Ace of Cups
Ace of Cups is related with the water element and represents water element in its pure form. It is the source. The source of the element of water and everything which is in relation with this particular element. This is the beginning and the unity. Ace of Cups includes the meanings of all cups cards, each of them, because all of them came from the same source. The essence of the suit of cups is contained in this Ace, the rest of the cards are the modalities of the essence, specific expressions and stages of development.
The character of Ace of Cups is formative and nurturing. It supports development. If the Ace of Pentacles represents materialization and embodiment, Ace of Cups represents the phase before it. Everything that was needed to be contained, collected and developed to make birth possible, whether it is birth of living being or anything else.
If you look at the picture for Ace of Cups you cant’s miss to notice that the cup is wider and opened at the upper part. It suggests being open to receive, to gather and collect so that content can be spread further. The white dove above the cup represents divine influence. So the Ace of Cups is related to intuition, inspiration, spiritual experience, blessing, attunement, any kind of initiation or providence, being connected and in tune with the divine. Five streams which come out of the cup suggest that creative force must find its way out into the world and serve the purpose of spreading the divine influence. The cup is just a vessel and channel serving to provide the content.
In readings, Ace of Cups is often associated with new emotional experiences such falling in love or getting into a relationship. While the Ace is the very beginning, before any kind of manifestation, it is rather likely that this card announces that the time is right to become open to new possibilities and opportunities, to trust your intuition and go with the flow. However, falling in love and relationships are in domain of Two of Cups. Ace of Cups is more personal, it is about you and you being in tune with your own emotions and feelings, as well as being able to receive and spread your gifts, talents, inspiration, creativity, love. It is the ability to share with the world still not sharing itself. Ace of Cups is the creative and nurturing force which exist but it is still not directed to certain object.
Another common association of Ace of Cups is pregnancy and fertility. When it comes to it, Ace of Cups in reading is always a good sign, especially if surrounded by positive cards which support this idea. Ace of Cups and Ace of Wands together strongly suggest fertility and conception. They usually refer to possibility of conception or very early stages of pregnancy. Ace of Cups and The Star is another strong indicator of pregnancy as well as Ace of Cups with The Empress or all of the three cards in combination. While Ace of Cups and Ace of Pentacles suggest childbirth. One or more Pages along with Ace of Cups is also very favorable combination when it is about pregnancy and giving a birth, especially if there are one or more other cards related to fertility.
Ace of Cups is not particularly related to any zodiac sign or planet in astrology. It is related with water element and its essence. The season associated with Ace of Cups is summer starting at 0 degrees of Cancer sign.