We need to have hope in the future. I’m not talking about the collective future, which often seems bleak (there will be a future; whether we’re in it forever, I can’t say). I mean our futures, our individual paths. We need to believe that all of our best days aren’t behind us. That in the days ahead there will be joys, loves, flashes of contentment and fulfillment, things we’ll look back on wistfully in an even farther point in the future. This hope allows us to keep going.
That’s what makes the 8 of Cups such a hard and such a hopeful card. It’s a bet. When this card comes up in a spread, you’re exchanging your present conditions for uncertainty, with the bargain being that leaving could lead you toward something wonderful. The actions we take in the present are the ladder bringing us to the future. To arrive at a better one, you must be brave now.
The 8 of Cups reminds me of the Dear Sugar column in which Cheryl Strayed advises the letter writer to leave a perfectly good relationship, which she’s nevertheless discontent in. Strayed writes, “You are not a terrible person for wanting to break up with someone you love. You don’t need a reason to leave. Wanting to leave is enough,” Strayed’s advice can be reduced to one word: Go. The 8 of Cups is the “go” card, the “leave” card, and the “you sure as hell can do it” card. So do it.
Tiny Tarot Story
Her name was Liana, her sister was Mariana, her mom was Ana. Her dad left, but his name was Roberto. In this way, Liana grew up believing that it was better to be part of a set, the Anas, than to be alone, the Robertos. She’d rather in the center of a nesting doll than posing in the display window, waiting to be chosen. Safer that way.
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When Liana was 22, she graduated from college and moved into a one-bedroom with her boyfriend. He projected they could upgrade to a two-bedroom in two years. Figured they’d get engaged when she was 27, a respectable age, but young enough that she could be pregnant before 30. Liana’s life stretched ahead like a cross-country trip on Google Maps. The route was planned. Safer that way.
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“A part” is one space away from “apart.” One weekend in May when Liana was 25, John went away with his friends. The two-bedroom was eerily empty. She was not a part, for once: She was apart. Ana woke up early to watch the royal wedding, a pageantry John would never sit through (though he loved football).
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At the altar, Harry looked at Meghan like he’d fought to get there. In a flash, she realized John had never looked at her like that. Until now, she didn’t know such a look was possible. After the wedding, she began to notice the other things John didn't do. Compliments. Clean the dishes. Breathe with his mouth closed.
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It felt selfish to leave a perfectly good man. Immature. Ridiculous. And yet she did it anyway. Staying at home was safe, but there was more to life than safe: There was also love. There was that look. When she did it, when she moved out, her friends said, "Finally." Her mom said, "Life is long. Choose wisely." And she said—well, she wasn't sure. It was time she started having a conversation with herself. For now, she said hello, and we'll never be apart again, I promise you that.
Journaling Prompts
When was the last time you deliberately plunged into uncertainty? What qualities helped you make the decision, and cope with the aftermath?
Consider where you were five years ago. How did you get to this moment?
Is “wanting to” reason enough to leave a relationship, as Cheryl Strayed says? Debate freely!
Story Prompt
Write a story of your own inspired by the dynamics present in the 8 of Cups, starting with this sentence.
The visitors gave her a choice. She could stay in her house, or she could go with them.