MINOR ARCANA · CUPS
Three of Cups
Explore the imagery, upright and reversed readings, and its place in the Royal / Dragon Tarot universe.
THE 78 CARDS · RESEARCH NOTES
Meaning & symbolism
Traditional Rider–Waite–Smith symbolism and an editorial Royal / Dragon adaptation for this card.
Upright keywords
Friendship · reunion · a supportive community
Upright meaning
Three people raise their cups in a circle. Joy is shared and witnessed rather than belonging to a single central figure. The card evokes friendship, reunions, modest celebrations, and a circle of emotional support.
Reversed keywords
Exclusion · excessive partying · shallow connections
Reversed meaning
Group dynamics may be unbalanced, or celebration may be used to avoid a deeper problem. In another context, someone may need to reconnect with friends after isolation. Reversal is not evidence of an affair or a third party.
RWS image & symbols
Three figures lift three cups in mutual celebration; their circle suggests equality; pumpkins, grapes, and fruit evoke harvest and abundance; dancing makes the joy physical.
Reader's lens
Who is present in difficult times, not just at the party? Do not infer infidelity from the number three.
Royal / Dragon adaptation
Stage a small celebration among three royal figures with exactly three cups. Avoid a larger crowd or extra cups.
Research edition based on the supplied 78-card manuscript. Symbolic interpretations are contextual, not guaranteed predictions or professional advice. Sonam Zangmo’s individual card interpretations will be added following editorial review.