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

Upright: The Nine of Cups upright is often called the "wish card." It represents satisfaction, contentment, and indulgence in life's pleasures. If you’ve made a wish or been working toward personal fulfillment, this card suggests you're about to enjoy the rewards. It's a moment of comfort and enjoyment, savoring the good things you've earned. Upright, the Nine of Cups encourages you to count your blessings and relish the happiness of the moment. Emotionally and materially, things are feeling full and gratifying.

Reversed: The Nine of Cups reversed can signal overindulgence or that the reality isn’t matching the dream. Perhaps you got what you wanted but it's not as fulfilling as you hoped, or you’re chasing short-term pleasures at the expense of long-term happiness. It could also indicate a wish that remains unfulfilled or slight dissatisfaction despite outward success. The reversed card prompts you to look at where contentment might be lacking and why. Are you seeking happiness in the right places? It might be time to go deeper than material or surface-level satisfaction to find true joy, and avoid excessive behaviors that leave you feeling empty.

Three Possibilities

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

Love: A figure sits contentedly before a table of golden chalices, each filled with joy and satisfaction. This is the card of emotional fulfillment, where love feels abundant and wishes of the heart come true. A romance flourishes, a deep bond is celebrated, and the heart overflows with gratitude for the love that has manifested.

Career: In work, the Nine of Cups represents success, recognition, and the fulfillment of professional goals. You have worked hard, and now it is time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. A promotion, a successful project, or a long-desired opportunity arrives, bringing deep satisfaction and pride in your achievements.

Spirituality: The soul is content, basking in the joy of spiritual alignment. You have reached a place of inner peace, where gratitude and abundance radiate through your being. This card is a reminder that when we live in harmony with the universe, our wishes are fulfilled in ways beyond our imagination.