Minor ArcanaCups#14
wisdomdiplomacyrestraintcomposure
Light
- Keeping a stiff upper lip
- Being brave and clear in the face of adverse circumstances
- Sharing experience as a way of comforting others
- Making fair and empathetic decisions
- Honoring the spirit, not just the letter, of the law
Shadow
- Allowing yourself to become rigid and unemotional
- Making unfair decisions based on a hidden agenda
- Making decisions without regard for their emotional impact on others
- Abusing spiritual authority
- Using emotional or spiritual leverage to exercise unhealthy control over others
Veiled Correspondences
The throne floats upon turbulent waters yet remains unmoved. This card encodes the paradox of emotional sovereignty — the one who has descended into every depth and returned with the calm authority of experience. Its correspondences bind the crowned will to the element it has learned to navigate.
ArchetypeElementNumberLetterMyth
Questions to Ask
Reflective questions inspired by this card
What wise person could be consulted for good advice?
When this card appears upright, it invites you to reflect on themes of keeping a stiff upper lip, being brave and clear in the face of adverse circumstances, sharing experience as a way of comforting others. Consider how these energies manifest in your current situation.
How can I make sure I'm being as objective and fair as possible?
When this card appears upright, it invites you to reflect on themes of keeping a stiff upper lip, being brave and clear in the face of adverse circumstances, sharing experience as a way of comforting others. Consider how these energies manifest in your current situation.
To what extent am I capable of keeping a "stiff upper lip?"
In its reversed position, this card asks you to examine allowing yourself to become rigid and unemotional, making unfair decisions based on a hidden agenda, making decisions without regard for their emotional impact on others. These shadow aspects may reveal areas for growth and deeper self-awareness.
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