart knows the way.

Spirituality: The soul embarks on a pilgrimage, leaving behind old beliefs or shallow comforts. A profound transformation calls—perhaps a dark night of the soul, or a deeper yearning that pulls you toward truth. This is the seeker’s path, the call to wisdom that cannot be ignored.